Both routes are designed for skilled non-EU employees and both are processed by the UGE-CE. The choice depends mainly on salary, the employee's plans inside Europe and how the company wants to structure the move.
When the Blue Card makes sense. For employees who will travel regularly within the EU or may later move to another EU country, and whose salary clears the threshold comfortably.
When the highly qualified route makes sense. When the salary is below the Blue Card threshold, or when the move is focused on Spain and the company wants the simplest route.
Tip for HR. The Blue Card salary threshold is updated with official salary statistics. Check the current figure before making the offer, especially for junior profiles.
This guide is for general information and does not replace professional advice on each case.