Do you have an innovative business idea and want to develop it in Spain?
Spain has become one of Europe’s growing hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting founders from around the world who want to start a business in Spain while establishing residency in the country.
For non-EU entrepreneurs, Spain’s Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa provides a pathway to live and work legally in Spain while launching or developing an innovative business project. This residence route is designed for projects that demonstrate innovation, viability, and economic interest for Spain.
However, having a strong business idea alone is not enough. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements and demonstrate the potential of their business project as part of the application process.
In this guide, we explain how to apply for Spain’s Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa, including the eligibility requirements, ENISA assessment, required documentation, application routes, and duration of the authorization.
Reviewed By
Marfour International Law Firm – Immigration Department
Content reviewed by our immigration department based on official 2026 Spanish government requirements and current Spanish immigration regulations.
Maryem Essadik
CEO, Marfour International Law Firm
Marfour International Law Firm LinkedIn
What Is the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain?
The Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa allows non-EU nationals to obtain residence in Spain while developing an innovative business project considered to be of special economic interest to the country.
The authorization is intended for entrepreneurs whose business projects demonstrate innovation, viability, and potential economic impact in Spain.
Depending on where the application is submitted, the initial residence period differs.
Applicants who apply from a Spanish consulate in their country of residence may initially receive one year of residence.
Applicants who apply from within Spain may receive an initial residence authorization of three years.
After the initial authorization, the residence permit can be renewed for successive two-year periods, provided that the applicable requirements continue to be met.
Eligible family members may also be able to accompany the main applicant. The authorization provides the main applicant with the right to carry out their professional activity in Spain, while qualifying family members may also receive authorization to work.
Periods of legal residence under this authorization may also count toward eligibility for long-term residence and, eventually, Spanish nationality, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Regulations Governing the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain
Spain’s Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa forms part of the country’s legal framework for attracting international entrepreneurs, talent, and innovative business projects.
Spain’s Startup Law introduced important changes to the existing framework for entrepreneurs and startups, with the objective of encouraging innovation, attracting international talent, and supporting the development of emerging companies in Spain.
The applicable legal framework establishes the requirements for qualifying entrepreneurial projects and provides a residence route through which eligible non-EU entrepreneurs can develop innovative business activities in Spain.
Requirements for the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain
Applying for the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa requires applicants to demonstrate that they meet the personal and business requirements established under Spanish immigration regulations.
The business project is a central element of the application. Applicants must provide sufficient information and documentation to demonstrate that the proposed activity meets the criteria applicable to innovative entrepreneurial projects.
Education or Professional Experience
The main applicant must generally demonstrate either a relevant diploma or at least three years of relevant professional experience.
This helps establish that the applicant has the educational or professional background necessary to develop the proposed business project.
Business Plan
A detailed business plan is one of the most important components of a Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa application.
The business plan should clearly explain the proposed activity and provide sufficient information for the authorities to evaluate the project and its potential.
It should include:
- A market analysis.
- Projected outcomes and business objectives.
- Detailed information about the innovative aspects of the project.
- Information demonstrating the viability of the business.
- Relevant information regarding the project’s potential economic impact in Spain.
The business plan should provide a clear picture of how the business will operate, what distinguishes it within the market, and why it qualifies as an innovative entrepreneurial activity.
Innovative Nature of the Project
The proposed business must have an innovative component and demonstrate the potential to contribute positively to the Spanish economy.
Applicants should therefore clearly identify what differentiates their project from existing businesses or solutions and explain its potential within the Spanish market.
Favorable ENISA Assessment
Applicants must obtain a favorable assessment from Empresa Nacional de Innovación, S.A. (ENISA) as part of the process.
ENISA assesses the proposed entrepreneurial activity and considers factors related to the project’s innovation, viability, and economic interest for Spain.
This assessment is a key part of the application because it helps establish whether the proposed project meets the criteria required for an innovative entrepreneurial activity.
Criminal Record Certificate
Applicants must provide the required criminal record documentation as part of the residence application.
Where applicable, foreign criminal record certificates must be appropriately apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish.
Family Documentation
Applicants who include eligible family members must provide documentation demonstrating the relevant family relationship.
This may include:
Marriage Certificate
Where applicable, the marriage certificate must be apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a sworn translation.
Birth Certificates
Birth certificates for eligible family members may also need to be appropriately apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a sworn translation.
Benefits of the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain
The Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa provides several potential benefits for eligible entrepreneurs and their families.
Residence in Spain
The authorization allows eligible non-EU entrepreneurs to legally reside in Spain while developing their business project.
Depending on the application route, the initial authorization may be granted for one or three years.
Work Authorization
The authorization enables the main applicant to carry out the professional activity connected to their entrepreneurial project while legally residing in Spain.
Eligible accompanying family members may also obtain authorization to work in Spain, subject to the applicable conditions.
Family Reunification
Eligible family members may be included in the application, allowing qualifying families to relocate to and establish their lives in Spain together.
Path Toward Long-Term Residence
Time spent legally residing in Spain may contribute toward eligibility for long-term residence and, eventually, Spanish nationality, provided the relevant residence periods and other legal requirements are met.
Potential Tax Advantages
Depending on their individual circumstances, some entrepreneurs relocating to Spain may be eligible for Spain’s special tax regime for inbound workers and entrepreneurs.
Eligibility for any special tax treatment depends on the applicant’s circumstances and should be assessed separately as part of their immigration and tax planning.
Living and Developing a Business in Spain
In addition to its immigration benefits, the authorization allows entrepreneurs to develop their projects while living in Spain and accessing the country’s business infrastructure, international connections, digital infrastructure, and growing startup ecosystem.
Application Process for the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain
The application process differs depending on whether the entrepreneur applies from outside Spain or while legally present in the country.
Understanding the correct application route before beginning the process can help ensure that the appropriate documentation and procedures are followed.
Applying for the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa From Your Home Country
Applicants applying from outside Spain generally follow these steps:
1. Gather the Required Documentation
The applicant prepares the required personal documentation and information relating to the proposed business project.
2. Complete the Required Business Project Assessment
The proposed entrepreneurial activity must undergo the relevant assessment process to establish whether it meets the applicable innovation and economic-interest requirements.
3. Submit the Application
The relevant visa and residence procedures are completed through the competent Spanish authorities according to the applicable application route.
4. Complete Any Required Consular Formalities
Applicants may need to complete additional requirements through the relevant Spanish consulate as part of the visa process.
5. Receive a Decision
The competent authorities review the application and supporting documentation before issuing a decision.
6. Travel to Spain and Obtain the TIE
Following approval and entry into Spain, the applicant completes the applicable registration procedures and obtains the Foreign Identity Card (TIE) where required.
Applying for the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa From Within Spain
Eligible applicants who are legally present in Spain may also be able to apply without returning to their country of origin.
The process generally involves:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, the applicant should confirm that they meet the personal requirements and that their proposed business activity is capable of meeting the criteria for an innovative entrepreneurial project.
2. Prepare the Business Project and Supporting Documentation
The applicant prepares the required business information and supporting personal documentation.
3. Complete the Required Project Assessment
The entrepreneurial project undergoes the relevant assessment as part of determining whether it satisfies the applicable requirements.
4. Submit the Residence Application
The residence authorization application is submitted through the competent authority, including the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) where applicable.
5. Receive a Decision
Applications under this framework benefit from an expedited administrative procedure, subject to the applicable legal processing periods.
6. Obtain the TIE
Following approval, the applicant completes the necessary procedures to obtain their Foreign Identity Card (TIE) in Spain.
How Long Does the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa Last?
The initial duration of the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa depends on the application route.
Applicants applying through a Spanish consulate in their country of residence may initially receive one year of residence.
Applicants applying for residence from within Spain may receive an initial authorization of three years.
After the initial authorization, the residence permit may be renewed for successive two-year periods, provided that the applicable requirements continue to be met.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain
Who Can Apply for the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain?
The Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who wish to develop an innovative business project in Spain and meet the applicable personal and business requirements.
Applicants must demonstrate an appropriate educational or professional background and show that their proposed entrepreneurial activity meets the relevant criteria.
Do I Need an ENISA Assessment?
The entrepreneurial project must undergo the required assessment to determine whether it meets the applicable criteria relating to innovation and economic interest in Spain.
ENISA plays an important role in the assessment of qualifying entrepreneurial projects under Spain’s startup framework.
Can My Family Join Me in Spain?
Yes. Eligible family members may be able to accompany the main applicant.
The relevant supporting documentation, including marriage and birth certificates where applicable, must be properly prepared, legalized or apostilled, and translated where required.
Can I Work in Spain With a Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa?
Yes. The authorization allows the entrepreneur to legally carry out the professional activity associated with their qualifying business project in Spain.
Eligible accompanying family members may also obtain the right to work in Spain under the applicable conditions.
How Long Is the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa Valid?
The initial period depends on the application route. A visa obtained through a Spanish consulate may initially be valid for one year, while a residence authorization obtained from within Spain may be granted for three years.
The authorization may subsequently be renewed for successive two-year periods, provided the applicable requirements continue to be met.
How Long Does the Application Take?
Applications processed under Spain’s entrepreneur framework are subject to expedited processing periods. The exact timeframe may vary depending on the application route, the competent authority, whether additional documentation is requested, and the circumstances of the individual application.
Consular procedures may also affect the overall timeframe for applicants applying from outside Spain.
What Documents Need to Be Apostilled or Legalized?
Certain foreign public documents may need to be apostilled or legalized before they can be used in a Spanish immigration application.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this may include criminal record certificates, marriage certificates, and birth certificates.
Documents may also require a sworn translation into Spanish.
Why Work With an Immigration Lawyer?
Applying for a Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa involves both immigration and business-related requirements.
Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed business project meets the relevant criteria, prepare the appropriate business documentation, complete the required project assessment, and submit the correct immigration documentation through the applicable procedure.
Professional legal guidance can help applicants understand the requirements, prepare their documentation correctly, and navigate each stage of the application process.
At Marfour International Law Firm, we:
- Review the applicant’s circumstances and eligibility.
- Assess the immigration strategy for the proposed business project.
- Assist with the documentation required for the application.
- Provide guidance on the business plan and application requirements.
- Assist with the ENISA and business project assessment process.
- Prepare the immigration application.
- Submit the application to the relevant authorities.
- Monitor the application throughout the process.
- Assist with the TIE application after approval.
- Provide documentation guidance for eligible family members.
Apply for the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa in Spain With Marfour
The Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa provides eligible international entrepreneurs with an opportunity to establish an innovative business project while legally living and working in Spain.
Successfully completing the process requires careful preparation of the business project, the appropriate assessment, and the correct immigration documentation.
At Marfour International Law Firm, our immigration team assists entrepreneurs and their families throughout the process, from the initial eligibility assessment and preparation of the business project to the immigration application and TIE process.
If you are considering developing an innovative business in Spain and want to understand whether the Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa is suitable for you, our team can guide you through each stage of the process.
Contact Marfour International Law Firm to discuss your Startup (Entrepreneur) Visa options and begin your application.
