Residence visa for foreign entrepreneurs in Spain: updated legal guide
In recent years, the legal framework for immigration in Spain has evolved to recognize and encourage entrepreneurial talent of foreign citizens who wish to settle in the country.
Did you know that your business project can be the way to obtain a residence and work permit as an entrepreneur in Spain?
This visa is presented as a strategic opportunity, especially for those who want to develop innovative ideas in an environment with a high quality of life, access to qualified professionals, and an increasingly competitive business ecosystem.
In this guide we explain in detail what the visa for entrepreneurs in Spain, what requirements you must meet, what is the procedure to request it and what steps you must follow to start a company as a foreigner.
In addition, we offer practical tips and essential legal aspects to ensure your project's successful consolidation within the European market.
Entrepreneur visa in Spain: requirements and legal framework
This type of visa is designed for foreign persons over 18 years of age, that are not nationals of the European Union or the Schengen Area, and who wish to move to Spain with the aim of developing a entrepreneurial activity.
Although it may seem similar to self-employment visa, the truth is that it is governed by a different regulatory framework to the general immigration regime. Specifically, it is regulated by the Law 14/2013, of September 27, supporting entrepreneurs and their internationalization, and in a supplementary manner by the Immigration Regulations.
This means that Not every type of business gives access to this visaThe law establishes that the activity must be considered enterprising, which implies that it has a character innovative and of relevant economic interest for Spain.
Thanks to this approach, the Entrepreneurship Law recognizes not only innovative business models, but also those that can add differential value to the Spanish economic ecosystem. Furthermore, it offers more flexibility in processing of this authorization compared to the visas regulated by the common immigration regime.
This visa is therefore presented as a Highly attractive option for foreigners who wish to launch an innovative project in Spanish territory.
Requirements for applying for an entrepreneur visa in Spain
Within the framework of the 14 / 2013An entrepreneur is considered to be a person - whether acting as an individual or through a legal entity - who carries out an economic activity of a business or professional nature in accordance with the terms established in said regulations.
The intention to undertake is not enough: to access this visa it is necessary to meet a series of general and specific requirements, aimed at ensuring the viability and impact of the project on the Spanish economic fabric.
General requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Not be in an irregular situation in Spain.
- Be older than 18 years.
- Not having a criminal record in Spain or in the countries where he has resided during the previous two years, for crimes classified in the Spanish legal system.
- Not to be listed as an inadmissible person in those countries with which Spain has signed agreements on migration.
- Count on public or private health insurance contracted with an entity authorized to operate in Spain.
- Pay the administrative fee corresponding to the processing of the visa.
Specific requirements
In addition to the general conditions, the following is required:
- Viable business project: It is essential to present a solid business idea. Although it is not necessary for the business to already be operating, the project must have a Governance Model, demonstrate differentiation from what already exists and be supported by a complete business plan, which will be evaluated according to criteria that we will detail in the following section.
- Professional profile of the applicant: Previous experience in the sector will be valued, as well as academic or technical training that supports the applicant's ability to successfully launch and manage the project.
- Economic solvency: The applicant must demonstrate that he has sufficient financial resources to cover their needs and, where applicable, those of their family during their time of residence in Spain.
- For the principal applicant: at least the 200% of the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI).
- For the first family member reunited: a 75% additional.
- For each additional member: one 25% additional.
It is worth mentioning that some Consular Offices may require the equivalent of 100% of the IPREM as an economic reference, so it is recommended to review the specific criteria according to the place of processing.
Intervention of different organizations
The procedure involves the participation of several entities:
- Consular Offices of Spain: manage it visa application in the applicant's country of origin or residence.
- Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE): is the body responsible for processing and resolving the Residence permit for entrepreneurs, regardless of whether the application is submitted from within or outside Spain.
- Evaluating entity of the business project: As explained in the following section, a specialized institution will assess the submitted business plan to determine whether it meets the requirements of innovation and economic relevance.
Steps to apply for a visa
- Presentation of the business plan and application for authorization through UGE-CE online platform.
- Once the favorable resolution, the applicant may arrange appointment at the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your country of origin or residence.
- The interested party or their duly accredited legal representative must submit the application and the required documentation.
- The maximum term for resolution is 10 working days, which involves a process more agile than that of a conventional visa.
- If the visa is approved, it must be withdrawn within one month since the notification.
Documentation required to apply for an entrepreneur visa in Spain
As with any immigration procedure, Preparing the documentation correctly is key to ensure the success of the application.
For a residence visa for entrepreneurs, a series of essential documents must be submitted to the corresponding Consular Office.
Below is the list of documentation that must accompany the application:
- Official national visa application form, duly completed and signed.
- Recent photograph ID-card type, in color, with a light background and good quality.
- Original valid passport y full copy of the same, with a minimum validity of one year and at least two blank pages.
- Favorable report of the entrepreneurial project, issued by the competent body (original and copy).
- Justification of sufficient financial means for the applicant and, where applicable, their family. The original and a copy must be submitted.
- Criminal record issued by the country or countries of residence during the last two years (original and copy). In addition, a responsible statement that accredits the absence of criminal record during the previous five years.
- Valid health insurance in Spain (public or private), issued by a authorized entity to operate in the country. The original and a copy of the certificate must be provided.
- Document proving residence at the consular office where the application is submitted. This can be a certificate of residence, an identity document, or any official proof of address.
- Proof of payment of the consular fee corresponding to the visa.
Family reunification with an entrepreneur visa in Spain
One of the main advantages of the entrepreneur visa compared to the general immigration regime is the ease of family reunification, without having to wait long periods of time.
La 14 / 2013, in its article 62.4, allows relatives to request reunification simultaneously, successively or jointly at the request of the permit holder, which significantly speeds up the process and promotes family unity from the start of the entrepreneurial project.
This represents a clear difference from the general immigration regime, where it is mandatory to have legally resided in Spain for at least a year and have the permit renewed before being able to initiate a family reunification procedure.
Which family members can be reunited?
They may be subject to regrouping the following members of the permit holder's family:
- El spouse or common-law partner, provided there is a stable and proven emotional relationship.
- The minor children, or older adults who are financially dependent on the applicant and do not form a family unit of their own.
- The dependent ascendants of the holder.
Rights of reunited family members
In addition, according to Fourth Additional Provision of Law 14/2013, the authorizations granted to family members allow you to reside and work in Spain, either employed or self-employed, without the need to complete additional procedures.
This possibility makes the entrepreneur visa a particularly attractive option for those who wish to transfer their business project to Spain. together with his family nucleus, with full guarantees of integration and professional development.
How to start a business in Spain as a foreigner: business plan requirements
One of the key elements to obtain a residence visa as an entrepreneur in Spain is the presentation of a solid and well-structured business plan.
This document will be jointly evaluated by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) and National Innovation Company (ENISA), entities responsible for assessing the viability and impact of the project.
The plan evaluation is integrated into the authorization process, and the favorable resolution It will depend on the approval of both organizations.
The purpose of this report is Demonstrate that the project has an innovative character, economic viability and capacity to generate employment and added value in the Spanish market.
What should the business plan include?
For the plan to be considered complete and competitive, it must include the following essential sections:
Executive summary of the project
This section should clearly describe the business activity that is intended to be developed, indicating:
- Expected start date
- Place where the company will be established
- Legal form chosen (limited company, self-employed, etc.)
- Estimated economic impact of the investment
- Number of jobs expected to be created, with job descriptions and qualification levels
- Promotion, marketing and sales channel strategies
Description of the product or service
You should explain what your business proposal is, what need it addresses, and why it is relevant in today's market.
Market analysis
A study of the sector, competition, target audience, and identified opportunities should be included.
Financial plan
This section should detail the Sources of funding planned, initial investment needs and the economic viability plan.
Innovation and added value
It must indicate how the project will contribute to the Spanish economy, what innovative elements it incorporates, and what competitive advantages it offers.
Deadlines and recommendations
- El The estimated time for evaluating the business plan is 20 business days..
- If required additional documentation or interview, the deadline may extend up to a maximum of 3 months.
- Es highly recommended include supporting documentation that supports the degree of development of the project (such as prototypes, records, market studies or preliminary contracts).
Conclusion: A real opportunity to start a business in Spain legally
Spain is positioned as an ideal environment for those wishing to launch innovative projects and establish themselves in a competitive and well-connected European market.
The residence visa for foreign entrepreneurs allows you to start a business with multiple advantages, such as immediate work authorization and the possibility of reuniting with your family without having to wait.
However, obtaining this permit requires meeting a series of requirements: having a business idea with economic potential, presenting a solid and viable plan, and passing the criteria established by current regulations.
From the business plan design phase to the formal incorporation of the company, it is essential to have specialized legal advice to ensure efficient and error-free processing.
Graduate in International Relations and Master's in Advanced International and European Studies.
