Renewing an EU Blue Card or intra-company transfer permit

Terms used

• UGE-CE — The UGE-CE is the Spanish unit for large companies and strategic groups that grants and renews skilled-worker permits.
• Mercurio — Mercurio is the online platform where you file skilled-worker permit renewals with the UGE-CE.
• Cl@ve — Cl@ve is Spain's electronic identification system, which you can use instead of a digital certificate to file online.
• Oficina de Extranjería — The Oficina de Extranjería is the provincial immigration office that handles most other permit renewals.

Key rules

• Filing window: File your Blue Card renewal in the 60 days before expiry, or at the latest within 90 days after.
• Blue Card salary: Your contract must pay at or above the national salary threshold, which is revised every year.
• Intra-company transfer limit: An intra-company transfer permit cannot be renewed beyond its maximum of 3 years, or 1 year for trainees.
• How to file: UGE-CE permits are renewed electronically through Mercurio, not at a provincial office.

Which office renews your permit

Blue Card and intra-company transfer permits renew on their own rules, usually through the UGE-CE channel. If the UGE-CE granted your permit, the same unit renews it. You file electronically through the Mercurio platform. You or your representative can submit it with a digital certificate or Cl@ve.

Other permits are renewed with the Oficina de Extranjería of your province of residence. Which office handles your case depends on the route you first used. If you are unsure, ask the UGE-CE before filing.

Renewing an EU Blue Card

You can renew if you still have a qualifying job. That means:

• A contract or offer with a salary at or above the national threshold. The threshold is set each year and is about 1.5 times the average gross salary.
• A higher qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Being up to date with Social Security and tax.

File in the 60 days before your card expires. If you miss that window, you can still file within 90 days after expiry. Do not rely on the late window, because you are without a valid card in the meantime.

The new card runs for the length of your contract plus a short margin, up to a maximum of 3 years. Check the current salary threshold with the UGE-CE before you file. The documents list below shows what to attach.

Renewing an intra-company transfer permit

This permit does not renew past its maximum. It lasts up to 3 years for managers and specialists, and up to 1 year for trainees. When the maximum ends, the permit ends. If you want to stay in Spain after that, you will need to look at a different type of permit.

Moving to another EU country

You can move within the EU under the transfer rules:

• Up to 90 days in any 180 days: notify before you go. No new authorization is needed.
• More than 90 days: you need a new authorization for the other country.

The same two routes apply if you come into Spain from another EU state on an intra-company transfer permit. Use the short-stay notification for a brief stay, or apply for long-term mobility for a longer one.

The timeline, documents and questions below cover the rest.

Timeline and deadlines

• Check your Blue Card is still backed by a qualifying job and salary: before you start your renewal

• Open the filing window and submit your renewal: from 60 days before your permit expires

• Last chance to file the renewal: up to 90 days after your permit expires, and you stay in lawful status while it is pending

• New Blue Card runs for your contract plus a short margin: up to 3 years in total

• Notify before a short stay in another EU state on an intra-company transfer permit: for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days

• Apply for a new authorization for a longer stay in another EU state: if you will stay more than 90 days

Documents you need

• Application form for the renewal, completed and signed by you or your representative.

• Your valid passport.

• Your work contract, showing a salary at or above the national threshold for the Blue Card.

• Proof of your Social Security registration, showing you are up to date with Social Security and tax.

• Evidence of your higher qualification or equivalent professional experience.

• A digital certificate or Cl@ve access, needed to file electronically through the Mercurio platform.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew an intra-company transfer permit after the maximum period?

No, an intra-company transfer permit cannot be renewed beyond its maximum of 3 years for managers and specialists or 1 year for trainees. Near the end, ask the UGE-CE which other permit route could fit your situation.

Can I work in another EU country on my intra-company transfer permit?

Yes, you can do short-term mobility of up to 90 days in any 180 days, but you must notify the authorities first. Staying longer than 90 days needs a new authorization.

Which office renews my skilled-worker permit?

The office that granted your permit renews it: if the UGE-CE granted it, the UGE-CE renews it. Filing is electronic through the Mercurio platform, using a digital certificate or Cl@ve.

How long does an EU Blue Card last?

An EU Blue Card is issued for the length of your contract plus a short margin, up to a maximum of 3 years. To renew, you still need a qualifying job with a salary at or above the national threshold, which is revised every year.