Entrepreneur Visa
Visa de Emprendedor
The Entrepreneur Visa (Visa de Emprendedor) was introduced under Spain's Entrepreneurs Law (Ley 14/2013) and updated by the Startups Law (Ley 28/2022) to attract innovative entrepreneurs to Spain. This visa allows non-EU citizens to enter and reside in Spain to develop an innovative business activity. The key requirement is that your business must be considered innovative and of special economic interest to Spain — it must go beyond a standard business like opening a restaurant or shop. Applications are evaluated by ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovación), a public body that issues a favorable or unfavorable report on your business plan. As of 2025, the initial visa is now valid for three years (previously one year), renewable for two-year periods.
Este guia é baseado nos requisitos oficiais do governo espanhol. Este é conteúdo informativo, não aconselhamento jurídico.
9
Docs Obrigatórios
8
Etapas
ENISA report: approximately 20 business days
Processamento
ENISA report: free
Taxa Principal
Requisitos de Elegibilidade
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Have an innovative business plan with special economic interest for Spain (evaluated by ENISA)
- Innovation criteria: the business should be scalable, technology-driven, or bring significant innovation to its sector
- Demonstrate sufficient qualifications and experience to execute the business plan
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself and develop the business in Spain
- No criminal record in Spain or countries of residence in the past 2 years (reduced from 5 years in the 2025 reform)
- Have valid health insurance covering Spain
- Not be an irregular resident in Spain
Lista de Documentos
Carregando lista...
Processo de Solicitação Passo a Passo
Develop your business plan
Create a detailed, professional business plan emphasizing innovation, scalability, and economic benefit to Spain. The plan should address job creation, technology innovation, or filling a market gap. Consider engaging a Spanish business consultant familiar with ENISA requirements.
Request a favorable report from ENISA
Submit your business plan to ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovación) for evaluation. You can do this online through ENISA's portal. ENISA evaluates whether your business qualifies as innovative and of special economic interest. Processing takes approximately 20 business days.
Prepare personal documentation
Gather all personal documents: passport, criminal record certificates (apostilled and translated), health insurance, financial proof, and qualifications.
Apply at the Spanish consulate or UGE-CE
Submit your visa application with the ENISA favorable report and all supporting documents at the Spanish consulate in your country, or at the UGE-CE if you're already legally in Spain.
Wait for processing
Applications are processed through the UGE-CE fast-track system. Expect approximately 20 business days for the residence authorization, plus consular processing time.
Prazo de Processamento
ENISA report: approximately 20 business days. Visa authorization: approximately 20 business days (UGE-CE fast-track). Consular processing: 1 month. Total: 2–3 months.
Custos
- ENISA report: free
- Consular visa fee: ~€80
- TIE card fee: ~€16–€21
- Company incorporation (SL): €500–€3,000 (including notary, registration, and minimum capital)
- Minimum share capital for SL: €3,000
- Legal and business advisory: €1,500–€5,000
- Sworn translations: €30–€80 per document
- Health insurance: €80–€200/month
Erros Comuns a Evitar
Business plan not innovative enough
Opening a restaurant, retail shop, or standard service business typically won't qualify. ENISA looks for innovation, scalability, and technology components. A standard business idea will receive an unfavorable report.
Poorly written or vague business plan
A generic or poorly structured business plan will be rejected by ENISA. Include clear financial projections, market analysis, competitive advantages, and specifically address how your business innovates and benefits Spain's economy.
Not demonstrating relevant experience
ENISA and immigration authorities want to see that you have the qualifications and experience to execute the plan. A tech startup applicant with no tech background will face scrutiny.
Insufficient financial runway
While there's no fixed minimum, you need to show you can sustain yourself and your business until it becomes profitable. Showing only minimal savings will weaken your application.
Not understanding the Spanish startup ecosystem
Having no connection to the Spanish market or ecosystem can be a red flag. Research the local market, attend Spanish startup events, and consider joining accelerators like SeedRocket, Wayra, or Lanzadera.
Dicas e Conselhos
- ✓Under the Startups Law (2022), qualifying startups can benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% (instead of 25%) for the first four years. Your company must be less than 5 years old (7 for biotech/energy/industrial).
- ✓Entrepreneur visa holders can also benefit from the Beckham Law special tax regime (flat 24% income tax) if they meet the conditions. This is particularly valuable if you're paying yourself a salary from your Spanish company.
- ✓Barcelona and Madrid have thriving startup ecosystems with numerous co-working spaces, incubators, and investor networks. Valencia is also emerging as a startup hub with lower costs.
- ✓Consider applying to Spanish accelerator programs (Wayra by Telefónica, Lanzadera in Valencia, SeedRocket in Barcelona) before applying for the visa — acceptance into a recognized program strengthens your ENISA application significantly.
- ✓The ENISA report process is free and you can apply before committing to the visa application. If you receive an unfavorable report, you can revise your business plan and reapply without penalty.
Fontes Oficiais
- ENISA — Business Plan Evaluation
- UGE-CE — Entrepreneur Visa Processing
- Ministry of Inclusion — Entrepreneur Residence
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Consular Visas
Informações verificadas com fontes oficiais. Sempre confirme os requisitos atuais diretamente.
Não tem certeza se este é o visto certo para você?
Faça nosso quiz rápido para obter uma recomendação personalizada.