Spain Entrepreneur Visa (Startup Visa): Guide and Requirements

Who is the Entrepreneur Visa for?

This visa is suitable for founders and entrepreneurs whose business project is recognized as innovative or of strategic economic interest to Spain. A standard local business (for example, opening a cafe or hair salon) does not fall under this category — the Cuenta Propia visa exists for them.

Main Conditions for Obtaining a Startup Visa

The process of obtaining an EV visa is built around your project and your ability to finance it:

• Innovation (ENISA Assessment): Your business project must undergo a mandatory assessment by the ENISA agency (or another authorized body). Without a favorable report (informe favorable), it is impossible to apply for the visa. The assessment process is free but takes 1 to 2 months.
• Quality business plan: The plan must detail the innovative nature of the product or service, market opportunities, team qualifications, and the economic and social value the startup will create in Spain. Realistic financial projections for 3 years are mandatory.
• Financial sufficiency: You must prove that you have the funds to support yourself (and dependents) during the initial stage of running the business. The minimum threshold is usually equal to the requirements for the NLV visa — about €28,800 per year for the main applicant.

Required Documents and Their Preparation

Documents must be no older than 3 months. Foreign certificates require an apostille and a sworn translation (traducción jurada) into Spanish after the apostille is affixed.

• ENISA certificate: A positive conclusion (informe favorable) from the ENISA agency regarding the project's innovativeness.
• Business plan: A detailed document with 3-year financial forecasts and a description of innovations.
• Financial guarantees: Bank statements confirming the availability of funds for 1 year of autonomy (~€28,800). If the startup has already raised funds: an investment agreement, grants, a venture capital agreement (VC agreement), and a confirmation from the investor.
• Basic documents: International passport (valid for 12+ months, certified copies mandatory), police clearance certificate for the last 5 years, and a medical certificate (according to RSI 2005 standards).
• Medical insurance: A private policy from a company authorized in Spain. Full coverage without co-payments (sin copagos) and waiting periods.

Step-by-Step Timeline: How to Get the Visa

The entrepreneur's path is divided into defending the project and the visa application itself.

1. Submission to ENISA: Prepare a business plan and send it for a viability and innovativeness assessment to ENISA. Respond promptly to their requests for clarification.
2. Obtaining the certificate: Wait for the issuance of the informe favorable. Save this certificate — it is the basis of your visa application.
3. Submission to the consulate: Gather the full package of documents (ENISA certificate, insurance, certificates, passport, photos) and submit the application to the Spanish consulate. Once the complete package is received, the processing time is only about 10 working days.
4. Entry into Spain: Collect the visa and head to Spain to launch the business and process the residence permit.

What to Do Immediately After Entering Spain

Your task is to legalize as a resident and launch the declared company within strictly allotted timeframes:

• Business registration (Deadline — 3 months): After entering Spain, you are obliged to officially register your entrepreneurial activity within 3 months.
• Autónomo status processing: If you work as a self-employed founder, you are required to register in the special regime (RETA) with Social Security (TGSS) from the first day of professional activity. Also submit Form 036 or 037 to the tax office (AEAT). Check your eligibility for the reduced contribution rate (tarifa plana) in the first 2 years.
• Registration (Empadronamiento) and TIE: Register at the city hall (ayuntamiento) with a passport, visa, and rental agreement. Strictly within 30 days after entry, book an appointment (Cita Previa) for fingerprints to get your Resident Card (TIE).
• Taxes and digital infrastructure: Get a digital certificate (FNMT) — it is crucial for doing business and filing tax returns. Set up the submission of quarterly reports (Modelo 130 and Modelo 303).
• Healthcare (Sanidad Pública): Since you will be paying monthly contributions to RETA (Social Security), you gain the right to free public healthcare. Register at the local clinic to get a patient card (TSI).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)