Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
€0
Fees and Expenses
From €1,280
Income Requirement
€31,750/year
Residency (Visa) Length
2 years
Time to Obtain
2-3 months
Complexity
Simple
The Spain Startup Visa offers a streamlined residence permit for entrepreneurs looking to incorporate and start a business in Spain. The biggest benefit is that applicants are eligible for Beckham's law regime, meaning much more favorable taxation.
Applicants acquire temporary residency, but they must demonstrate an annual income of at least €31,750 to meet financial eligibility. Additional fees, including government and legal expenses, typically from €1,200+ for the main applicant.
Dependents, including spouses and children, are included in the visa, allowing families to relocate together. The application process takes approximately 2-4 months and can be started remotely, although applicants must attend the immigration office for essential steps, such as obtaining their residency card.
Maintaining active business operations and ties to Spain is necessary for visa renewal and progression toward permanent residency after 5 years. Citizenship applications are possible after 10+ years of continuous residency, requiring a minimum annual presence of 183+ days.
The Spain Startup Visa is an ideal solution for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to leverage Spain's dynamic business environment while accessing broader opportunities across the EU.
Who can apply for Spain Entrepreneur visa?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Innovative Business Plan: A viable and innovative business idea approved by Spanish authorities.
- Proof of Economic Means: €31,752 annually.
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance coverage in Spain.
- No Criminal Record: Clean records from the last 5 years.
- Residency Application Fees: Payment of relevant fees.
- Eligibility Check: Compliance with Spain's startup ecosystem criteria.
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Proof of Economic Means: €11,907 annually.
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance coverage in Spain.
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Proof of Economic Means: €3,969 annually per dependent.
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance coverage in Spain.
Over 18:
- —
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Spain Startup Visa
A visa designed for non-EU citizens intending to establish innovative businesses in Spain. It offers a pathway to residency for entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas that contribute to Spain's economy.
Requirements:
Proof of Economic Means
Proof of annual financial means of €31,752 for the main applicant (200% of the Spanish minimum wage), €11,907 for a spouse (75%), and €3,969 for each dependent (25%).
Amount: €31,752
Health Insurance
Private health insurance for the main applicant and dependents, starting at €600 per person annually.
Amount: €600
Business Plan
A detailed and innovative business plan approved by the relevant Spanish authorities.
Amount: €0
Fees:
Visa Application Fee
The standard fee is approximately €80. However, for nationals of certain countries like the United States, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the fee may vary due to reciprocity agreements.
Amount: €80
Residency Permit Fee
Fee for issuing the residency permit, €158 per person.
Amount: €158
Legal Services
Legal fees for application assistance, starting at €1,000 for the main applicant and €500 per dependent.
Amount: €1,000
Business Plan Assistance
Optional professional assistance for drafting a business plan, ranging from €500 to €2,000.
Amount: €500
A visa designed for non-EU citizens intending to establish innovative businesses in Spain. It offers a pathway to residency for entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas that contribute to Spain's economy.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Proof of Economic Means* | €31,752 (not included in total) | €11,907 (not included in total) | €3,969 (not included in total) |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Visa Application Fee | €80 | €80 | €80 |
Residency Permit Fee | €158 | €158 | €158 |
Legal Services | €1,000 | €500 | €500 |
| Total Cost | €2,338 for main applicant | €3,076 for married couple | €3,814 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Lifestyle AdvantagesEnjoy Spain's warm Mediterranean climate, a high quality of life, and family-friendly living with access to excellent private education and leisure facilities. | |
Residency PerksGain access to the EU Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free travel across 27 countries, with a clear pathway to permanent residency in 5 years and citizenship in 10+ years. | |
Minimal Presence RequirementMaintain temporary residency with minimal annual presence during the initial phase, requiring ties to Spain through business operations while allowing flexibility. | |
Tax IncentivesBenefit from reduced corporate tax rates, R&D tax credits, and eligibility for the Beckham Law, which offers favorable tax treatment for expats in Spain. |
Entrepreneur visa vs other programs in Spain
| Criteria | Startup visa | Non-Lucrative Visa> | Digital Nomad Visa> |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €0 | €0 | €0 |
| Residency Type | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency |
| Application Fees | €1,280 | €880 | €1,200 |
| Annual Income Requirement | €31,750 | €28,800 | €31,000 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 183 days | 183 days | 0 days |
| Key Perks | EU Schengen AccessSimple SetupNo Presence Required | Simple SetupEU Schengen Access | Simple SetupLow Cost Program |
| Ideal For | EntrepreneursInvestors | RetireesPerson of independent means | Digital Nomads |
How to apply for Entrepreneur visa - Timeline
Business Plan Approval
Submit an innovative business plan to Spanish authorities, demonstrating feasibility, scalability, and alignment with Spain’s economic priorities.
Visa Application Processing
Submit your visa application with required documents such as financial proof, criminal record certificate, and health insurance to the Spanish consulate or UGE.
Visa Issuance
Receive your visa from the Spanish consulate or embassy after approval, allowing you to travel to Spain.
Residency Card (TIE) Application
Visit the local immigration office in Spain to apply for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) and submit biometric data.
Spain Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Residence based
Special Regime: Beckhams Law
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency:
Income Tax Rate: 47
Frequently Asked Questions
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