Key Points
- Entrepreneurs Act Updates: Applicants must now apostille or legalize higher education certifications.
- Professional Experience Pathway: Social security or labor agency documents from the applicant’s home country are required.
- Big Company Unit Changes:
- Applicants without a university degree must submit detailed experience letters aligning with Spanish job descriptions.
- Legalized or apostilled university diplomas or notarized copies are increasingly requested.
- Impact on Timelines: Legalization processes may extend application timelines, varying by country.
Overview
Spain has implemented stricter documentation requirements for applicants under the Entrepreneurs Act and those applying for permits through the Big Company Unit, signaling a move toward enhanced regulatory compliance in its immigration processes. These changes affect various pathways, including permits for Highly Qualified Professionals (HQP) and Intra-Corporate Transfers (ICTs), and may lead to longer processing timelines.
A critical update for applicants under the Entrepreneurs Act requires higher education certifications to be either apostilled or legalized. This ensures the authenticity of foreign-issued documents but may introduce additional steps for applicants, depending on the legal frameworks in their home country. Those applying through the professional experience pathway must now also provide proof of employment history via social security or labor agency documents from their home country.
The Big Company Unit, responsible for processing HQP and ICT permits, has introduced parallel updates. Applicants lacking a university degree must submit detailed experience letters that closely align with the job descriptions of their intended roles in Spain. This requirement emphasizes the need for precise documentation to demonstrate alignment with Spanish labor standards. Furthermore, the Unit has begun requesting legalized or apostilled university diplomas (or notarized copies) to increase academic qualification verification.
While these measures aim to reinforce the integrity of Spain’s immigration system and align with international standards, they may complicate the application process for foreign nationals. Legalization procedures can vary significantly across countries, potentially increasing the time needed for documentation preparation and submission.
Looking Ahead
The recent updates to Spain’s Entrepreneurs Act and Big Company Unit requirements reflect the government’s focus on maintaining rigorous compliance standards for immigration and employment. Applicants and employers should anticipate longer timelines due to additional document authentication steps and should plan accordingly.
Companies facilitating intra-corporate transfers or hiring highly qualified professionals are advised to assist employees in gathering and legalizing necessary documents proactively. Legal experts or immigration service providers can offer valuable guidance to ensure compliance and minimize delays.
As these changes take effect, stakeholders should monitor Spain’s immigration policies for further updates or clarifications. By adapting to these requirements, businesses and individuals can navigate the revised system effectively and ensure successful application outcomes.
