Spain Entrepreneur Visa: Guide to Long-Term Residency

Spain is one of the leading countries in Europe for entrepreneurs, with over 3.2 million active enterprises in the country. Spain has an ideal location, a robust economy, and a friendly business environment, making it an appealing market for non-EU entrepreneurs seeking to launch an innovative business venture.

The Entrepreneur Law introduces the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa, allowing qualified entrepreneurs to live and operate a business in Spain. The permit is valid for three years and can be renewed for a further two-year period, which will provide a route to long-term residency in Spain, provided the relevant requirements are fulfilled. In this guide, you’ll learn about the requirements, application process, documents needed, validity, and advantages of the Entrepreneur Visa for Spain in 2026.

What Is the Spain Entrepreneur Visa Under the Entrepreneur Law?

The entrepreneur visa for Spain is a form of residency permit that is intended for non-EU nationals who want to set up an innovative enterprise that serves the interests of the Spanish economy. This visa permits business owners to reside in Spain with their immediate family, which includes spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents for an initial time frame of 3 years, with the potential for renewal.

The visa is intended for projects that have the potential to improve Spain’s socioeconomic standing, attract investment, create jobs, and make use of innovative technology. The Entrepreneur Law, which was created on September 27, 2013, provides the legal basis for the Spanish entrepreneur visa. Its motive is to make it simpler for innovative businesses to establish and expand internationally.

Which Visa Categories Are Available Under Spain’s Entrepreneur Law?

Under the entrepreneur law, you can submit an application for a visa under the following 2 categories:

1. Visa for Highly Skilled Professionals (TAC): This visa is granted to highly qualified individuals with an employment offer in Spain in

• Management Position
• Extremely qualified staff at major corporations
• SMEs in key industries.

2. Intra-Company Transfer Visa (TTI): This visa is intended for managers and other high-ranking workers of non-Spanish enterprises who are to be transferred to their branch or main office in Spain.

How to apply for a visa under the Entrepreneur Law?

In order to apply for a Spanish business entrepreneur visa under the Entrepreneur Law, you need to follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

The first crucial phase in acquiring the Spanish business Visa is to determine your eligibility. Ensuring that you meet the necessary criteria is crucial before proceeding with the application process.

Step 2: Register Your Company

If you are eligible, the next step is to register your company in Spain. 

At OnDemand International, our team of experts is ready to assist you in this process. We will handle every aspect of registering your company with the Spanish authorities, including generating your NIE number, acquiring a digital certificate for the controlling partner, creating your articles of association, and helping to create a bank account in Spain.

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

Following the registration of your business, the next step involves applying for your Spain Entrepreneur Visa. This involves several critical steps:

• Drafting a Business Plan: Before submitting your visa application, it is vital to create a comprehensive business plan. This plan must contain thorough market research, budgetary estimates, job creation strategies, and other essential information. Our experienced Spanish lawyers will work with you to draft a compelling business plan that meets all the requirements.

• Preparation of Documentation: After the business plan is complete, we will assist you in gathering and preparing all necessary documentation, such as proof of sufficient funds to launch and sustain your venture in Spain.
• Sending in the Application: After every document is ready, we will submit it to Spain’s National Innovation Company (ENISA). ENISA is in charge of examining your proposal and deciding whether to accept or reject it.
• Application Approval: Upon approval by the Spanish authorities, you will receive a temporary residency card, valid for three years. This card is the first step toward achieving permanent residency in Spain.

At OnDemand International, we are committed to guiding you through each step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to establishing your business and obtaining your residency in Spain.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Spain Entrepreneur Visa?

• Business Idea: A creative business idea that is original and provides something fresh to the Spanish market serves as the foundation of the visa application.
• Business Plan: It is essential to draft a comprehensive business plan that outlines the type of professional activity to be undertaken, market research, financial forecasts, sources of investment, marketing tactics, and the anticipated economic impact—including job creation—on Spain. Our Spanish lawyer team can assist you in drafting a proper business plan.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Evidence of having enough funds to launch the business project has to be shown.
• No Criminal Record: The applicant must have a clean criminal record both in Spain and in their country of origin.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Spain Entrepreneur Visa?

Here are the various documents expected by the Spanish authorities:

• Completed application form
• Evidence of fee payment
• An innovative business plan
• Proof of having sufficient capital
• Health insurance documents
• Social Security Agreement with Spain
• A minimum of three years of relevant job experience or a bachelor’s degree

How Much Does an Entrepreneur Visa Cost in Spain?

The cost of obtaining an entrepreneur visa for Spain varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances and whether professional assistance is sought. Generally, applicants should budget for the following expenses:

• Visa application fee: About 80-100 Euros (varies by Spanish Consulate).
• Private health insurance: from €50 to €150 a month, depending on the insurance company and coverage.
• Document translation and legalization services: The price depends on the number of documents and the country they are translated from.
• Business plan preparation and professional assistance: Varies based on the complexity of the project and the service provider.
• Expenses for company incorporation: These may include the cost of obtaining an NIE, a digital certificate, incorporating the company, and opening a corporate bank account.

The expenses related to the Entrepreneur Visa for Spain procedure can vary widely, depending on the nature of the business project, its location, and the professional services needed. Before starting the application process, applicants should request their own estimate.

What Are the Benefits of the Entrepreneur Visa for Spain?

The Spanish startup visa provides various benefits for innovative business owners seeking to establish themselves in Spain.

Here are some of the important advantages of acquiring an entrepreneur visa in Spain:

• Easy Access to the Schengen Area: This visa permits holders to have unrestricted mobility inside the Schengen area, making it simple for them to travel between several European nations.
• Family Inclusion: This visa permits family members to apply and migrate to Spain together as a group. This includes your spouse, dependent children under 18, and financially dependent parents over 65.
• Remote Application: It is not necessary for you to be present in Spain physically to apply for the Spanish entrepreneur visa. You can appoint a representative, such as OnDemand International, to complete the application process for you.
• Long-term Validity: The startup visa in Spain has a three-year validity as compared to other visas, which are only valid for a year. 
• Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: The entrepreneur visa can be a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship, provided the entrepreneur meets the necessary requirements.

How Long Is the Spain Entrepreneur Visa Valid and Can It Be Renewed?

The Entrepreneur Visa, issued under Spain’s Entrepreneur Law, is typically processed and granted within 45 to 55 days from the submission of your application to the Spanish Consulate. For the first three years of your stay, this visa permits you to reside and conduct business in Spain.

Additionally, there is the option to renew the visa for up to two more years, providing extended support and stability for your entrepreneurial ventures. This streamlined visa process enables entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses effectively within the Spanish market.

You can book a meeting with our experts for more information regarding the business visa in Spain.

What Happens if Your Spain Entrepreneur Visa Application Is Rejected?

If your Spain’s entrepreneur visa application is refused, you have other options to challenge the refusal or to make a better application. Depending on the reason for refusal, you may:

• Submit an appeal to the relevant Spanish authorities within the time frame.
• Address the deficiencies identified by the authorities, such as an insufficient business plan or missing supporting documents.
• Submit a new application after rectifying the issues that led to the rejection.
• Get expert help to strengthen your application and increase the chances of success.

Our professionals at OnDemand International can analyze the refusal decision, help prepare your appeal, and guide you through the process of creating a well-structured Spanish authorities application.

Conclusion

In 2026, the entrepreneur visa in Spain is still a popular choice for non-EU entrepreneurs aiming to start an innovative business in Spain. The visa is valid for three years initially and can be renewed for further two-year periods, and will allow entrepreneurs and their eligible relatives to stay in Spain to develop their business, and also to apply for the long-term resident visa if the necessary conditions are fulfilled.

If you’re interested in starting your business in Spain and applying for the Entrepreneur Visa Spain, it’s best to seek expert help, as it can make the process easier and increase your chances of a successful application. At OnDemand International, our team of experts can help you with registering your company, preparing your business plan, and even supporting your visa applications so that your business growth journey is smooth in Spain.

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