Entrepreneur Visa Spain: How to Start a Business in Spain from Scratch (Complete Guide)
The Entrepreneur Visa in Spain is one of the best immigration options for non-EU nationals who want to start a business in Spain from scratch while legally living and working in the country. This visa is designed for innovative and viable business projects with economic or social impact.
In this guide, you will learn how the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa works, its requirements, and the step-by-step process to successfully launch your business in Spain.
What Is the Entrepreneur Visa in Spain?
The Spain Entrepreneur Visa is a residence and work permit regulated under Spain’s Law for Entrepreneurs. It allows foreign nationals to move to Spain to develop a business project of general interest, particularly those focused on innovation, technology, or scalable business models.
Unlike other self-employed visas, this permit focuses primarily on the business idea and its viability, rather than only on the applicant’s income.
Key evaluation criteria include:
Business viability and sustainability
Innovation and added value
Economic impact and job creation
Professional experience of the applicant
Who Can Apply for the Spain Entrepreneur Visa?
This visa is ideal for:
Startup founders
Entrepreneurs launching new businesses in Spain
Technology and digital business owners
International professionals expanding into the Spanish market
Choosing the correct visa from the beginning is essential to avoid delays or rejections.
Step 1: Define Your Business Idea
To apply for the Entrepreneur Visa, you do not need to have an incorporated company yet. However, your project must be well defined and professionally structured, including:
Description of the business activity
Market and competitor analysis
Target audience and growth strategy
Initial investment and financial projections
A clear business concept is the foundation of a successful application.
Step 2: Business Plan Preparation and Approval
The business plan is the most important document for the Entrepreneur Visa application. Spain has officially authorized institutions that evaluate and approve business plans for this visa.
We work closely with these institutions to:
Prepare the business plan with the client
Ensure compliance with legal and innovation requirements
Submit the plan for official approval
The cost of this stage is €450, corresponding to the official evaluation and approval fee.
Step 3: Entrepreneur Visa Application Requirements
Once the business plan is approved, the visa application file is prepared. Typical requirements include:
Full copy of the passport (all pages)
Proof of sufficient financial means and investment
Criminal record certificate (apostilled and legalized)
Approved business plan
Professional CV and background documents
Depending on the applicant’s nationality, additional documents may be requested.
Step 4: Visa Approval and Moving to Spain
After submission, the Spanish authorities review the application. Once approved, the applicant can move to Spain as an entrepreneur and begin business operations.
Upon arrival, we assist with:
Obtaining the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)
Registering with the Spanish Social Security system as self-employed
Legal guidance for starting business activities
Benefits of the Entrepreneur Visa in Spain
Legal residence and work authorization in Spain
Family members can be included
Renewable permit with long-term residence options
Faster processing than traditional self-employed visas
Ideal for starting a business in Spain legally
Legal Support for the Spain Entrepreneur Visa
At josetorresabogado.es, we provide full legal assistance for entrepreneurs, from evaluating the business idea to obtaining the Entrepreneur Visa and launching the business in Spain.
If you are planning to start a business in Spain, the Entrepreneur Visa may be the most efficient and secure pathway.
