Spain Entrepreneur Visa (Startup visa)
Spain is a European country with a strong economy and close business connections to the rest of the EU. For Canadians looking to start a business in Spain, the Entrepreneur visa is often a popular choice.
If you are a Canadian citizen who is looking to start a business in Spain, the Entrepreneur visa might be the right fit for you. But the rules are complex and the process of applying can be time-consuming. At Total Law, our legal experts can help make your application as smooth as possible. Contact us today on +1 844 290 6312 or online to learn more.
Overview of the Spain Entrepreneur Visa
Spain’s Entrepreneur visas allow non-EU citizens to start a business in Spain. In order to be eligible, your business idea must be unique and innovative; that is, it must add something new to the Spanish market.
This is in distinction from the Self-Employed visa, where you are authorised to start a business which already exists in Spain, and the Digital Nomad visa, which allows you to work as a self-employed Digital Nomad within Spain.
The Entrepreneur visa allows you to live in Spain for an initial period of 3 years and can be renewed upon expiry, providing a route to eventual permanent residency and Spanish citizenship.
This visa also allows your immediate family members to join you in Spain.
Page Contents
- Overview of the Spain Entrepreneur Visa
- Spain Entrepreneur Visa Requirements
- Required Documents for the Entrepreneur Visa
- Visa Application Procedure for the Entrepreneur Visa in Spain
- Application Process Time and Visa Fee
- Benefits of the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Spain Entrepreneur Visa Requirements
There are a number of eligibility criteria which you must satisfy in order to be eligible for this visa type. These are as follows:
- Your business idea must be original and innovative; it cannot be a business which already exists in the Spanish market
- You must be able to demonstrate that your business will generate revenue within Spain and will create Spanish jobs, thereby boosting the Spanish economy
- You must be able to demonstrate that your business will generate Spanish investment opportunities
If you wish to start a business which already exists in Spain, the Self-Employed visa may be a better fit. Alternatively, if you wish to enter Spain as a remote worker, the Digital Nomad visa is likely to be the best route.
The Digital Nomad visa allows the holder to work either for a non-Spanish company or in a self-employed capacity.
Required Documents for the Entrepreneur Visa
There are a number of documents which you will require in order to apply for a Spanish Entrepreneur visa, including the following:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Passport photo, to the Spanish specifications
- A business plan, in which you outline your business idea and how the business will contribute to the Spanish economy
- Proof of sufficient financial means to start your business
- Confirmation from the Spanish Commercial Office that your business idea has been approved
- Proof of your professional profile, i.e. evidence that you have the skill set to successfully realise your business idea
In order to increase your chances of success, you could also submit letters from investors or business angels who would be interested in investing in your business, letters from prospective customers, or letters from customers who have already purchased your product, or a prototype of it.
In general, any evidence you can provide which demonstrates your business’s viability is likely to increase your chances of a successful application. Note that all documents will need to be translated into Spanish. You must make sure to use an authorised translation service.
Visa Application Procedure for the Entrepreneur Visa in Spain
You will need to complete a number of steps in order to submit an Entrepreneur visa application.
You can apply for the Entrepreneur visa online, from outside of Spain, via the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) website. You will also need to submit your business plan for approval. It should be submitted to the General Directorate of Foreign Trade and Investment if you are applying from outside of Spain.
Alternatively, you can apply for the Entrepreneur visa from within Spain when in the country on a Tourist visa, in which case you can apply directly at the UGE in Madrid. If you pursue this route, you will need to submit your documentation to the Large Business Units and your business plan to the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
If your application is successful, you can then travel to Spain, where you will receive a Residence permit. This will be valid for 3 years, and can be renewed upon expiry, provided that you continue to satisfy the eligibility criteria.
Application Process Time and Visa Fee
A decision will generally be made on your application within 10 to 20 days, depending on the route through which you apply. Once you receive confirmation that your visa is ready, you must collect it within 1 month. In order to avoid delays, make sure to submit all required documents as quickly as possible and to promptly provide any additional information which is requested.
In general, the Spain Entrepreneur visa fees are €80. However, this cost is often more expensive for Canadian and US applicants. There may also be additional costs associated with your application, such as the cost of translating your documents into Spanish. Some applicants also choose to seek legal advice in order to assist with their application.
Contact Total Law today on +1 844 290 6312 to learn more about our own range of services and about how much your visa application is likely to cost.
Benefits of the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa
There are a number of benefits to obtaining the Spanish Entrepreneur visa. If you are looking to start an innovative and original business in Spain, this is likely to be the right route for you.
One of the benefits of the Entrepreneur visa is that it allows you to live in Spain for a 5-year period, provided that you continue to satisfy the visa’s eligibility criteria.
This means that it provides a route to permanent residence and eventual Spanish citizenship, so long as the eligibility criteria are met (speaking proficient Spanish in the case of a citizenship application, for example).
Another benefit is that it allows you to start a business in the thriving Spanish economy, providing you with numerous business opportunities and close proximity to the rest of the EU market.
Additionally, Spain itself boasts a warm climate, excellent schools, numerous travel opportunities, and many areas of natural beauty, making it an appealing country in which to do business and in which to raise a family.
In sum, Spain is a popular choice with Canadians looking to start a business overseas because it offers numerous benefits, including a strong economy, a warm climate, and an enjoyable living environment.
How Can Total Law Help?
Spain is a thriving European country with a strong economy, numerous professional opportunities, and close business connections to the rest of the EU. What is more, it boasts a rich culture, excellent schools, and many areas of natural beauty.
As such, it is a popular choice for those looking to start businesses overseas. For many Canadians, opening a business in Spain is an appealing choice, and the Entrepreneur visa is a common route. If you are looking to start an innovative and original business in Spain, this is likely to be the right route for you.
However, the rules and regulations surrounding Spain’s Entrepreneur visa are complicated. As such, it can often be difficult to work out whether you are eligible for this particular visa route. At Total Law, our legal experts are adept at offering immigration advice on cases exactly like this.
We provide a wide range of packages and can help you with every stage of the application process. Contact us today on +1 844 290 6312 or fill out an online contact form to learn more.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this visa does provide a route to permanent residency. Once you have lived legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. This means that you will be able to settle permanently in Spain.
After 10 years of living legally and continuously in Spain, you can apply for Spanish citizenship. If you successfully obtain citizenship, you will be able to apply for a Spanish passport and to vote in Spanish elections. You will also be eligible to live, work, and study in other EU countries without requiring a visa.
Yes, your immediate family members will be able to join you under this visa route. That generally refers to your spouse or unmarried partner and your minor children, although dependant parents or adult children may also be able to join you, if they satisfy the eligibility criteria.
If your immediate family members do seek to join you, you will need to provide sufficient evidence of the familial relationship, such as birth certificates, a marriage certificate, or other family records.
The main difference between the Entrepreneur visa and the Self-Employed visa is that the business idea must be innovative and unique in the case of the Entrepreneur visa. For the Self-Employed visa, however, similar businesses can already exist within the Spanish market.
This means that, if your application for an Entrepreneur visa is rejected on the grounds that your business idea is not innovative or unique enough, the Self-Employed visa might be a better fit. Contact Total Law today on +1 844 290 6312 to learn more about the different routes to starting a business in Spain and which one is the best fit for you.
