Self-Employed Visa Spain (Autonomo Visa)
You may be eligible for the Self-Employed visa in Spain if you’re over 16 years old and want to work as a self-employed person in Spain.
For more information about Spain’s Self-Employed visa, eligibility requirements, and guidance with the application process, speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers today. You can call us at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or leave a message on our website.
What is a Self-Employed Visa in Spain?
Spain’s Self-Employed visa allows non-EU nationals to live and work independently in Spain. It is popularly known as the Autonomo Visa or Freelance Visa. Self-employed visa holders can start a small business or work as autónomo (freelance) in Spain.
The Self-Employed visa is also an alternative option for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start businesses in Spain but do not qualify for the Residency Visa for Entrepreneurs and Business Activity (REM).
Self-Employed Visa Spain: Key facts
| Field | Summary |
|---|---|
| Visa name | Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo) |
| Who it’s for | Non-EU/EEA nationals wanting to live in Spain and work as self-employed / freelancers or start a small business. |
| Minimum age | 16 (Total.Law notes 16+, official guidance generally references majority for some actions — see notes). |
| Two-stage process | Yes — (1) initial residence & self-employed work permit (applied at Consulate from abroad) → (2) national visa once permit is approved. |
| Initial permit duration | 1 year (initial authorization). |
| Visa validity on issuance | 90 days to enter Spain (then register and obtain TIE). |
| Renewal pathway | Renew initial permit (generally 2-year renewals thereafter) → eligible for permanent residence after continuous residence periods (typically 5 years). |
| Main documents required | Business plan, EX-07 form, passport, criminal record, medical certificate, proof of funds, qualifications, activity licences (where required). |
| Typical processing target | Consular decision on permit/visa: usually within 1 month for visa stage, but additional checks/interviews may lengthen times. |
Page Contents
- What is a Self-Employed Visa in Spain?
- Differences Between the Self-Employed Visa and Entrepreneur Visa Spain
- Eligibility Criteria For Self-Employed Visa Spain
- How to Obtain a Self-Employed Work Visa For Spain?
- Obtaining a Self-Employed Work and Residence Permit
- Obtaining a Self-Employed Work Visa For Spain
- Taxes on a Self-Employed Work Visa in Spain
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Differences Between the Self-Employed Visa and Entrepreneur Visa Spain
Both Self-Employed and Entrepreneur Visas allow you to start and run a business in Spain. The difference is in the type and size of the business.
The Entrepreneur Visa is specifically designed for foreign nationals who want to start an innovative business involving advanced technology that will contribute significantly to Spain’s economy. It is for entrepreneurs starting a new business that will drive economic growth and create jobs for Spaniards.
The self-employment/autonomo visa route is most suitable for you if you want to start a small business or carry out freelance work in Spain.
Eligibility Criteria For Self-Employed Visa Spain
To qualify for the Self-Employed visa, you must:
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Not be an illegal resident of Spain
Eligibility checklist
| Eligibility point | What this means / what to prepare |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-EU/EEA citizens (not nationals of EU/EEA). |
| Minimum age | 16+ mentioned by Total.Law; many official forms/steps reference 18+ for certain authorisations — verify if applicant is a minor before applying. |
| Legal residence at time of application | Must apply from country of residence (consular district). Not intended for people already unlawfully resident in Spain. |
| Clean criminal record | Criminal record certificates for last 5 years (from all countries of residence in that period) — legalized/apostilled and translated when required. |
| Viable business activity | Business plan and evidence that activity is realistic, economically viable and, where required, licensed. |
| Financial resources | Sufficient funds to start and run the project and support self; no single fixed amount — depends on business plan and activity. |
| Professional qualifications/experience | Provide diplomas/certificates demonstrating skills relevant to the proposed activity. |
| Public health risk | Medical certificate stating no disease that threatens public health (issued within required recent period). |
How to Obtain a Self-Employed Work Visa For Spain?
The process of obtaining a self-employed visa in Spain has two phases.
- Obtain an initial residence and self-employed work permit. This is different from the work and residence permit for those coming to work as an employee of a Spanish company.
- Obtain a self-employed visa.
Assessment criteria: What authorities look for (economic/viability report checklist)
| Assessment factor | Why it matters / what to evidence |
|---|---|
| Business viability | Clear market analysis, revenue forecasts, realistic costs, and sustainability. |
| Financial resources | Funds to start & sustain the business (investments, savings, loans) — matched to plan. |
| Economic benefit to Spain | Job creation potential, contribution to local/regional economy. |
| Qualifications & experience | CV, diplomas, contracts or prior experience showing capability to execute the plan. |
| Regulatory compliance | Licences, permits and evidence you can obtain any required registrations. |
| Local/regional fit | Some regions apply local criteria (autonomous community may limit geographic/activity scope). |
Obtaining a Self-Employed Work and Residence Permit
This phase of the Self-Employed Visa application process happens in your home country. You’ll need to apply for a residence permit to work as a self-employed person in Spain.
You’ll submit the work and residence permit application at the nearest Spanish consulate. Along with the application, you’ll also need to submit relevant supporting documents proving your eligibility and that you intend to work legitimately in Spain.
Documents Required For the Self-Employed Work and Residence Permit Application
You must provide the following documents to prove your eligibility when applying for a Spain self-employed work and residence permit.
- A valid passport – Original and photocopies of each page of your current valid passport
- Completed and signed EX-07 form – Application for an initial residence and self-employed work permit. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must sign the form.
- A comprehensive business plan outlining all the details of your intended activities in Spain. The business plan should state the value of your business to Spain, how you’ll finance the business, your target market, the number of jobs the business will create (if any), and expected returns.
- A certificate from Spain’s Self-Employed Workers Association that confirms your business’s viability.
- Activity permits and licences if your business requires them. Include a list of all permits and licences required for your business and your progress with obtaining them. Also, include copies of the licences you’ve already received.
- Originals and photocopies of professional training qualifications certifying that you’re qualified to operate the business you intend to establish in Spain.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to start and run your business and support yourself in Spain. There is no minimum or maximum required amount. What constitutes sufficient funds depends on the business you intend to start. You must include originals and photocopies of the necessary financial documents.
All documents in foreign languages must be apostilled or legalised, and you must also include certified Spanish translations.
Document Checklists
| Document | Notes / Typical requirements |
|---|---|
| EX-07 form | Completed & signed (application for initial residence & self-employment permit). |
| Passport | Original + photocopies of biometric pages; passport validity typically ≥ 1 year; 2 blank pages. |
| Business plan | Detailed plan (market, financing, expected returns, social/economic value, jobs created). Essential for favourable economic report. |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements, investment evidence, funding letters — amount depends on project scale. |
| Professional qualifications | Originals + copies and translations (if not in Spanish). |
| Licences/permits | If activity is regulated, include licences already obtained or plan and timeline to obtain them. |
| Certificate from professional association (if applicable) | Eg. where sector association confirmation helps viability. |
| Criminal record check | From country of residence(s) covering last 5 years; apostille/legalisation + translation. |
| Proof of residence in consular district | Document showing you live in the consular area where you apply. |
Spain Self-Employed Work and Residence Permit Application Process
After gathering all the necessary documents, you must submit them in person at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country or current country of residence. However, you must make an appointment first. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents can send the application on their behalf.
You’ll be given a copy of your application form (form EX-07) and the receipts for your application fee payments (forms 790-52 and 790-62), if necessary. They’ll then forward your dossier to the appropriate Foreign Nationals Office for processing. Initial residence and self-employed work permits are typically processed within three months.
Once a decision is made, the Consular Office will send you a notification of the decision. If your application is approved, they’ll invite you to apply for a Self-Employed Work Visa. If the decision is unfavourable, you can file an appeal for reconsideration at the Consular Office within one month of receiving the notification.
Duration and Validity of the Work and Residence Permit
The residence permit is valid for an initial one year. The work permit may also be restricted to a specific activity and location.
You can apply to renew the permit before it expires as long as you continue to meet the requirements for the permit and have maintained continuous residence in Spain. The new permit will be valid for two years, after which you can renew it.
You will be eligible for a permanent residence permit after five years of holding the temporary residence permit. You may also become eligible for Spanish citizenship after ten years of legal residence in Spain. However, this may require you to renounce your current citizenship, as Spain does not allow dual citizenship for most people.
Natives of Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, Latin-American countries, the Philippines, and Jews of Sephardic descent can qualify for Spanish citizenship after two years of legal residence.
Initial Residence and Self-Employment Work Permit Fees
To pay the application fees at the Consular office, you must complete and sign two copies of form 790-52, ticking box 2.0 (initial temporary residence permit), and form 790-62, ticking box 1.5 (self-employed work permit).
You can also pay the fees online via the links to forms 790-52 and 790-62. You must print the proof of payment from the web page and attach it to your application.
If you apply for a work permit for the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, you must pay the application fee to that community.
Obtaining a Self-Employed Work Visa For Spain
Once you receive approval on your initial self-employed residence and work permit, you’ll be invited to apply for a Self-Employed Worker Visa.
Like the initial residence permit, you must submit the visa application to the Spanish Consular Office nearest you. You must also submit relevant documents proving your eligibility.
Documents Required For Spain Self-Employed Work Visa
- Valid Passport: Original copy and photocopies of the biometric data pages of your passport. The passport must be issued within the last ten years and must have at least four months of validity left.
- Completed and duly signed national visa application form. A parent can sign on their behalf if the applicant is a minor.
- Recent passport-sized photographs taken in clear light without any obstructions to the face.
- A medical certificate issued within the last three months certifying that you do not suffer from any disease that can threaten public health.
- Criminal record certificate from your country of residence covering the last five years. If you’ve lived in other countries within that time, you must also obtain criminal record certificates from them.
- Proof that you reside within the consular district of the Spanish embassy or consulate to which you submit your application.
- Identity documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license. If the applicant is a minor, they can provide the identity documents of one of their parents.
You must provide an official translation of all documents in languages other than Spanish. The medical certificate and criminal record check certificate must be apostilled.
The Consular Office may request additional supporting documents if they deem it necessary.
Application Process and Fees for the Self-Employed Visa
You must apply for a Spain Self-Employed visa within one month of receiving your initial self-employment work and residence permit. You must schedule an appointment to apply in person at the nearest Spanish consulate.
After submitting the application and all required documents, the Consular officer will issue you a proof of application receipt containing a code with which you can track your application through the consular procedure tracker.
Generally, the visa fee for the Spain Self-Employment Visa is €219.10.
Processing Times For Self-Employed Work Visa
The Consular Office is required to process self-employed work visas within one month. However, the processing time can extend longer if you are required to attend an interview or if there’s a request for further supporting documents.
You’ll be notified once the visa is processed, and you or your representative (if you are a minor) must collect the visa within one month of approval. The Consular Officer will inform you of the procedure for collecting back your passport and any other original document submitted.
If your application is refused, and you feel it was unduly rejected, you can appeal the decision. You can file an appeal for reconsideration at the Consular Office within one month of receiving the decision. You can also file for a judicial review with a High Court Justice of Madrid within two months of getting the decision.
Duration and Validity of Self-Employed Work Visa
The Self-Employed Work Visa is valid for 90 days. Upon arriving in Spain, you must register with the Spanish Social Security System within three months before starting your self-employed work. You must also register for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) as an autonomo at the Foreign Nationals Office or the Police Station nearest you within one month of obtaining your Social Security number.
Application process & expected timeline (step-by-step)
| Step | Responsible body | Typical timing / notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare business plan & supporting documents | Applicant / adviser | Varies — allow several weeks for good plan and translations. |
| 2. Submit application for initial residence & self-employment permit at Spanish Consulate (EX-07 + docs) | Applicant (consulate) | Decision on permit is made by Spanish authorities — timing can vary by consulate; if approved, you’ll be invited to apply for visa. |
| 3. Economic/administrative assessment (including favourable report from Economic Office where required) | Competent Spanish authority / Economic & Commercial Office (autonomous region) | Assessment of viability, skills, funding, market, job creation — regionally variable. |
| 4. If permit approved → apply for Self-Employed national visa at Consulate | Applicant (consulate) | Consulate processing target: generally within 1 month for visas but may take longer. |
| 5. Visa issued (90-day entry) → enter Spain | Applicant | You must enter Spain within visa validity. |
| 6. Post-arrival: register with Social Security, Hacienda (tax office), apply for TIE | Applicant (in Spain) | Register within specified times: social security registration before starting activity (commonly within 3 months), apply for TIE within one month of obtaining SS number. |
Taxes on a Self-Employed Work Visa in Spain
You must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain to qualify for a self-employment visa extension. However, spending 183 days makes you a tax resident, which means you must pay taxes in Spain.
Spain’s self-employed income tax is called Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas (IRPF). Typically, the more you earn, the more you pay taxes. However, the exact figure varies based on your income and region of residence in Spain. The tax on self-employed income ranges from 19% to 47%. You may also have to pay VAT in Spain, which is 21% annually.
You can claim deductions on certain tax payments for certain expenses, such as social security contributions, business expenses, and certain health insurance premiums.
Taxes & Post-arrival obligations
| Topic | Practical summary / next steps |
|---|---|
| Tax residency | >183 days → Spanish tax resident; global income reported in Spain. |
| Register with Tax Agency (AEAT) | File Modelo 036/037 to register economic activity and VAT (IVA) obligations. |
| Social Security (RETA) | Join the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) and make monthly contributions; registration needed before/at start of activity. |
| Income tax (IRPF) | Progressive rates apply (approx. 19%–47% depending on income/region) — region and deductions matter; exact liability depends on residence and activity. |
| VAT / VAT obligations | If activity is VATable, register for IVA; file periodic VAT returns as required. |
| Accounting & invoicing | Keep invoices, issue compliant invoices, and maintain records per AEAT rules. |
How Can Total Law Help?
Obtaining a Freelance visa in Spain allows you to work independently. A Spanish residence permit also grants visa-free access to European Union countries for short stays. However, obtaining a Spain Self-Employed Visa can be complex, requiring several stages and extensive documentation.
It’s best to get help from expert professionals to reduce the stress involved in the process and increase your chances of success. Total Law immigration lawyers can provide the assistance you need for a smooth Spain visa application process. We’ll guide you through every step, from determining eligibility to compiling supporting documents to filing the application.
Our team of expert solicitors have years of experience helping clients legally migrate to Spain and other countries in the European Union. Contact us today for bespoke advice and help compiling your application. You can reach us at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or via our website for immediate assistance.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no specific financial requirement for being self-employed in Spain. The sufficient financial means requirement for your self-employment visa application depends on the activity you’ll conduct in Spain.
Yes. If you live in Spain on a self-employed work visa for up to 183 days per year, you become a tax resident and are liable to pay 19% to 47% income tax, depending on your income and where you live in Spain.
The self-employed visa is valid for an initial one year, but you can extend it for up to four additional years in two-year increments.
