Starting a business in Spain is exciting—but if you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need the right visa to live and work legally.
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, tech startup founder, or freelancer, this guide explains the best business visas in Spain, including the self-employment visa and the Entrepreneur Visa (Ley de Emprendedores).
🌍 Who Needs a Business Visa in Spain?
| Nationality | Visa Required? |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Swiss | ❌ No visa needed. Can live and work freely. |
| Non-EU Citizens | âś… Visa required to start a business or work for yourself. |
Non-EU nationals must apply before entering Spain or apply under residency modification if already inside the country on a valid permit.
🧑‍💼 Option 1: Self-Employment Visa (Visado de Trabajo por Cuenta Propia)
This is ideal if you’re a:
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Freelancer or consultant
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Opening a small business or retail shop
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Working independently in Spain (e.g., photographer, designer)
Key Requirements:
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Valid business plan
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Proof of qualifications or experience
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Sufficient funds to support yourself
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Contracts or letters of intent from potential clients (optional)
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Registration with Spanish Social Security (RETA)
🕒 Processing Time: 2–3 months
đź“Ť Apply: At your local Spanish consulate
✅ If approved, you’ll receive a 1-year residency card, renewable as long as you remain active.
🚀 Option 2: Entrepreneur Visa (Ley de Emprendedores)
This visa is for innovative businesses with high growth potential, such as:
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Tech startups
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Digital platforms
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Projects that bring significant economic value to Spain
Benefits of the Entrepreneur Visa:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fast-track approval | Application processed in ~30 days |
| Apply from Spain or abroad | Flexible entry |
| Initial 3-year residence card | Longer than most visas |
| Family reunification allowed | Bring your spouse and kids |
Key Requirements:
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Business plan approved by ENISA or the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas)
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Financial resources to support the project
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Scalable and innovative business model
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Clear job creation potential
🧠We recommend legal help when submitting your application to the UGE—criteria are strict and documentation must be detailed.
🧾 Required Documents (Both Visas)
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Valid passport
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Criminal background check (translated and apostilled)
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Private health insurance
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Proof of accommodation in Spain
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Completed visa application forms
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NIE application (can be simultaneous)
Entrepreneur visa applicants will need a more technical business plan with financial forecasts and scalability indicators.
đź’ˇ Can You Change to a Business Visa Inside Spain?
Yes. If you are in Spain on a:
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Student visa
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Non-lucrative visa
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Family reunification permit
You can apply to modify your residency to self-employed status through Spain’s modification process.
This is often easier than applying from abroad, especially if you’ve already integrated into the Spanish system.
đź“Š Taxes & Legal Obligations Once You’re Approved
Once you receive your visa and residence card, you must:
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Register with Agencia Tributaria
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Enroll in the RETA regime (for autĂłnomos)
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Issue invoices and pay quarterly IVA and IRPF
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Maintain annual records (or corporate tax if forming an SL)
🛡️ Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Our firm assists foreign entrepreneurs by:
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Drafting business plans that meet UGE standards
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Preparing visa submissions for consulates or online portals
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Handling appeals if your application is denied
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Structuring your Spanish SL or registering as an autĂłnomo
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Acting on your behalf with power of attorney