Startup Visa in Spain

Startup Visa in Spain

Spain is actively attracting innovative entrepreneurs from around the world through a special program—the Startup Visa (also known as the Entrepreneur Visa). This type of residence permit is intended for founders of innovative projects ready to develop their businesses in the country. The program offers a direct path to residency with the subsequent possibility of obtaining permanent residency and citizenship.

Below are the key aspects of the program, practical steps for application, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Key Requirements for the Applicant and Project

To qualify for the Startup Visa, your project and personal situation must meet a series of criteria.

• Innovative Nature of the Project: The business idea must be based on new technologies, a unique business model, or offer a product/service significantly different from existing ones on the market. Priority is given to projects in IT, green energy, biotech, and digitalization.
• Business Plan Requirement: A detailed business plan is required, which will be evaluated by the state accelerator ENISA (under the management of the General Directorate for Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). The plan must demonstrate potential for job creation and contribution to the Spanish economy.
• Financial Solvency: The applicant must prove sufficient personal savings. The required amounts are subject to clarification at the time of application, but the following are often cited as a guideline:
  • Main applicant: ~€31,752.
  • Spouse/partner: ~€11,907.
  • Each minor child: ~€3,969.
  • Accounts must be held in reliable banks (accounts in banks of Russia and Belarus are generally not accepted).

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining the Visa

The process consists of two main evaluation stages: first the business plan, then the applicant’s personal situation.

1. Business Plan Evaluation at ENISA. You submit your business plan to the ENISA accelerator. To initiate the process, it is often sufficient to upload a screenshot of the submission confirmation. This is the first and critical step.
2. Application for Residency at UGE. After receiving a positive decision from ENISA, you submit the full documentation package for a residence permit to the Office of Foreign Affairs (UGE).
3. Receiving the Decision. ENISA makes a decision on the business plan, and UGE makes a final decision on issuing the residence permit within about a month.
4. Receiving the TIE Card. After approval and legal entry into Spain, you receive the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) with your identification number NIE.

• Important:* Documents can be submitted either from abroad through a consulate (which may involve difficulties) or directly from Spain while legally residing in the country on a tourist or other visa.

Which Projects Are Suitable and Which Are Not

Understanding what experts are looking for increases the chances of success.

• ✅ Examples of potentially strong areas:*

• Development of a SaaS platform for automating the design of solar power plants.
• Creation of an artificial intelligence-based service for content generation or design.
• Development of IoT solutions for smart agriculture and efficient water use.

• ❌ Areas that generally do not pass evaluation:*

• Traditional business: cafes, restaurants, bars.
• Services for the local market: beauty salons, tattoo studios, auto repair shops.
• Educational projects without a technological component (e.g., a local swimming school).

Document Preparation: Practical Checklist

When applying from Spain, you will need to gather a package of documents. Here is the main list:

• Valid foreign passport (scan of all pages).
• Proof of legal stay in Spain (passport entry stamp, valid visa card).
• Certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence for the last 5 years (with apostille or legalized).
• Medical insurance with full coverage (sin copago) and without waiting periods (sin carencia) for all family members.
• Proof of financial solvency (bank statements).
• Business plan and proof of its submission/approval from ENISA.
• Commitment to register as a self-employed entrepreneur (autónomo) and in the social security system (RETA) after obtaining the residence permit.
• Documents translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado). A list of such translators can be found on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What to Do After Obtaining the Visa

The Startup Visa is initially issued for 3 years. It can subsequently be renewed for another 2 years. Thus, after 5 years of legal residence in Spain, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR).

After the move, it is important to register for tax purposes and consider applying the special tax regime for new residents (Beckham regime), which allows paying a fixed income tax rate of 24% under certain conditions.

Self-Assessment: Do You Fit the Program?

Answer three key questions:

1. Do you have a detailed, well-developed innovative business plan, not just an idea?
2. Can you prove you have the necessary financial funds in your account?
3. Are you ready to actually move to Spain and launch your business here?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all questions—you are a potential candidate for the Startup Visa in Spain.

Conclusion

The Startup Visa is a clearly structured path to Spain for entrepreneurs with ambitious and technological projects. Success depends on the quality of business plan preparation and meticulous document gathering. It’s worth starting with a deep analysis of your project for compliance with innovation criteria and studying current requirements on official resources.