Spain Self-Employed Visa from Canada
If you’re a Canadian citizen seeking a residence visa to work as a self-employed individual in Spain, you might be eligible for the Spain Self-Employed Visa.
For more information about the Self-Employed Visa and how to become self-employed in Spain, please speak to one of our friendly immigration advisers. Call IAS at +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online.
Overview of the Self-Employed Work Visa in Spain
The Spain Self-Employed Visa, also known as the Autónomo Visa or the Spain Freelance Visa, is a work visa that enables citizens from outside the European Union to come to Spain to live and work as freelancers or self-employed workers.
This visa is an option for Canadian citizens who want to establish their businesses in Spain but do not meet the Residency Visa for Entrepreneurs and Business Activity (REM) eligibility requirements.
There are two stages to apply for the Self-Employed Visa: first, you must obtain an initial Temporary Residence Permit and Self-Employed Work Permit.
Page Contents
- Overview of the Self-Employed Work Visa in Spain
- Eligibility Requirements for a Spanish Self-Employed Visa
- Required Documents for a Spanish Self-Employed Visa
- Required Documents for an Initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain
- Application Process for a Self-Employed Work Visa: Obtaining the Initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit
- Self-Employed Work Visa Application Spain
- Spanish Visa Refusals and Other Possible Complications
- Interview or Additional Verification Procedures
- What Happens if Your Spain Self-Employed Visa Application is Refused?
- Self-Employed Visa Costs in Spain for Canadians
- Coming to Spain: Registering With the Spanish Social Security System
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Requirements for a Spanish Self-Employed Visa
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following Self-Employed Visa Spain requirements:
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen and at least 16 years old.
- Intend to be self-employed or establish your own business in Spain.
- Have a plan for the establishment or activity that you intend to carry out to indicate the nature of the business, the initial investment you need to start and maintain the business, the expected return, or, if applicable, the jobs that will be created.
- Submit evidence of documents accrediting any relevant qualifications related to the job you will be doing.
- Prove that you have enough financial means to carry out the planned investment and pay any additional fees for, for example, dependents, if applicable.
- Provide evidence of health insurance to show that you will be covered while you stay in Spain.
- Have a clear criminal record.
Required Documents for a Spanish Self-Employed Visa
To prove your eligibility for the Spain Self-Employed Work Visa, you must submit the following supporting documents along with your visa application:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a photocopy of every page. The passport must be valid for at least four months and contain biometric data.
- Recent passport-size photo
- A medical certificate
- Proof of legal residence, such as a rental agreement, proof of property purchase, hotel booking, or invitation letter if you plan to stay with someone.
- If you’re 18 or older, you must submit a clean Canadian criminal record certificate
- Completed and signed National Visa application form along with proof of payment for the visa fee.
Required Documents for an Initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain
Spain Golden visa grants temporary Spanish residency to foreign individuals who invest in real estate, Spanish companies, or establish a business in Spain. It is also known as an Investor visa.
The Golden visa allows you to bring your dependents to Spain and grants them the right to study and work in Spain. It is a viable pathway to permanent residency and Spanish citizenship.
Overview
- Completed application for an initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit (EX-07).
- Proof of payment of the initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit fees.
- Proof of funds
- List of activity permits and licences
- Proof of qualifications such as certificates, degrees, diplomas, or work experience.
- A clear and concise business plan
- Approved private health insurance covering your entire stay in Spain.
All documents written in a foreign language must be translated to Spanish by a sworn translator.
How to Demonstrate Proof of Sufficient Funds?
There is no statutory minimum amount required, as it will depend on the nature of your business.
Documents to demonstrate sufficient financial means include bank statements, pay slips, tax returns or freelance contracts demonstrating that you will have sufficient financial resources to start and sustain your business or a statement of commitment by financial or other institutions providing financial support.
Is There a Language Proficiency Requirement?
To apply for the Self-Employment Visa, applicants are not required to meet any formal or mandatory language proficiency requirements; however, some language knowledge is beneficial when navigating the legal aspects of the visa application and your life in Spain.
For assistance from professional immigration lawyers specialising in immigration law in Spain, call Total Law at +1 844 290 6312.
Application Process for a Self-Employed Work Visa: Obtaining the Initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit
Before applying for the Spain Self-Employed Work Visa, you must obtain the Self-Employed Work and Residence Permit.
You must complete the form (EX-07) with all the required supporting documents and submit it in person by booking an appointment at the Consular Section of the Spanish Embassy in Ottawa (Ontario).
After applying, you will receive proof of receipt from the Consular Office and a copy of your application form. Your application will be decided within 3 months. If it is successful, you can apply for the Self-Employed Visa.
Self-Employed Work Visa Application Spain
Once you obtain your initial Residence and Self-Employed Work Permits, you can proceed with the Self-Employed Visa Spain application process.
To obtain the visa, you must complete and submit your application after booking an appointment at the Embassy of Spain in Ottawa. If you live outside of Ottawa, you should apply for your visa at the Spanish Consulate General in Toronto or Montreal.
The Consular Office will provide you with proof of receipt of the application and a tracking code to track its status. After the submission date, the Spanish immigration authorities can take up to one month to decide on your application.
Spanish Visa Refusals and Other Possible Complications
Several common complications can arise when you’re applying for a Spain Freelancer Visa which could lead to a visa refusal, including:
- Lack of proof of sufficient financial means
- Incomplete or incorrect visa forms
- Having a criminal record or missing criminal record check certificate
- Inadequate business plan
- Missing evidence of health insurance
Interview or Additional Verification Procedures
Canadian citizens applying for the Self-Employed Visa to Spain may be required to undergo visa interviews or additional verification procedures. The Spanish Consulate may request an interview to clarify some information in your visa request. With an Autónomo Visa, this is often related to the business plan.
The visa interview aims to confirm that the information, such as your qualifications, proposed self-employment or business activity, and financial stability, aligns with what you have included in the application.
Therefore, you might be invited for a visa interview to validate supporting documentation and clarify any inconsistencies.
What Happens if Your Spain Self-Employed Visa Application is Refused?
If your visa is refused, you can submit an appeal for reconsideration within 30 days of receiving the decision. You can also apply for a judicial review with the High Court Justice of Madrid two months after your decision.
Working with a reliable immigration lawyer when applying for a visa can help you avoid any common pitfalls that can potentially result in an unsuccessful visa decision.
To find out how we can help you maximise the chances of visa approval, call Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 or chat with one of our advisers online.
Self-Employed Visa Costs in Spain for Canadians
The fee for a Self-Employed Work Visa for Canadian nationals is €1,425.
Applicants may have to pay additional fees, including the Residence Permit fee (€10), the Self-Employment Work Permit fee (€199), travel documents, translations, medical certificates, and health insurance.
When you arrive in Spain, you must register with Spanish authorities by going to a police station or a Foreign Nationals Office (also referred to as an Immigration Office) and signing an entry declaration.
You must also register with the Spanish tax authority, set up a Spanish bank account within three months, and complete the application form (TA0521) to register with the social security system.
Within 30 days of registering with the Social Security System, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card at the Foreign Nationals Office or the police station nearest to where you live.
How Can Total Law Help?
Coming to Spain to freelance or start your own business is an exciting opportunity.
Total Law has helped many Canadians with their Spanish visa application process by assessing their eligibility, explaining complex legal requirements, helping gather supporting documents and guiding them through the process to ensure the highest chances of visa approval and minimise complications.
To learn more about the Autónomo Visa or our other services, call Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 or chat with one of our advisers online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
The validity period of the Self-Employed Visa is initially one year but can be extended for two years at a time.
To renew your visa, you must submit a new visa application and supporting documents, including a business plan and proof of financial resources.
It is possible to work remotely on a Self-Employed Visa in Spain for a company located in Spain as long as the remote work is part of the same business plan you are establishing.
