Spain Entrepreneur Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 11, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Spain is far more than just a tourist destination; it's a land of opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark on the global stage. According to 2023 statistics, over 13% of Spain's adult population was involved in starting a new business, the third year in a row that this number increased.

The Spain Entrepreneur Visa is your invitation to join this thriving ecosystem. Designed for non-EU individuals with innovative business ideas, this visa allows you to relocate to Spain and establish a venture that can contribute significantly to the Spanish economy and your vision.

 

Eligibility criteria

The Spain Entrepreneur Visa is explicitly designed to attract ambitious individuals who plan and can bring innovation and economic benefits to Spain.

To qualify, you and your business project must meet these key criteria:

• Innovative business project: Your venture must be genuinely innovative and demonstrate a clear potential to positively impact the Spanish economy. This could involve introducing a new product or service, utilising cutting-edge technology, or adopting an innovative organisational or process approach. This must also be a unique idea and be backed by a complete and comprehensive business plan.
• Favourable report from ENISA: A crucial step in the application process is obtaining a favourable report on your project from the National Innovation Company (ENISA). This report assesses the viability and potential impact of your business idea. It's essential to prepare a compelling business plan and present your project effectively to secure ENISA's approval.
• Sufficient financial means: You must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Spain. The minimum requirement is 100% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM) for the main applicant, plus an additional 50% of the IPREM for each family member. As of 2024, the IPREM is €600 per month.
• Other requirements:
  • Over 18: You must meet general visa requirements and be over 18 years old.
  • Clean criminal record: You must provide a criminal record certificate from your country or country of residence for the past five years, demonstrating no criminal convictions, and make a sworn declaration that this certificate is accurate.
  • Health insurance: You need to have comprehensive private health insurance coverage that's valid in Spain.
  • Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages.

Meeting these criteria showcases your entrepreneurial potential and ability to contribute positively to the Spanish economy.

Family members

The Spain Entrepreneur Visa recognises the importance of family and allows you to bring your loved ones with you to Spain. The following family members may be eligible to obtain a visa alongside you:

• Spouse or unmarried partner: Your legally recognised spouse or unmarried partner can accompany you to Spain.
• Dependent children: Your children under 18 are eligible. Additionally, adult children who are financially dependent on you and have not yet formed their own family unit can also be included, as long as they bring all required documentation.
• Relatives in the ascending line: Dependent parents or grandparents who are under your care can also join you in Spain.

Bringing your family along allows you to share the experience of living and working in Spain, creating a supportive environment as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey.

Important considerations for family members:

• Each family member must provide the required documents, including proof of their relationship to you.
• In the case of adult children, you'll need to provide evidence of their financial dependence and civil status.
• For relatives in the ascending line, you'll need to demonstrate that they are under your care.
• You must also prove sufficient financial means to support your family members in addition to yourself. The minimum requirement is an additional 50% of the IPREM for each family member.

Remember, including family members in your application requires careful documentation and financial planning.

Documentation

Applying for the Spain Entrepreneur Visa requires meticulous preparation and submission of various documents to support your application.

These documents fall into two categories: those required for the entrepreneur and those needed for accompanying family members.

Required documents for the entrepreneur

• National visa application form: Each applicant or their legal representative must complete and sign the official visa application form. The form can be found here.
• Photograph: A recent, passport-size colour photograph with a light background, facing forward and without any obstructions to the face, such as dark glasses or scarves.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than ten years ago are not accepted.
• Favourable report on the project: A crucial document is a favourable report on your business project issued by ENISA (National Innovation Company). You must obtain this report through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit. This report validates the innovativeness and economic potential of your venture.
• Proof of financial means: Provide documentary evidence, such as bank statements, payslips, or other proof of income, demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying family members. The minimum required amount is 100% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM) for yourself, plus an additional 50% of the IPREM for each family member. As of 2024, the IPREM is €600 per month.
• Criminal record certificate: Submit a criminal record certificate issued by your country or country of residence for the past five years, showing no criminal convictions. The certificate cannot be six months old and must be legalised through the Spanish Consular Representations of your issuing country.
• Health insurance: Provide a certificate proving you have public or private health insurance contracted with an authorised entity in Spain.
• Proof of residence in the consular district: You need to provide evidence of your legal residence within the jurisdiction of the Spanish consulate where you are applying.
• Proof Representative's identity and capacity (if applicable): If you're applying through a representative, provide a copy of their ID or passport and a power of attorney or document authorising representation.
• Visa fee payment: Proof of payment of the visa fee. You can find a list of the current Consular fees here.
• An NIE number: A Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) is assigned to all foreigners engaged in activities related to Spain, and therefore requires identification in the country. You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. You can complete the application form online here before submitting it to the Spanish Consulate.

Required documents for family members

In addition to the general documents listed above (except the favourable report from ENISA), each accompanying family member must also provide:

• Documents proving family relationship: Documents such as birth or marriage certificates or other proof of relationship with the entrepreneur.
• Additional documents for adult children: Proof of their financial dependence on the entrepreneur and their civil status.
• Additional documents for relatives in ascending line: Documents proving they are in the entrepreneur's care.

All foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, if necessary, accompanied by an official translation into Spanish by a sworn translator. Don’t worry if this all sounds complex. Gathering and preparing these documents can be overwhelming with any visa process. Just take your time and be methodical.

You may also want to consider seeking professional assistance to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Duration

The Spain Entrepreneur Visa, upon approval, grants you an initial residency permit valid for one year.

This initial period aims to provide you with the opportunity to establish your business in Spain, implement your business plan, and demonstrate the viability and potential of your venture.

Importantly, the visa itself acts as proof of your legal residency in Spain during its validity period.

Whilst it's not mandatory to obtain a physical Residence Permit Card (TIE), you have the option to apply for one voluntarily at the nearest Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjeria) or Police Station (Comisaria de Policia) in Spain.

After the initial one-year period, you can apply for renewals of your residency permit, typically for two-year periods, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and your business is progressing satisfactorily.

On this note, the Entrepreneur Visa, therefore, offers a pathway to long-term residency in Spain, potentially leading to permanent residency and even citizenship in the future.

How to apply

Applying for the Spain Entrepreneur Visa requires a well-structured approach and careful attention to detail.

Who can apply

• The entrepreneur must submit the visa application in person at the designated visa application centre.
• If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents can submit the application on their behalf.
• Alternatively, a duly accredited representative can submit the application.

Where to apply

• You must apply to the UGE-CE in Madrid. You can apply in the building itself, or via the online portal.

Procedure

1. Obtain a favourable report from ENISA: The first and crucial step is to secure a favourable report on your business project from ENISA (National Innovation Company). You must apply for this report through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit.
2. Apply for an NIE number: You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. This allows the Spanish government to identify individuals in Spain. Learn more about the NIE here.
3. Gather documents: Compile all the necessary documents for yourself and any accompanying family members. Ensure they are complete, legalised or apostilled (if applicable) and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator if necessary.
4. Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre in London.
5. Attend your appointment: Submit your application supporting documents and pay the visa fee at your appointment.
6. Receive proof of receipt: You will be provided with a receipt containing a code that allows you to track the status of your application online. You can track this via this online portal.
7. Await a decision: The Spanish Consulate will review your application and may request additional information or a personal interview. The legal processing time is 10 days, but this period may be extended if further information is required.
8. Collect your visa: If approved, collect your visa in person or through your representative within one month of notification. The Consulate will inform you about the procedure for the return of your passport and other original documents. Usually, this comes as booking an appointment at your local branch.

Important considerations:

• The consulate may request additional documents or an interview during the application process.
• Visa refusals will be notified in writing, and you have the right to appeal.

By diligently following these steps and ensuring your application is complete and well-prepared, you can increase your chances of obtaining the Spain Entrepreneur Visa and launching your business venture in Spain.

Application costs

Applying for the Spain Entrepreneur Visa requires a financial investment beyond your business project.

Visa fee

The visa fee is a mandatory expense that must be paid when submitting your application. The exact amount is subject to change due to currency fluctuations and the country from which you’re applying.

• United States citizens: €167
• Canadian citizens: €100
• Citizens from other countries: €80

It’s essential to consult the official list of consular fees on the Spanish Consulate website for the most up-to-date information.

Additional costs

In addition to the visa fee, you may incur other expenses throughout the application process.

• Translation and legalisation costs: If any of your documents are not in Spanish or English, you may need to have them translated and legalised by a sworn translator. These services can come with additional fees.
• Health insurance: Securing comprehensive private health insurance that fulfils Spanish requirements is necessary. The cost will depend on your chosen provider and level of coverage.
• Travel expenses: You may incur travel and accommodation costs for attending your visa appointment and potentially for collecting your visa.
• Other costs: Additional expenses might include obtaining a police clearance certificate, securing a Spanish NIE number, or seeking professional assistance with your application.

Remember to factor in these potential costs when budgeting for your Entrepreneur Visa application.

Other important things to know

Beyond the core eligibility criteria, application process, and fees, several other crucial factors require your attention when pursuing the Spain Entrepreneur Visa:

• Residence permit card (TIE): Although the visa itself serves as proof of your residency in Spain, you can voluntarily apply for a physical Residence Permit Card (TIE) at the nearest Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjeria) or Police Station (Comisaria de Policia) when you're in Spain.
• Sworn translations: Any foreign documents submitted with your application must be legalised or apostilled, as per the Hague Convention. If any documents are not in Spanish or English, you must provide an official Spanish translation by a sworn translator.
• Appeals: If your visa application is refused, you have the right to appeal. You can submit an appeal for reconsideration to the Spanish Consulate within one month of the notification or file a legal appeal with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months.
• Tax implications: Living and working in Spain, even as a non-EU resident with an Entrepreneur Visa, may have tax implications. It's advisable to consult a tax advisor to understand your obligations and ensure compliance with Spanish tax laws.
• Business implementation: Remember, the Entrepreneur Visa grants you initial residency to set up your business. It is essential to actively pursue the establishment and operation of your venture within tvisa'sa's validity period.
• Renewal and permanent residency: To maintain your residency status, you'll need to renew your visa periodically, demonstrating the progress and viability of your business. After five years of continuous legal residency, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency, opening doors to further opportunities in Spain and citizenship.

Whilst Spain's Entrepreneur Visa certainly opens doors to a world of possibilities, there's no denying the journey feels complex. That’s why working with an experienced immigration consultant can make your move to Spain smoother and more successful, guiding you through the intricacies of the visa process and ensuring your application is strong and compliant.

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