What Is the Entrepreneur Visa in Spain?
The Entrepreneur Visa (Visado de Emprendedores) is part of Spain’s “Ley de Emprendedores” program. It allows non-EU nationals to:
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Launch innovative business projects in Spain
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Reside and work legally as a founder or investor
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Access a fast-track application process through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE)
✅ This visa is ideal for startup founders, tech innovators, and business angels entering the Spanish market.
🧠 Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the entrepreneur visa, applicants must:
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✅ Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
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✅ Present a business plan that is innovative, scalable, and in the public interest
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✅ Have sufficient financial resources to support the business and personal living
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✅ Provide proof of clean criminal record (past 5 years)
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✅ Hold private health insurance valid in Spain
📎 Documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled.
💼 What Makes a Business Plan “Innovative”?
The business plan must demonstrate:
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Technological or scientific innovation
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Job creation potential in Spain
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Competitive differentiation in the Spanish or EU market
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Contribution to the local economy or digital ecosystem
📝 Spain’s ENISA or Dirección General de Comercio Internacional often evaluates the plan’s innovation.
🗂️ Required Documents
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Passport (valid for at least 1 year)
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Completed visa application form
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Comprehensive business plan
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Proof of sufficient funds (personal + business capital)
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Health insurance
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Criminal background certificate
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Proof of accommodation in Spain
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NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) application
📌 All documents must be submitted in Spanish or officially translated.
⏱️ Timeline and Application Route
| Step | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Business plan submission (UGE) | 10–20 days |
| Visa application decision | 20–30 days |
| Arrival & residence card processing | 1–2 weeks post-arrival |
🔹 Applications can be submitted either from abroad (Spanish Consulate) or from within Spain if you’re legally present.
🧑💼 Real Case Example
A South African AI entrepreneur wanted to expand her health-tech startup into Europe. Our lawyers:
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Reviewed and polished her business plan
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Handled NIE and health insurance setup
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Submitted the application via UGE
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She received a 2-year visa in just 25 days and moved to Madrid
🧾 Benefits of Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa
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✅ Legal residence and work authorization
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✅ Fast-track process
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✅ Visa for accompanying spouse and children
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✅ Pathway to long-term residence and eventual citizenship
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✅ Access to Spain’s and EU’s single market
🌍 Spain offers an attractive tech scene, business grants, and startup-friendly infrastructure.
👨⚖️ How We Help at Borderless Lawyers
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🔍 Business plan review and legal compliance
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📁 Full documentation support and translations
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🏢 Incorporation of the Spanish company if required
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🤝 Ongoing immigration and tax law support
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🌐 Bilingual representation for non-Spanish speakers
📞 Ready to Launch Your Startup in Spain?
Let Borderless Lawyers help you secure your entrepreneur visa and set up your business foundation in Spain the right way.