Self-Employed, Entrepreneurs & Start-Ups

What do you need to know about getting a Spanish self-employed work permit - “Start-Up Visa”?

• Can I start my own business in Spain?

  Yes, Spain allows foreigners to be shareholders and directors in Spanish companies. You can run your Spanish company as a non-resident or apply for a work permit as a self-employed person.

• Do I need to have local partners to have a Spanish business?

  No, unlike some other countries, Spain doesn’t require foreigners to have local partners. It may be a good idea to have a partner to provide you with first-hand knowledge of the local rules and market, but it is not obligatory.

• What is the minimum investment required?

  Spanish Immigration Law does not set a fixed minimum investment amount. Your business plan must show the funds you will need to set up your business and finance the first year of your activity until you expect to start receiving stable income (e.g. opening a solar panel factory in Spain would require far more initial investment than setting up a consultancy business). In addition, you need to show that you have enough personal funds to cover your own personal expenses until you start receiving stable income from your business.

• How can I finance my business? Do I need to show money in my bank account?

  Your business plan needs to explain how you plan to finance the initial stage of your business incorporation. You can use your own savings, investment rounds or loans etc. Whatever financing you plan to have, you must demonstrate it with the corresponding documents.

• What is the difference between a Start-Up Visa and a regular Self-Employed Visa?

  Spain offers two immigration procedures to get a self-employed work permit. The so-called Start-Up Visa, or Entrepreneurs Permit, is a much faster procedure introduced by the International Mobility Act 14/2013. To qualify for it, your business project must be innovative and represent a general interest for Spain. If it does, we can file for your permit while you are legally present in Spain, and it would take 20 working days to process your application. All other business projects would go through a regular Self-employed visa process, you would need to file your application through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence, and it takes 3 months to receive a resolution. Note that in Spain you need to arm yourself with patience as delays occur frequently.

• Can my family join me?

  Yes, they can apply together with you, however, they would have only a residence permit without work (Non-Lucrative Visa). If your partner wants to work in the future, he or she will need to start his/her own procedure to modify residence to work permit.