The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa
The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa, also known as the Start-up Visa or Entrepreneur Residence Permit, is designed for non-EU citizens who want to launch and manage an innovative business in Spain. Introduced under Spain’s Start-up Law (Ley de Emprendedores), this visa offers a pathway for entrepreneurs, investors, and founders to live in Spain while developing projects that contribute to the country’s economy and innovation ecosystem.
It’s ideal for business owners, startup founders, and innovators looking to establish or expand a company within Spain — whether in tech, sustainability, digital services, or other high-growth sectors.
Who is the Entrepreneur Visa for?
This visa is aimed at non-EU entrepreneurs and investors who can demonstrate that their proposed business is:
- Innovative, with clear potential for growth or technological advancement.
- Economically beneficial to Spain, through job creation, investment, or sector development.
- Viable, with a credible business plan and sufficient financial resources to operate.
It’s a perfect fit for:
- Founders launching a new start-up or branch in Spain.
- Non-EU professionals expanding an existing international business.
- Investors and innovators looking to build a long-term presence in Spain’s fast-growing tech and business ecosystem.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
To qualify for the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa, applicants must typically demonstrate the following:
- Innovative business plan: Your project must show originality, scalability, and a potential contribution to the Spanish economy or technological advancement.
- Approval from ENISA or UGE-CE: The business plan must be positively evaluated by ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovación) or UGE-CE (Large Companies and Strategic Collectives Unit).
- Sufficient financial means to support yourself and fund the business during its initial phase.
- Health insurance covering you in Spain.
- Clean criminal record and legal residence in your current country of stay.
- Proof of professional qualifications relevant to your business (education or experience).
The visa can be applied for either from your home country (via the Spanish consulate) or from within Spain if you’re already legally residing there.
What are the key benefits of the Entrepreneu Visa?
Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa provides several major advantages for founders and investors:
✅ Legal residence in Spain for an initial up to 3 years, renewable for 2-year periods.
✅ Fast-track approval — applications are typically processed within 20 working days under the Start-up Law.
✅ Family inclusion — spouses, partners, and dependent children can be included in the application.
✅ Freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
✅ Access to Spain’s growing start-up ecosystem, business support programs, and funding networks.
✅ Potential tax advantages for qualifying start-ups and entrepreneurs under Spain’s under Spain’s Beckham Law, offering a reduced flat tax rate on Spanish income for up to six years.
How do you apply for the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa?
The process is relatively streamlined and can be completed either abroad or in Spain. Here’s how it works:
- Prepare your business plan — detailing innovation, market opportunity, projected growth, and financial forecasts.
- Submit your plan for evaluation to ENISA or UGE-CE (depending on the type of business).
- Once approved, apply for the Entrepreneur Visa either: 1) At a Spanish consulate in your country of residence, or 2) Directly in Spain if you’re on a valid visa or residence permit.
- Provide supporting documents, including proof of funds, insurance, and a clean criminal record.
- Receive your visa or residence permit — typically valid for up to three years and renewable as long as your business remains active and compliant.
What types of businesses qualify?
While the law prioritizes innovative projects, many types of businesses can qualify if they demonstrate economic benefit or local impact. Examples include:
- Technology and software start-ups.
- Renewable energy and sustainability ventures.
- Health tech, biotech, and scientific R&D.
- Digital services, e-commerce, or AI-enabled platforms.
- International expansions of existing businesses that bring investment and job creation to Spain.
Can you work or employ others under this visa?
Yes. As a visa holder, you are authorized to manage and work within your own company. You may also hire employees, open business accounts, and access Spanish funding programs or incubators.
Why start a business in Spain?
Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs for entrepreneurship — offering competitive costs, a strong talent pool, and a high quality of life. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are recognized for their vibrant start-up ecosystems, co-working networks, and government support for innovation. The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa provides not just a legal base in Europe, but access to a thriving market, excellent infrastructure, and one of the best climates for both business and lifestyle.
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