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Immigration

Entrepreneur visa

The entrepreneur residence permit under Law 14/2013 allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain to start, develop or run an innovative business project, or one of special economic interest, with a favourable report from ENISA. Since the Startups Act, it is a three-year permit and, if you are outside Spain, it is completed with a visa. We support you throughout the process.

By Aida Elias Soguero, ICAB member no. 44021 · Updated on 14 October 2026

In brief

Who it is for
Non-EU nationals aged 18 or over with an innovative business project or one of special economic interest to Spain.
Where to apply
The permit is applied for online with the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE), also from abroad. If you are outside Spain, once it is granted you apply for the visa at the consulate.
Duration
Three years, renewable for two-year periods; after five years you may obtain permanent residence.
Fees
We quote them in the first consultation (€40), with the option to pay in instalments.

Requirements

  • An innovative project, or one of special economic interest to Spain, with a favourable report from ENISA.
  • A business plan describing the project, the product or service and its financing, including the investment required and possible sources of funding.
  • A suitable professional profile and involvement in the project; where there are several partners, each one's participation is assessed.
  • Being 18 or over, not being unlawfully in Spain and not being listed as inadmissible in the Schengen area.
  • No criminal record in Spain or in your countries of residence over the last two years, plus a declaration that you have none for the last five.
  • Public or private health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, and sufficient financial resources for you and your family.
  • Meeting any sector-specific legal requirements to start the business, and paying the fee.

How we help you

  1. We study your project

    We assess whether it qualifies as an entrepreneurial activity under the statutory criteria or whether another route, such as the self-employment permit, is more suitable.

  2. We prepare your application

    We help you organise the business plan and project documents for ENISA, and your personal documents: passport, means, insurance and criminal record.

  3. Filing the application

    We guide you through the ENISA questionnaire and file the online application with the UGE-CE. The law sets twenty days for a decision; if there is no answer, it is deemed granted.

  4. Visa and arrival

    If you are outside Spain, we assist with the visa application at the consulate, which, as a rule, must be decided within ten working days; afterwards, with the TIE and renewal.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to invest a minimum amount or create jobs?

No. The UGE-CE states that there is no minimum investment or job-creation requirement. ENISA assesses your professional profile, the business plan and its financing, and the project's added value for the Spanish economy.

Can I apply if I am already in Spain?

Yes, if you hold a stay or residence permit or a visa. The application is filed online with the UGE-CE and extends your current status until it is decided; in that case you do not need a visa.

Can my family come?

Yes. Your spouse or partner, your minor children or adult children who depend on you and have not formed their own family, and dependent parents may apply for the permit and, where applicable, the visa, at the same time as you or later.

Legislation

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