Spain entrepreneur visa: Set Up Your Startup in Spain

As a non-EU business innovator with a groundbreaking idea, establishing or expanding your venture in Spain is an exciting opportunity. To do so, you’ll need the Entrepreneur Visa Spain — a residence visa designed for entrepreneurs aiming to bring innovation to Spain’s key industries.

Our law firm, specializing in Spanish immigration law, is here to guide you through the application process. We’ll help you determine the right visa category, whether it’s the Entrepreneur Visa, Startup Visa, or another suitable option. By aligning your business with Spain’s strategic sectors and adhering to immigration requirements, you can successfully establish your presence in this dynamic market.

What is a Spain Entrepreneur Visa?

The Spain Entrepreneur Visa, also known as the Startup Visa, is a residence visa designed for non-EU entrepreneurs who wish to establish or expand innovative business ventures in Spain. This visa is ideal for individuals with a strong business idea that aligns with Spain’s strategic sectors, such as technology, engineering, or biotechnology. To apply, you will need to provide the required documentation, including a detailed business plan, proof of financial resources, and any relevant qualifications. Once granted, the visa allows you to live and work in Spain, with the possibility of obtaining a residence card, which provides long-term residence in Spain.

Benefits of the Entrepreneur Visa

• Residency in Spain: One of the primary benefits of the Entrepreneur Visa is that it grants the entrepreneur and their family the right to reside in Spain. This visa not only provides a pathway to obtaining a residence card but also allows you to enjoy the high quality of life Spain offers, including access to world-class healthcare, education, and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Access to the European Market: With a Spanish Entrepreneur Visa, you gain access to the broader European market. As a resident in Spain, you can easily travel within the Schengen Area, allowing your business to operate across multiple European countries. This mobility enhances your business opportunities and enables you to establish strategic partnerships across Europe.
• Fiscal and Investment Benefits: Spain offers various fiscal incentives and benefits for startups and innovative businesses, such as tax breaks and regional subsidies. Additionally, the country’s strong network of investors and venture capitalists can provide vital support and funding to help your business grow. Holding a work visa through the Entrepreneur Visa program further legitimizes your business activities, making it easier to attract investment and scale your operations.

Is Your Idea Innovative and Beneficial?

For your business idea to qualify for the Spain Entrepreneur Visa, it needs to be both innovative and beneficial to the Spanish economy. Your proposal should introduce something new to the market or significantly improve an existing product or service. Examples include:

• Technological advances: software solutions companies, cybersecurity companies, neobanks, management software or automate complex industrial processes.
• Sustainable practices: Launching a line of eco-friendly products that reduce environmental impact or harness renewable energy sources.
• Healthcare innovations: Creating a new medical device that significantly improves patient outcomes or a digital health platform that makes healthcare more accessible.

However, not all business ideas meet the criteria for this visa. For instance:

• Traditional Retail Stores: Opening a generic retail shop, such as a small clothing store, without a unique value proposition or innovative approach.
• Standard Restaurant or Café: Establishing a conventional restaurant or café that does not introduce new culinary concepts or advanced technologies.
• Basic Freelance Services: Offering standard freelance services like graphic design, translation, or general consulting, which do not present a significant innovation or have a substantial impact on the Spanish market.

If your business idea falls into one of these categories or is otherwise not considered innovative, you might consider applying for the self-employment visa instead. The Autónomo Visa is designed for self-employed individuals who want to live and work in Spain but whose business ideas do not require the high level of innovation expected for the Entrepreneur Visa. This visa is ideal for freelancers and small business owners whose services or businesses are more traditional in nature.

Spain is particularly interested in projects that contribute to the advancement of industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and information technology. If your business idea is innovative and aligns with these priorities, and you meet the required documentation standards, you have a strong chance of securing the visa and establishing your residence in Spain.

How to apply for an entrepreneur visa in Spain?

Applying for an entrepreneur visa in Spain offers flexibility, as you have two main pathways to choose from:

• In Spain: You can enter Spain as a tourist, regardless of whether you need a Schengen visa or not, provided you have a valid unexpired passport. Once in Spain, you can apply directly for a three-year residence permit for entrepreneurs. This permit can be renewed for an additional two years. After maintaining legal status for five years, you may then apply for permanent residency.
• Through a Consulate: Alternatively, you can apply for the entrepreneur visa at a Spanish consulate in your home country. This process is generally slower and not available in all countries. For more details, consult this link.

Most of our clients opt to apply electronically through us for the Spain startup visa, as this method avoids consular fees and provides a three-year visa instead of a one-year permit from the consulate. To ensure a smooth and efficient application process, please contact us for expert assistance and guidance.

Documents required for the entrepreneur visa

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you gather and prepare the following documents:

• Criminal Record Certificates: Obtain a certificate of no criminal record with an apostille from your home country or any country where you’ve resided in the past two years. This should be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
• Declaration of No Criminal Record: Complete and sign a declaration confirming you have no criminal record in the last five years.
• Private health insurance: Secure a health insurance policy valid in Spain with coverage for all family members, including repatriation and hospitalization. The policy should have no additional payments or waiting periods.
• Bank Statements: Provide bank statements showing you have sufficient savings. The amount required depends on the number of family members accompanying you.
• Business Plan: Prepare a detailed business plan outlining your startup idea and upload it to the ENISA platform. Include details about innovation, scalability, market attractiveness, and your business model. If presented at the Spanish consulate: Business activity report issued by the Spanish Economic and Commercial Office in the same area where the visa is requested.
• Passport: valid unexpired passport
• Tasa 790-038 Payment Instructions: To apply for a digital nomad visa or startup visa, each applicant must pay the tasa 790-038, which costs €73.26. Here’s how to complete the payment:

Application Process for the Spain Entrepreneur Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to apply for an entrepreneur visa or startup visa in Spain, here’s a streamlined guide to help you through the process:

1: Obtain Criminal Record Certificates for your startup visa

To begin your application for the startup visa, all applicants over the age of 18 must provide a certificate of no criminal record. This document should be obtained from the country of citizenship or from any country where you have resided in the past two years. It must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator to meet the application requirements. You can find detailed guidelines on how to acquire this certificate in various countries through available resources.

In addition to the certificate, you are also required to complete and sign a declaration affirming that you have had no criminal record within the last five years. This is a simple form that only requires your signature.

2: Develop and Upload Your Business Plan to ENISA

To secure an entrepreneur visa in Spain, your business plan must clearly demonstrate how your venture will contribute positively to the Spanish economy and attract potential investors. Here are key components to include in your plan:

Your business plan should clearly outline the following elements:

• Operational Plan: Your operational plan should effectively illustrate how your business will function and its potential economic impact. This includes detailing how your business will generate additional funding and attract new investors to Spain. The plan must be clear about your business operations and how they will benefit the Spanish economy.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include an impressive CV that outlines your role and experience within the company. If there are multiple managers or partners, each should be assessed to highlight their contributions and qualifications. Spain values innovative contributions, so demonstrating a strong, experienced team can enhance your application.
• Business Overview: Provide a concise summary of your business, including its legal structure, market potential, and the types of jobs it will create. Detail the number of employees required and their roles.
• Product or Service Description: Offer a detailed description of the goods or services your business will provide, emphasizing any innovative aspects that will support the Spanish economy.
• Financial Documentation: Include comprehensive financial paperwork such as the initial investment amount, a balance sheet, a cash flow statement covering at least three years, and future profit and loss projections. This financial data will help demonstrate the viability and sustainability of your business.

Once your business plan is prepared, it will be submitted to the Spanish Commercial Office. Upon approval, you will proceed to the Immigration Office to finalize your entrepreneur visa application.

Our team of legal and financial experts is here to assist you throughout the entire process of creating your business plan and providing the necessary guidance to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

3: Provide Bank Statements and Proof of Funds

For your entrepreneur residence permit application, you need to show that you have adequate financial resources to support yourself and your family while you establish your business in Spain.

Proof of Savings: Submit a bank statement from a recognized financial institution confirming your savings. The total amount should be held in the main applicant’s account.

Financial Requirements for the entrepreneur visa:

• For the Main Applicant: You must provide proof of savings totaling at least €31,752. This amount is calculated as 200% of the annual Spanish minimum wage (SMI). As of 2023, the SMI is €1,134 per month, multiplied by 14 payments.
• For a Second Family Member: You need to demonstrate an additional €11,907, which is 75% of the SMI.
• For Each Additional Family Member: For every extra family member beyond the second, you must show €3,969, which corresponds to 25% of the SMI.

Example for a Family of Three: To meet the requirement for a family of three, you should have at least €47,628 in savings.

Ensure that your bank statement clearly shows these amounts and that the funds are readily available.

4: Private Health Insurance in Spain

As part of your application for an entrepreneur residence permit in Spain, it is important to obtain health insurance that meets local requirements. While not all visa categories necessitate private Spanish health insurance, having a policy is crucial to demonstrate that you can cover healthcare costs for yourself and your family.

Health Insurance Essentials:

• Authorized Providers: Opt for health insurance from companies that are officially recognized in Spain. This ensures that your policy complies with Spanish regulations.
• Coverage Details: The insurance should be valid for one year and automatically renew. It must include comprehensive coverage for all family members, encompassing both hospitalization and repatriation services.
• Policy Conditions: Ensure that your policy does not require additional payments or have waiting periods before coverage begins. The minimum coverage amount should be €30,000.

Required Documentation:

• Policy Documentation: Provide a copy of the insurance policy that clearly specifies what is covered, and confirm there are no extra fees or limitations.
• Proof of Payment: Submit evidence that the insurance premium has been paid. If available, include a certificate from the insurance provider confirming that the payment has been completed.

Our law firm collaborates with trusted insurance providers in Spain to offer competitive health insurance plans tailored to your needs. Reach out to us to benefit from exclusive options and simplify your application process.

5: Prepare a Sworn Declaration for RETA Registration

Spanish officials require a sworn declaration confirming that you will register in the Spanish social security system (RETA) and make contributions as an Autónomo after receiving your TIE. We will prepare this sworn declaration for you, ensuring all requirements are met.

6: Pay State Fee and Complete Required Forms

Pay State Fee: For each applicant, pay the tasa 790-038 of €73.26. Generate the payment form at the provided link using a digital signature. You can pay at any bank’s cash desk before 11 am. Alternatively, use an ATM:

• CaixaBank: Use a card from any bank. Select English and follow: insert card → payments → without bar/QR code → A.E.T.A.
• BBVA: Use cash (approximately €73.26). Select English and follow: transactions without card → payments → bills, taxes and utilities → with payment document → enter data manually → by form.

Complete Forms:

• MI-T Form for you and MI-F Form for family members. Detailed instructions for filling out these forms are provided. Print, sign, and scan the forms for upload.
• Representative Designation (Optional): If someone else is submitting documents on your behalf, include the phrase “Autorización de Residencia de Teletrabajador de carácter internacional” in the authorization form.

For assistance with autofilling documents and other details, contact us.

7: Apply for Entrepreneur Residence

Our lawyers can submit the application for you directly to the UGE. If you choose to apply yourself, follow these steps:

1. Choose “Alta Solicitud”.
2. Authenticate with your digital certificate.
3. Select the type of application (Inicial, Renovada, or Prorrogada).
4. Fill out the form as you did for MI-T and attach all required documents.

You’ll need the reference number obtained from the payment receipt. For a smoother process, we recommend contacting our legal team for assistance.

8: Appointment and Residence Card (TIE)

After your residence permit is approved, you need to visit the police station to get your TIE (residence card). Securing an appointment at the police station can be challenging and the process is often complicated. We handle the entire process for you, including booking the appointment and guiding you through the required documents.

If you choose to manage this yourself, please be prepared for potential delays and difficulties in securing an appointment. For a smoother experience, we recommend contacting us for expert assistance.

For those applying independently:

• Book your appointment online.
• Provide necessary documents, including your appointment confirmation, residence approval, MI-TIE and EX17 forms, passport, photo, and proof of payment.

How to renew your Spanish entrepreneur visa?

To renew your entrepreneur visa in Spain, you must continue to meet the original requirements, demonstrating that your business still contributes to the Spanish economy and creates employment. Ensure you have not been outside Spain for more than 183 days during your initial permit period. This renewal extends your stay for another two years.

For assistance with the renewal process, including verifying that your business plan aligns with the requirements, please contact us. Our legal team is here to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you can continue to thrive in Spain.

FAQ Entrepreneur visa Spain