By Expats, for Expats. 30+ Years Experience

De Expats, para Expats. +30 años de experiencia.

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Modern architectural walkway at the Port of Málaga, symbolizing Spain’s Mediterranean lifestyle and popular destination for expats living in southern Spain.
Málaga, Costa del Sol. One of Spain's most popular cities for founders and entrepreneurs relocating from abroad.

Entrepreneur Visa Spain

Spain's Entrepreneur Visa gives non-EU founders and innovators a fast, structured pathway to residency, without the need to invest large amounts of capital upfront. If your business idea brings genuine economic value, innovation, or job creation potential to Spain, this visa gets you and your family here in as little as 20 days. One of the fastest-processed residency routes in Europe for business founders.

Duration

Up to 5 years

Min. Income Required

No minimum

Processing Time

20–30 days

Family Included

Yes
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Who is the Entrepreneur Visa for?

The Entrepreneur Visa is designed for non-EU founders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who want to launch or develop a business project in Spain and who can demonstrate that their idea brings genuine value to the Spanish economy. It is not a standard work visa and it is not a passive investor visa. It is built specifically for people creating something new.

The key is innovation. Your business plan does not need to be a tech startup — it can be in any sector. What matters is that it demonstrates potential for job creation, economic impact, or genuine innovation in your field. Spain's Ministry of Economy evaluates each plan individually, and the bar is achievable for serious founders with a well-structured proposal.

It is a great fit if you are:

  • A founder launching an innovative business project in Spain from scratch
  • An entrepreneur relocating an existing foreign business or opening a Spanish branch
  • A startup founder who wants EU residency and access to Spain's growing tech and startup ecosystem
  • Someone who wants residency rights without a minimum capital investment requirement

It is not the right visa if you are primarily a remote worker or freelancer. The Digital Nomad Visa or Self-Employed Visa are better fits depending on your situation.

Entrepreneur Visa Requirements

Business plan

  • A detailed business plan demonstrating genuine innovation, economic value, or job creation potential in Spain
  • Must receive a favourable report from Spain's Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness before the visa is issued, evaluated on merit and economic impact
  • Business can operate in any sector

Financial requirements

  • Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your initial period in Spain
  • Minimum reference: IPREM index, approximately €600/month per person
  • Bank statements, savings, or investor backing accepted as evidence

Documents required

  • Valid passport with at least 1 year of validity remaining
  • Apostilled criminal record certificate translated into Spanish
  • Private health insurance with full coverage, no copayments, authorised in Spain
  • Completed application form and Tasa fee
  • Favourable report from the Ministry of Economy on your business plan

Experience or qualifications

  • No specific academic qualification required
  • Relevant professional experience or founder track record strengthens the application significantly

Tax implications of the Entrepreneur Visa

As an Entrepreneur Visa holder building a business in Spain, your tax situation depends on how your company is structured. If you incorporate a Spanish SL company, corporate tax applies at a standard rate of 25%, with a reduced 15% rate available for newly formed companies in their first two profitable years. Your personal income drawn from the company is then subject to standard progressive IRPF rates.

One question founders often ask is whether the Beckham Law applies. In most cases, Entrepreneur Visa holders do not qualify. The regime is designed for employees, not company owners or directors. However, if your structure involves an employment contract from a foreign parent company, it is worth exploring with an advisor before you arrive.

Getting your company and personal tax structure right from day one avoids costly reorganisation later.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Spain's Entrepreneur Visa. From business plan requirements to tax implications and the path to long-term residency.

Do I need a minimum investment to get the Entrepreneur Visa?

No, and this is one of the most common misconceptions about this visa. Unlike Spain's Golden Visa, which requires a property investment of at least €500,000, the Entrepreneur Visa has no minimum capital requirement. What the Ministry of Economy evaluates is the quality, viability, and economic impact of your business plan, not how much money you are bringing to Spain.

How does the Ministry of Economy evaluate my business plan?

The Ministry assesses your plan against several criteria: the innovative nature of your idea, its potential to create employment in Spain, its economic viability, and the qualifications or track record of the founder. Plans in any sector can qualify and it does not need to be a tech startup. A well-structured, realistic plan with clear projections and a credible founder profile gives you a strong foundation for approval. We help clients prepare plans that meet these criteria.

Can I hire employees in Spain on the Entrepreneur Visa?

Yes, and this is one of the key advantages of this visa over the Self-Employed Visa or Digital Nomad Visa. Once you have incorporated your Spanish company, you can hire local employees, enter into contracts with Spanish clients, and operate as a fully established Spanish business. This makes the Entrepreneur Visa the right route if building a team in Spain is part of your plan.

Does time on the Entrepreneur Visa count toward Spanish nationality?

Yes. Every year of legal residency on the Entrepreneur Visa counts toward Spain's long-term residency, available after five years, and Spanish nationality, which requires ten years for most nationalities. Citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea qualify after just two years. Combining the Entrepreneur Visa with a well-structured Spanish company from day one gives you the strongest foundation for long-term residency in Spain.

Available Spanish Visas

Digital Nomad Visa Spain

Live and work legally in Spain for up to five years, keeping your existing employer or international clients.
Learn more

EU Blue Card & Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain

The employer-sponsored route for highly qualified professionals relocating to Spain.
Learn more

Self Employed Visa Spain

Work independently in Spain with no restrictions on where your clients are based.
Learn more

Non-Lucrative Visa Spain

Live in Spain on passive income, savings, or a pension. Without working.
Learn more
Clarity-first legal and tax advisory for founders, professionals, and international clients in Spain.
Asesoría legal y fiscal centrada en la claridad para empresarios, profesionales y clientes internacionales en España.

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