Spain Startup Visa
Launch an innovative company in Spain with the fast-track entrepreneur residence route created under the Startup Law. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders through the ENISA assessment, the residence application and your company setup.
Check My EligibilityTalk to an Expert
For Founders of Innovative, Scalable Businesses
Spain’s entrepreneur residence route is designed for non-EU founders who want to build an innovative business with real potential for growth and economic impact in Spain. It is governed by the Entrepreneurs Law and strengthened by the Startup Law.
Unlike the standard self-employed route, it requires a positive report on your project’s innovation from the national innovation agency, ENISA, but it offers faster processing and a longer first permit.
Why Launch Your Startup in Spain?
Fast processing, a strong tax incentive and access to the EU single market.
Fast-Track Processing
The national fast-track unit is legally required to decide within 20 working days, and silence past the deadline is treated as approval under the rules.
Reduced Corporate Tax
A certified emerging company can pay 15% corporate tax instead of the standard 25% for its first profitable years, subject to the conditions.
A Longer First Permit
The residence authorisation can be granted for up to three years, and renewals are generally for two-year periods.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse and children can usually be included in the process, and family members can generally work in Spain.
EU and Latin America Links
Operate from Spain and reach the EU single market, with strong cultural and commercial ties to Latin America.
A Route to Permanent Residence
After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence, subject to the conditions.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
There is no fixed minimum investment. What matters is that your project is genuinely innovative and viable.
An Innovative Project
A business model that is innovative, scalable and of interest to the Spanish economy, assessed in a report by ENISA.
A Detailed Business Plan
A professional plan covering your product, market, team and financial forecasts.
Sufficient Funds
Evidence of the means to support yourself and carry out the plan. The authorities assess this case by case, and we help you size it.
Your Background
Relevant education or experience that shows you can lead the project.
Clean Criminal Record
A criminal record certificate from your home country, usually apostilled.
Health Insurance
Private health cover valid in Spain, typically without co-payments or deductibles.
From a Three-Year Permit to Long-Term Residence
The residence authorisation builds toward a long-term future in Spain.
- The visa stage is valid for up to one year, followed by a residence authorisation of up to three years
- Renewals are generally granted for two-year periods while you keep meeting the conditions
- After five years of legal residence, you may be able to apply for permanent residence
- Citizenship is a separate, longer process that depends on your nationality
- Founders may also be able to use the special tax regime for new residents, subject to eligibility
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Eligibility Assessment
We review your business concept against the innovation criteria so you know if it is ready for assessment.
ENISA Report
We help you draft the application and business plan for ENISA, which issues its report to the authorities, typically within a few weeks.
Residence Application
We prepare and file your application with the national fast-track unit, with all documents, translations and insurance in order.
Visa, Tax Number and Company Setup
If you apply from abroad, you collect your visa. We then guide you through your tax number, bank account and company registration.
Relocation and Residence Card
After you arrive, you register your address and request your residence card within the deadline, and we point you to advisers for your tax setup.
What We Handle for You
Startup immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of whether your project fits the innovation test.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on a plan that makes a convincing case for ENISA.
Company Formation
Coordination with local advisers on your Spanish entity.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents, apostilles and translations for the family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Arrival Support
Help with your card, registrations and settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Spain startup visa.
What is the current Spain startup visa processing time?
The fast-track unit has a legal decision period of 20 working days for residence applications, with positive silence applying if no decision is issued. In practice, complex files can take longer, and the ENISA report is a step before that.
Can I bring my family members with this visa?
Yes. Your spouse and children can usually be included, and family members can generally work in Spain. We prepare the family file together with your application.
Are there citizenship opportunities after the visa?
After five years of legal residence, permanent residence may be possible. Citizenship generally requires a longer period of residence, which depends on your nationality.
Is there a minimum investment?
No fixed minimum amount applies. You must show that your project is innovative and viable and that you have the means to carry it out and support yourself.
Can I apply if I am already in Spain as a tourist?
In many cases, yes. Applicants who are legally in Spain can often apply through the fast-track unit without returning home, which we confirm for your situation.
What is the tax benefit for startups?
A certified emerging company can benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% for a limited number of years, instead of the standard 25%. Eligibility rules apply, so we recommend speaking with a Spanish tax adviser.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Spanish authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Immigration rules, processing times and tax incentives change, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash.
Ready to Launch Your Startup in Spain?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know whether you are ready to apply and what your next steps should be.