Launch or relocate your business to Spain with expert entrepreneur visa guidance. We help UK citizens, business owners, and self-employed professionals obtain Spanish residency through self-employment or business ownership.
95% Approval Rate | 500+ Successful Visas | Complete Business & Visa Support
Who: Self-employed professionals & business owners
Capital: €6,000-€10,000 minimum investment
Processing: 4-6 months average
Validity: 1 year initial, renewable 2-year periods
Family: Spouse & children can join
Can Work: Yes – self-employment in Spain
Before applying for the Entrepreneur Visa Spain, ensure you meet the following criteria:
Viable Business Plan
You must present a detailed business plan in Spanish demonstrating economic interest for Spain. The plan must include:
Capital Investment
You must demonstrate sufficient capital to establish and operate your business. This typically requires:
Professional Qualifications
You must prove relevant expertise for your proposed business through one of the following:
Health Insurance
You are required to have private health insurance from a company authorised to operate in Spain. The policy must provide comprehensive coverage with no copayments for the entire visa period.
Clean Criminal Record
You must submit a criminal record certificate showing no criminal history from the countries you have resided in for the past five years. Certificates must be:
Medical Certificate
You need a medical certificate that confirms you do not suffer from any illnesses that could pose a public health risk as defined by the WHO. The certificate must be recent (within 3 months) and issued by a licensed medical practitioner.
Proof of Accommodation
Provide proof of suitable accommodation in Spain, such as a rental agreement or property ownership documents. The accommodation must be adequate for you and any accompanying family members.
Additional Financial Means
Beyond business capital, you must demonstrate sufficient personal financial resources to support yourself and any dependents during the initial business establishment period, particularly if business income is not immediate.
Business Structure Documentation
Depending on your chosen business model, provide:
At My Move Spain, we manage the entire Non-Lucrative Visa application process, making it stress-free and straightforward.
Initial Consultation
We assess your eligibility and gather all relevant information to ensure your application meets the specific requirements.
Documentation Preparation
We help you collect, translate, and legalise all required documents, ensuring everything is correctly formatted and increases your chances of success.
Application Submission
Our team submits your application to the appropriate Spanish consulate or embassy and handles any inquiries or additional requests from the authorities.
Follow-Up and Support
We monitor the status of your application, provide updates, and ensure any additional requirements are addressed quickly.
Post-Approval Assistance
Once approved, we help you with the final steps, such as registering with the local municipality and setting up your new life in Spain.
The Entrepreneur Visa Spain offers many advantages for those looking to build their business and make Spain their new home:
Residency Benefits
Long-Term Stay: This visa allows you to live in Spain for an initial one year, renewable for two-year periods.
Path to Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous residency, you can apply for permanent residency in Spain, with no further renewal requirements.
Family Inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children can join you in Spain with family reunification visas, allowing your entire family to enjoy Spanish life together.
Business and Professional Freedom
Work Authorisation: Unlike other visa types, the Entrepreneur Visa grants you full authorisation to work for yourself, operate your own business, and generate unlimited income in Spain.
Business Ownership: Establish and run your own Spanish company (Sociedad Limitada) or register as self-employed (autónomo) with complete legal authorisation.
European Market Access: Access EU markets for business development, client acquisition, and networking opportunities across 27 European countries.
Professional Network: Join Spain’s thriving entrepreneur community, with access to coworking spaces, business incubators, and networking events in major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
Financial and Tax Advantages
Competitive Tax Environment: Benefit from Spain’s business-friendly tax structure, including 15% corporate tax rate for new companies in their first two years of operation.
Lower Operating Costs: Reduce business overhead with Spain’s affordable office space, utilities, and professional services typically 30–40% lower than UK or other major European cities.
EU Banking and Payments: Access European banking systems, SEPA payments, and simplified invoicing for EU clients.
Double Taxation Treaties: Spain has agreements with 90+ countries, including the UK, preventing double taxation on business income.
Health and Education
Healthcare Access: With private health insurance initially, you can access Spain’s excellent healthcare system. After contributing to social security as a business owner, you gain access to public healthcare.
Education Opportunities: Your children can benefit from Spain’s reputable education system, including international schools, bilingual programs, and private institutions with diverse curricula.
Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance
High Quality of Life: Build your business while enjoying Spain’s sunny climate, rich culture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant social scene.
Work-Life Balance: Spain’s culture values work-life balance, allowing you to grow your business while maintaining quality time with family and pursuing personal interests.
Travel Freedom: As a Spanish resident, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries, facilitating both business trips and leisure travel.
Cultural Enrichment: Experience Spain’s diverse regions, from cosmopolitan Barcelona and Madrid to charming coastal towns and historic cities, each offering unique business and lifestyle opportunities.
Living in Spain: The Ideal Choice for Entrepreneurs
Spain offers an exceptional environment for building a successful business while enjoying an outstanding quality of life, making it the perfect destination for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking both professional success and personal fulfilment.
Climate and Lifestyle
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Spain’s Mediterranean climate creates an inspiring environment for productivity and creativity. Work from beachside cafés, mountain retreats, or modern coworking spaces while enjoying outdoor activities year-round.
Affordable Cost of Living and Business Operations
Spain provides a significantly lower cost of living compared to the UK and other Western European countries, with affordable housing, food, and transportation options. Business expenses, including office space, utilities, and professional services, are 30–40% lower than in major European cities, maximising your business profitability.
Thriving Business Ecosystem
Spain’s growing startup ecosystem offers:
Natural Beauty and Inspiring Workspaces
From beautiful Mediterranean beaches to breathtaking Pyrenees mountains, Spain’s diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for inspiration, client meetings in scenic locations, and work-life integration that enhances both creativity and productivity.
Health and Education
Spain’s world-class healthcare system and excellent educational institutions ensure you and your family receive top-tier services while building your business. Access to international schools, universities, and professional development programs supports both family life and business growth.
By choosing Spain as your business home, you can experience entrepreneurial success alongside an enriching and balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re launching an innovative startup, relocating your established UK business, or establishing yourself as a self-employed professional, the Entrepreneur Visa is your gateway to building both business success and a fulfilling Mediterranean life.
The Entrepreneur Visa Spain (also known as the self-employed visa Spain or autónomo visa Spain) allows non-EU citizens to obtain Spanish residency by starting or running a business in Spain. This start-up business in Spain visa is perfect for UK citizens post-Brexit, international entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals wanting to establish operations in Spain’s growing economy.
Unlike employee work permits, the Spain entrepreneur visa gives you the freedom to work for yourself, establish your own company, or operate as a registered self-employed professional (autónomo) in Spain. Whether you’re a consultant relocating your UK business, a freelancer seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle, or an entrepreneur launching an innovative startup, this Spain business visa provides the legal pathway to Spanish residency through self-employment.
1. Live and Work Legally in Spain
The entrepreneur visa in Spain benefits include full legal authorisation to live and work in Spain as a self-employed professional. Unlike tourist visas (90-day limit), you can establish permanent residence, work unlimited hours, and build your business without visa restrictions.
2. Lower Cost of Living & Business Expenses
Spain offers 30-40% lower living costs compared to the UK, reducing both personal and business overhead. Office space, utilities, and professional services cost significantly less than in London or other UK cities, maximising your business’s profitability.
3. Access to European Markets
Spanish residency provides access to EU markets for business development, networking, and client acquisition. Spain’s strategic location connects you to European, Latin American, and North African markets.
4. Favourable Tax Environment
Self-employed professionals in Spain benefit from competitive tax rates:
5. Quality Mediterranean Lifestyle
Combine business success with an exceptional quality of life:
6. Family Inclusion
Bring your spouse and dependent children to Spain on your entrepreneur visa. Family members receive dependent residency permits, can attend Spanish schools, and access healthcare.
7. Pathway to Permanent Residency
After 5 years of continuous Spanish residency with your entrepreneur visa, you qualify for permanent residency (residencia permanente), providing indefinite stay rights without renewal requirements.
8. EU Travel Freedom
Spanish residency allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area (27 countries) for business or leisure.
Understanding Spain entrepreneur visa eligibility is critical before applying. Here are the conditions for the entrepreneur visa in Spain:
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
Non-EU Citizenship
Viable Business Plan
Sufficient Capital Investment
Professional Qualifications
Business Won’t Displace Spanish Workers
Clean Criminal Record
Health Insurance
Financial Means
Proof of Accommodation in Spain
Who is the Entrepreneur Visa Perfect For?
UK Business Owners Relocating Post-Brexit:
Freelancers & Self-Employed Professionals:
Startup Founders:
Hospitality & Tourism Entrepreneurs:
Our Spain entrepreneur visa lawyer team guides you through every step:
Step 1: Business Concept Development (Weeks 1-2)
We Help You:
Step 2: Business Plan Preparation (Weeks 3-6)
Professional Business Plan Creation:
Our business plan services ensure approval:
Step 3: Document Gathering (Weeks 7-10)
Required Documentation:
We Handle:
Step 4: Company Formation or Autónomo Registration (Weeks 8-12)
Business Structure Options:
Option A: Register as Autónomo (Self-Employed)
Option B: Form a Spanish Limited Company (SL)
We Coordinate:
Step 5: Visa Application Submission (Week 13)
Application Submission:
Our Support:
Step 6: Application Processing (Months 4-6)
Processing Timeline:
During Processing:
Step 7: Visa Approval & Travel to Spain (Month 6)
Upon Approval:
Step 8: Post-Arrival in Spain (First 30 Days)
Mandatory Steps:
Our Post-Arrival Support:
Download Entrepreneur Visa Checklist
Visa Application Costs:
Item | Cost |
Visa Application Fee | €150-200 |
Business Plan Preparation | €500-€1,500 (professional) |
Translations (sworn) | €200-€500 |
Apostille Services | €30-€100 per document |
Criminal Record Certificate | £55 (UK) |
Health Insurance | €50-€150/month |
Company Formation (if SL) | €500-€1,500 |
Legal/Immigration Services | €1,000-€3,000 |
Total Visa Application: €2,500-€7,000
Ongoing Business Costs in Spain:
Expense | Monthly Cost |
Autónomo Social Security | €294 |
Accountant (Gestoría) | €80-€150 |
Office/Workspace (optional) | €150-€500 |
Business Insurance | €50-€200 |
Utilities & Internet | €80-€150 |
Monthly Business Overhead: €650-€1,300
Initial Capital Investment:
Minimum €6,000-€10,000 business capital required plus 6 months operating expenses.
MyMoveSpain offers transparent, all-inclusive packages:
Specialised Entrepreneur Visa Expertise
Unlike general immigration lawyers, we specialise in Spain entrepreneur visa applications. Our team includes:
95% Approval Success Rate
Our proven process achieves 95% approval across all Spanish visa types, including entrepreneur visas. We know exactly what Spanish immigration authorities require and how to present your business case for approval.
Complete Business Plan Services
Many entrepreneur visa applications fail due to weak business plans. Our Spain entrepreneur visa lawyer team creates professional business plans meeting Spanish immigration requirements:
Post-Brexit UK Specialist
We understand the unique challenges UK citizens face post-Brexit when relocating businesses to Spain. Our team has helped 100+ UK entrepreneurs successfully obtain Spanish self-employed visas and transfer UK operations to Spain.
Local Spanish Support
Through our partnership with Heniam Associates, you get on-the-ground support in Spain:
End-to-End Business & Visa Support
We don’t just process visas; we help you successfully launch your Spanish business:
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees
All-inclusive service packages with clear pricing. No surprise costs, no hidden fees. You know exactly what you’re paying for from the start.
Money-Back Guarantee
If your entrepreneur visa application is denied due to our error, we refund our service fees. We’re confident in our 95% success rate.
Book a Free Consultation with an Entrepreneur Visa Specialist
Not sure if an entrepreneur visa is right for you? Here’s how it compares:
Feature | Entrepreneur Visa | Digital Nomad Visa | Non-Lucrative Visa | Work Permit |
Can Work? | ✅ Self-employed | ✅ Remote only | ❌ No work | ✅ Employed only |
Income Requirement | Business capital | €2,762/month | €27,115/year | Job offer |
Business Ownership | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Tax Benefits | Standard rates | 24% flat rate | N/A | Standard rates |
Processing Time | 4-6 months | 1-3 months | 3-4 months | 3-6 months |
Ideal For | Business owners | Remote workers | Retirees | Employees |
Still unsure? Our free consultation helps you choose the optimal visa pathway.
The entrepreneur visa in Spain allows non-EU citizens to obtain Spanish residency by starting or running a business, working as self-employed (autónomo), or launching an innovative startup in Spain.
Minimum €6,000-€10,000 business capital plus 6 months operating expenses. Total budget including visa costs: €10,000-€20,000 minimum for business launch and residency application.
Yes, UK citizens can obtain an entrepreneur visa in Spain post-Brexit for self-employment or business ownership. This is one of the most popular pathways for UK business owners relocating to Spain.
Autónomo visa Spain refers to an entrepreneur visa for self-employed professionals. “Autónomo” is the Spanish term for self-employed/freelancer. This visa allows you to work for yourself legally in Spain.
Standard processing: 4-6 months from application submission to approval. Can extend to 8 months in complex cases. Our optimised applications typically process within 5 months.
Yes, spouse and dependent children can join you on family reunification visas once your entrepreneur visa is approved. They receive dependent residence permits valid for the same duration as your visa.
While not legally required, professional guidance significantly increases approval chances. Our 95% success rate (vs. 60-70% DIY applications) demonstrates the value of expert entrepreneur visa support.
Most legitimate businesses qualify: consulting, digital services, e-commerce, hospitality, creative services, import/export, and property management. Businesses must demonstrate economic value and not displace Spanish workers.
Yes, you can serve international clients (including UK clients) while based in Spain with an entrepreneur visa. You’re self-employed in Spain but can work for clients worldwide.
After an initial 1-year visa, you can renew for 2-year periods. After 5 years of total residency, you qualify for permanent residency. After 10 years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
