Entrepreneur residence permit

Description

This residence authorization is for non-EU foreign nationals who wish to launch an innovative business project of general interest in Spain. It is governed by the special international mobility regime, separate from the general immigration rules (régimen general de extranjería).<br>

Advantages

• No separate work authorization is needed, because the residence permit itself allows you to run your business.
• You can apply from Spain if you are already there legally.
• Family members can be included as dependents from the start.
• Access to the favorable international mobility regime and shorter administrative deadlines.

Who can apply? (including family members)

• This authorization is available to adult foreign nationals launching a business project considered innovative and of interest to Spain.
• The main applicant must be the entrepreneur who will personally carry out the project.
• Close family members may accompany the applicant from the start: spouse or unmarried partner (pareja de hecho), minor children or dependent adult children, and dependent ascendants.

Requirements

For the residence authorization filed from Spain:

• Not be a citizen of an EU or EEA Member State or of Switzerland.
• Not be in Spain unlawfully at the time of the application.
• Have no criminal record in Spain or in your countries of residence over the last 5 years.
• Have public health insurance, or private health insurance with a company authorized to operate in Spain.
• Have sufficient financial resources for yourself and your family members during your stay.
• Submit a favorable report on the innovative nature of the project.

For the visa filed from your home country:

• Meet the general requirements above.
• Be outside Spain at the time of the application.

Required documents

Application process

1. 1

   Gathering the documents

   The applicant must gather all the required documents, including the favorable report on the business project.

2. 2

   Filing the application

   If you apply from Spain, the application may be filed online with the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos, UGE-CE). If you apply from abroad, the visa must be processed at the competent Spanish consulate.

3. 3

   Decision and visa issuance

   The authorities have a maximum of 20 days to decide. Administrative silence (silencio administrativo) has positive effects, meaning the application is deemed granted.

4. 4

   Entry into Spain and final steps

   If you applied for a visa, once it is issued you may enter Spain and apply for the foreigner identity card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, TIE) within the first month.

Duration and renewal

• The initial residence authorization is valid for 3 years.
• It may be renewed for successive 2-year periods, provided the conditions on which it was granted continue to be met, particularly the continuation of the project and sufficient financial means.

FAQ

Applicable law

1. Ley 14/2013, de 27 de septiembre, de apoyo a los emprendedores y su internacionalización
2. Real Decreto 1155/2024, de 18 de diciembre, por el que se desarrolla la Ley 14/2013
3. Ley Orgánica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, en lo que no contradiga el régimen especial