Spain Entrepreneur Visa: Guide to Long-Term Residency

In 2023, more than 3.21 million enterprises were registered in Spain, reflecting the country’s stable and expanding economy. This robust economic environment positions Spain as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the European market and maximize their business potential. Spain’s favorable business environment and growth potential make it a sought-after location for business owners.

Are you a business owner who is looking to register their business in Spain and acquire permanent residency? If you’re an investor considering immigrating to Spain, the Entrepreneur Visa is a viable pathway for acquiring permanent residency under the Spain Business Entrepreneur visa program. The Spain entrepreneur visa is granted for a period of 3 years and can be renewed for 2 more years and is one of the first steps for getting permanent residency in Spain.

Understanding the Spain Entrepreneur Visa under the Entrepreneur Law

The entrepreneur visa in Spain is a form of residency permit that is intended for non-EU nationals who wants to setup 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 Spain entrepreneur visa. Its motive is to make it simpler for innovative businesses to establish and expand internationally.

Types of Spain Entrepreneur Visa Under the 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 that their employer wishes to transfer to their branch or main office in Spain.

How to apply for a visa under the Entrepreneur Law?

In order to apply for a Spain 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 Spain Entrepreneur 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.

Requirements for Acquiring an Entrepreneur Visa in Spain 

• 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 draft 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.

Documentation expected to apply for the entrepreneur visa in Spain

Here are the various documentation 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

Benefits of Spain Entrepreneur Visa