Spain Self-Employed Work 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

The Spain Self-Employed Work Visa paves the way for non-EU citizens to establish and operate their own businesses or freelance practices within Spain's borders. This gives you access to the country, its culture, and its way of life.

If you have a solid business plan, the necessary qualifications, and the drive to succeed, this visa can be your gateway to a fulfilling and independent career in Spain.

 

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Spain Self-Employed Work Visa, you must meet several key criteria demonstrating your ability to establish and run a successful business or freelance activity in Spain.

Age requirement

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for this visa.

Business or activity plan

You need to present a clear and viable plan for the business or professional activity you intend to undertake in Spain. This plan should outline your business model, target market, financial projections, and expected impact on the Spanish economy.

Financial means

You must provide evidence of having sufficient financial resources to carry out your planned investment or demonstrate a commitment from financial or other institutions to support your venture.

This ensures you have the financial capacity to launch and sustain your business in Spain.

Qualifications and permits

Depending on your chosen field of activity, you may need to provide proof of the necessary professional qualifications, training, or licences required to operate legally in Spain.

This could include degrees, certificates, or professional memberships. Additionally, you might need to obtain specific permits or licences from relevant Spanish authorities before commencing your activity.

It's worth noting that this is different from the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa. That visa is targeted at those looking to create a business that is firmly in favour of the Spanish country and economy.

This visa supports those with most kinds of work, such as if you're a freelancer, wanting to start your own shop, and so on.

Other requirements

In addition to the above, you'll also need to fulfil other general requirements, such as:

• Clean criminal record: You must provide a criminal record certificate from your country or country of residence for the past five years, showing no criminal convictions.
• Health insurance: You need to have comprehensive private health insurance coverage that is valid in Spain.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least four months beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages.

It's a good idea to take your time making sure you meet these criteria.

Doing so clearly demonstrates your preparedness and capability to contribute positively to the Spanish economy through your self-employed endeavours and maximises your chances of success at a successful application.

Family members

The Spain Self-Employed Work Visa recognises the importance of family unity and allows you to bring your loved ones with you to Spain. The following family members can be included in your visa application, but only on a non-lucrative resident permit, meaning they won't be allowed to work.

If you wish for them to move and work with you, they'll need to fill out the relevant Spanish work visa themselves.

However, other visas aside, the rules look like this:

• Spouse or unmarried partner: Your legally recognised spouse or unmarried partner is eligible to accompany you.
• Dependent children: Your children under the age of 18 can also be included in your application.
• Dependent relatives in the ascending line: This includes dependent parents or grandparents who are part of your family unit and rely on you for financial support.

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

Important considerations for family members

• Each family member must provide the required documents, including those proving their relationship to you. If they require their own visa, then this can be handled separately.
• For adult children, evidence of their financial dependence on you and their unmarried status is also necessary.
• For relatives in the ascending line, you must provide documentation demonstrating their dependence on you and that they are part of your family unit.

Documentation

Applying for the Spain Self-Employed Work Visa requires the careful preparation and submission of various documents to demonstrate your eligibility and the viability of your self-employment plans.

Take time to get this right to ensure a speedy, successful application. It may be worth investing in the assistance of a visa consultancy service that can help with every step of the process.

Required documents for the applicant

1. National Visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign the official visa application form, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately. This includes both the initial residence form and the self-employed work permit. The forms can be found here.
2. Self-Employed Work Permit application form (EX-07): This additional form focuses on your intention to work as a self-employed individual in Spain and details your proposed business or activity.
3. Passport and photocopy: Provide your original passport, which must be valid for at least four months beyond your intended stay and have at least two blank pages. Include a photocopy of every page of your passport.
4. Activity permits and licences: Submit a list of any permits or licences required for the installation, opening, or operation of your planned business or professional activity. Include certifications of any applications you have made to the relevant authorities to obtain these permits or licences.
5. Professional training and qualifications: Provide the original and copies of documents proving your professional training and qualifications, such as degrees, certificates, or memberships in professional organisations. Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, if necessary, translated into Spanish.
6. Business or activity plan: Submit a detailed plan outlining your proposed business or activity. This plan should include information about the planned investment, expected returns, and any potential job creation. If the plan is not in Spanish, it must be accompanied by an official Spanish translation.
7. Proof of financial means: Provide original and copies of documents demonstrating that you have sufficient financial resources to carry out your planned investment or a commitment from financial institutions to support your venture. Foreign documents might require legalisation, apostille, or translation.
8. Visa and Residence Permit fee payment: To pay the fees, you must complete and sign two copies of the following:
   • Form 790 code 052, ticking box 2.1 (initial temporary residence permit)
   • Form 790 code 062, ticking box 1.5 (self-employed work permits)

You can also pay these fees online through the links on the respective forms' web pages. If you pay online, attach the proof of payment to your application.

9. Criminal record certificate: Submit the original and a copy of your criminal record certificate(s) issued by your country or country of residence for the past 5 years. This certificate should not be older than six months unless otherwise specified. It might need to be legalised, apostilled, or translated.
10. Medical certificate: Provide the original and a copy of a medical certificate confirming you are free from any diseases that could pose a serious public health risk. The certificate must be issued no more than three months before your application date and should follow the specific wording requirements outlined by the Spanish Consulate. It may require legalisation, apostille, or translation.
11. Proof of residence in the Consular District: You must provide evidence of your legal residence within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate where you are applying.
12. 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.

Note: Nationals of certain countries, including Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Sephardim, children and grandchildren of Spanish origin, and foreigners born in Spain, are exempt from paying the self-employed work permit fee. If applying for a work permit in Catalonia, the fee is paid directly to the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.

Required documents for family members

In addition to the general documents required for the main applicant, each accompanying family member must also provide:

• All the documents specified in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 above.
• Documents proving their family relationship with the applicant: This could include birth or marriage certificates or other documents proving an unmarried partnership.
• For adult children: Documents proving their financial dependence on the applicant, their civil status, and their continuing to form part of the family unit.
• For relatives in the ascending line: Documents proving their financial dependence on the applicant and that they form part of the family unit.

Any documents from outside Spain need to be officially legalised or apostilled. If they're not in Spanish, you'll also need a certified translation.

Heads up: Getting all your paperwork together can be a bit of a headache. It's a good idea to get some expert help to make sure everything's correct and submitted on time – it could save you a lot of stress in the long run!

Duration

The Spain Self-Employed Work Visa involves a two-stage process, each with its own duration:

• Initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit: The first stage involves obtaining an initial residence and self-employed work permit. This permit is typically granted for one year, allowing you to establish your business or freelance activity in Spain.
• Self-Employed Work Visa: Once you have obtained the initial permit, you can then apply for the actual self-employed work visa. This visa is also typically valid for one year.

After the initial year, you can apply for renewals of your residence and work permits, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and your business or activity is progressing satisfactorily. The renewal periods are generally for two years at a time.

After five years of continuous legal residency in Spain with a self-employed work permit, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency, offering you the right to live and work in Spain indefinitely.

If you're looking to move to Spain long-term or have plans to try it and see whether the country is for you, the Self-Employed Work Visa is a great way to go about it.

How to apply

Applying for the Spain Self-Employed Work Visa involves a two-stage process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific procedures.

Stage 1: Obtaining the initial Residence and Self-Employed work permit

• Gather documents: Compile all the necessary documents as outlined in the "Documentation" section, ensuring they are complete, legalised or apostilled (if applicable), and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator if necessary.
• 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.
• Schedule an appointment: You'll need to contact your local Spanish embassy or Consulate to book an appointment for submitting your application. For this appointment, you'll need to bring all the required documentation and the completed EX-07 form.
• Attend your appointment: Bring all original documents and copies to your appointment at the Consulate. The consular staff will verify your documents and may ask you questions about your proposed business or activity.
• Await a decision: The Consulate will forward your application to the relevant Foreigners' Office, which has three months to decide. You'll receive a notification from the Consulate about the decision.
• If approved: If your application for the initial residence and self-employed work permit is approved, you'll be invited to apply for the self-employed work visa.

Stage 2: Obtaining the Self-Employed Work Visa

• Gather documents: Compile the necessary documents for the visa application, as outlined in the "Documentation" section.
• Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at the Spanish embassy in your home country to pick up the visa, or in your local Spanish area, if you’re already in the country under a tourist visa.
• Attend your appointment: Submit your visa application and supporting documents, and pay the visa fee.
• Receive Proof of Receipt: You'll be provided with a receipt containing a code to track your application status online.
• Await a decision: The Spanish Consulate will review your application and may request additional documents or an interview. The legal processing time is one month, but it can be extended if further information is required.
• Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, collect your visa in person or through your representative within one month of notification.

Additional steps after arrival in Spain:

• Register with Social Security: Register with the Spanish Social Security system within three months of your arrival and before starting your self-employed activity.
• Apply for Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): Apply for your TIE at the nearest Foreigners' Office or Police Station within one month of registering with Social Security.

Sticking to the official procedures and deadlines is super important for your application to go smoothly. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, getting help from a visa consultant could be a lifesaver – they can guide you through the process and make sure everything's done right.

Application costs

Applying for the Spain Self-Employed Work Visa involves several fees that you need to factor into your plans and will cost you anywhere between €120 - €1,447, depending on your country of origin.

• Visa fee: The visa fee is mandatory and payable when you submit your visa application. The exact amount is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, and depends on where you are travelling from, so consult the official list of consular fees on the Spanish Consulate website.
• Residence Permit fee: You also need to pay a fee for the initial temporary residence permit. This fee is paid at the Consular Office using Form 790 code 052, or you can pay online through the link provided on the form's webpage.
• Self-Employed Work Permit fee: An additional fee is required for the self-employed work permit. This fee is also paid using Form 790 but with code 062. Note that nationals of certain countries are exempt from this fee, so check the official requirements.

Additional costs:

Beyond these mandatory fees, you might also encounter other expenses:

• Translation and legalisation costs: If your documents are not in Spanish or English, you may need to have them translated and legalised by a sworn translator, which incurs additional fees. You can find a list of approved translators here.
• Health insurance: You need to have comprehensive private health insurance that meets the Spanish requirements. The cost will depend on your chosen provider and level of coverage.
• Travel expenses: Factor in potential travel and accommodation costs for attending your appointments at the Consulate and the visa application centre.
• Other costs: You might also face additional expenses for obtaining necessary documents, such as a police clearance certificate, or for seeking professional assistance with your application.

Planning for these potential costs ensures a smoother application process and helps you avoid any financial surprises along the way.

Other important things to know

Before you take the leap into self-employment in Spain, here are a few extra things to keep in mind to help everything go as smoothly as possible:

• Two-stage process: Remember that obtaining the Self-Employed Work Visa involves two distinct stages: first, securing the initial residence and self-employed work permit, and then applying for the actual visa. It's crucial to adhere to the timelines and requirements for each stage.
• Registration and insurance: Once you arrive in Spain, you must register with the Social Security system within three months and before commencing your self-employed activity. You also need to obtain comprehensive health insurance within four months of your arrival.
• Sworn translations and legislations: All foreign documents submitted with your application must be legalised or apostilled, depending on the issuing country. Additionally, documents not in Spanish or English must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish by a sworn translator.
• Appeals: If your visa or residence permit application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision. 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.
• Business viability: It's crucial to maintain the viability and success of your business or freelance activity in Spain. The authorities may review your business performance during renewals of your residence and work permits.
• Tax obligations: As a self-employed individual in Spain, you'll have tax obligations. It's advisable to consult with a tax advisor to understand your responsibilities and ensure compliance with Spanish tax laws.

Talk to a visa consultant

Being well-informed about these additional aspects and seeking professional guidance when needed can help you navigate the complexities of self-employment in Spain and set yourself up for success.

If you want to turn your entrepreneurial visions into reality in sunny Spain, the Self-Employed Work Visa is your ticket. However, navigating the process can be tricky, but you don't need to let the paperwork get in the way of your ambitions.

Teaming up with an immigration consultant can:

• Make it easy: Get expert help every step of the way, from crafting your business plan to handling the legal side of things.
• Boost your chances: Get personalised advice and make sure your application stands out.
• Free up your time: Let the pros handle the admin so you can focus on building your business and enjoying your new life in Spain.

Don't wait. Take the first step towards self-employment in Spain today. Contact a consultant and open the door to a fulfilling and independent career in this amazing country.

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