Spain Residency: Entrepreneurs, Investors, Skilled Workers

Becoming an Entrepreneur in Spain

To become an entrepreneur in Spain, an individual must be a natural person, emancipated, and at least 18 years old.

General Requirements for Entrepreneurs

If an individual from abroad wishes to become an entrepreneur in Spain, they will need a visa. For non-EU citizens, a special permit is required to establish residency. EU citizens, however, can register with social security and obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).

Non-EU Citizens: Initial Steps

Non-EU citizens seeking to establish themselves as entrepreneurs must first consult with the Spanish consulate in their home country to discuss their intentions and obtain the necessary permissions.

Financial Requirements for Freelancers

To reside in Spain for more than three months and register as a freelance professional, a bank account balance of at least 6,000 euros is typically required.

The minimum age to be an entrepreneur depends on national regulations; in Spain, the age of majority is 18.

Spain's Investor Visa: Golden Visa Program

The Ley de Emprendedores (Entrepreneurs' Law) also caters to investors. This category refers to individuals who come to Spain not only to establish a business but also to acquire financial assets. They might purchase property or make other investments without necessarily intending to work in Spain.

Options for investors include:

• Making a bank deposit of approximately 1 million euros.
• Purchasing real estate valued at 500,000 euros or more, which can significantly facilitate obtaining residency. The Spanish government encourages foreign investment, offering easier residency pathways for substantial financial contributions.

Spain Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs, the Ley de Emprendedores offers a specific pathway: the Startup Visa. While a traditional residence card often requires presenting a business plan and applying from your home country, this law allows individuals to enter Spain specifically to make preparatory arrangements for establishing a business.

Highly Qualified Worker Visa in Spain

This category is for individuals with exceptional professional qualifications.

Company Requirements for Skilled Workers

Two key conditions apply to the employing company:

• The company must be a large enterprise.
• If it's a medium or small company, it must operate within a strategic sector and develop a business project approved by the Spanish government. This allows the company to hire workers from abroad.

Worker Qualifications & Intra-Company Transfers

The worker must possess a university degree from a recognized institution.

For intra-company transfers (working for the same company but in a different country), the worker must have been employed by the company for more than three years.