On 30 January 2026, the Spanish Government introduced an important update to the minimum salary required to apply for an EU Blue Card in Spain.
This change is particularly relevant for highly qualified professionals considering working in Spain, as well as for companies planning to hire international talent under the EU Blue Card scheme. Here we’re going to analyse what has changed, who may be affected, and what this means in practical terms.
What Is the New EU Blue Card Salary Threshold for 2026?
The updated regulation sets the minimum salary requirement at 1.4 times the average annual gross salary published by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE).
For 2026, this means that applicants must be offered a minimum gross annual salary of €39,269.92.
As a general rule, this salary level must be met for an EU Blue Card residence application to be approved. The only exception applies to specific categories of professionals who may benefit from a reduced threshold (explained below).
The salary figure is calculated using official statistical data, ensuring that the requirement reflects current labour market conditions and remains aligned with European standards governing highly qualified migration.
Is There a Reduced Salary Threshold for Certain Applicants?
Yes. Spanish legislation provides for a reduced salary requirement in specific cases aimed at encouraging the recruitment of strategic or hard-to-fill profiles. In these cases, thereduction coefficient of 0.8 may be applied.
Not all applicants are required to meet the general salary threshold. Spanish regulations allow for a reduced minimum salary in specific cases, particularly to support the recruitment of strategic or high-demand professional profiles. The reduced threshold may apply to:
- Professionals classified under Groups 1 and 2 of the National Classification of Occupations, which typically include: Managers and directors, Professionals in scientific, technical, and intellectual fields
- Recent graduates, who obtained their university degree within the last three years.
These profiles are generally considered either highly specialized or difficult to fill within the Spanish labour market.
What is the reduced salary amount for 2026?
In these cases, the minimum gross annual salary is reduced to €31,415.94 gross per year. This lower threshold may be particularly relevant for:
- Young professionals starting their international careers
- Spanish companies recruiting emerging talent
- Multinationals relocating recent graduates to Spain
What Are the Qualification Requirements for the EU Blue Card?
Beyond the salary threshold, applicants must meet specific professional requirements. The EU Blue Card generally requires:
- A university degree, or
- Exceptionally, at least five years of equivalent professional experience
This requirement ensures that the scheme remains focused on highly qualified professionals, in line with the EU Blue Card Directive framework.
Why Has the Salary Threshold Been Updated?
The adjustment of the salary threshold reflects Spain’s commitment to:
- Aligning national regulations with EU standards
- Strengthening legal certainty
- Maintaining competitiveness in attracting global talent
- Supporting labour market needs in high-demand sectors
By linking the threshold to official INE data, the regulation introduces an objective and transparent mechanism that may be updated periodically based on economic indicators.
How Does This Affect Employers in Spain?
Employers intending to sponsor a foreign professional under the EU Blue Card must ensure that the employment contract meets or exceeds the applicable salary threshold, the job position qualifies as highly skilled and the candidate meets academic or professional experience requirements. If one of the requirement is not met, the application will likely result in a refusal.
Companies in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and research should review ongoing recruitment processes to ensure compliance with the updated threshold.
What Should Applicants Do Before Submitting Their Application?
If you are a professional considering applying for an EU Blue Card in Spain, it is advisable to:
- Verify whether your position falls under Groups 1 or 2 of the National Classification of Occupations.
- Confirm whether you qualify for the reduced threshold.
- Review your employment contract to ensure salary compliance.
- Prepare documentation proving your academic degree or professional experience.
Given that salary thresholds are strictly assessed by the immigration authorities, early legal review can help avoid delays or rejections.
For further information on the topic, or to keep up to date with the ongoing developments, please feel free to look at our regularly updated news or keep an eye on our LinkedIn profile. Or, if you require legal advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
As salary thresholds are strictly reviewed by the immigration authorities, obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help prevent delays or refusals.
For further updates, please visit our regularly updated news section or keep an eye on our LinkedIn profile. If you require tailored legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact our team.
