Entrepreneur Visa

An Entrepreneur Visa (frequently referred to as a Startup Visa) is a specialized residence permit designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to move to a foreign country to launch an innovative, scalable, or high-tech business.

While many countries offer versions of this visa, Spain has become one of the most popular global destinations for it—thanks to its updated Startup Law, quick processing times, and highly favorable tax structures.

What Makes a Project Qualify?

You cannot get an Entrepreneur Visa for a traditional small business like opening a local coffee shop, a hair salon, or a standard retail store. The core requirement is that your business must be innovative.

Governments evaluate your project based on three main pillars:

Innovation & Technology: The business must utilize modern technology, a unique business model, or proprietary software/patents that set it apart from existing competitors.
Job Creation: The project must have the clear potential to hire local workers and stimulate the host country’s labor market in the long term.
Economic Interest: It must bring clear value and growth potential to the local economy.

Key Requirements

To successfully apply, you need to prepare a robust application package containing both your corporate strategy and your personal background:

A Solid Business Plan: This is the most critical element. It must include a thorough market analysis, your marketing strategy, financing sources, and detailed 3-year financial projections.
Government Endorsement: In Spain, your business plan must be officially vetted and approved by ENISA (the National Innovation Company).
Proof of Financial Means: You must prove you have enough personal savings to support yourself (and any accompanying family) while the business gets off the ground, without relying on social welfare. For Spain, the main applicant needs to show around €34,200+ in savings.
Professional Background: Your CV, degrees, and past work experience must prove that you actually have the necessary skills to run the business successfully.
Standard Immigration Documents: A clean criminal record check (covering the last 5 years), a valid passport, and comprehensive private health insurance with full coverage in the country.

Major Advantages of the Spain Entrepreneur Visa

If you are aiming for Spain, the setup under the current framework offers incredible perks compared to standard self-employed visas:

Feature	Details
Initial Duration	3 years of residency if applied for directly from within Spain (on a tourist visa), or 1 year if applied via a consulate.
Fast-Track Processing	The immigration department operates under an “express resolution” window, typically providing an answer within 20 to 30 working days.
Path to Permanent Residency	After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Tax Benefits	Qualifying startups enjoy a reduced Corporate Income Tax rate of 15% (instead of the standard 25%) for their first few profitable years, along with eligibility for the Beckham Law tax regime.
Family Inclusion	You can seamlessly include your spouse, dependent children, and even dependent parents in the same joint application.

The Standard Application Process

1.Draft the Business Plan: Step 1.

Flesh out your innovative concept into a formal business plan, ensuring it highlights your tech components, funding sources, and scaling strategy.

2.Submit to ENISA: Step 2.

Upload your business plan and financial projections to the ENISA portal for official evaluation. They will review it to see if it meets the criteria for “innovation.”

3.Apply to the UGE: Step 3.

Once you receive a favorable report (or alongside your submission), upload your personal documents, proof of funds, and background checks to the Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) portal.

4.Get Your TIE Card: Step 4.

Upon approval, you will receive a 3-year residency authorization. You can then book an appointment at a local police station in Spain to take your fingerprints and issue your physical residence card (TIE).