Entrepreneur Visa — Spain

This visa authorizes you to enter and live in Spain to launch an innovative business that serves Spain’s economic interests. It centers on your business project and the official evaluation that supports it.

Purpose and scope

The Spain entrepreneur visa allows you to start a new, innovative business activity in Spain. Your project must demonstrate economic interest for the country and usually requires a favorable assessment before the visa is issued.

You apply with a defined business plan that explains:

• The innovative nature of your project
• Its potential economic impact in Spain
• Your role as founder or promoter

This route is different from the Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo), which focuses on traditional self-employment. It also differs from the Highly Qualified Professional Visa, which covers employment by a company, and the Digital Nomad Visa, which targets remote work for foreign employers or clients.

The entrepreneur visa falls under Spain’s broader immigration framework managed by the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, SEM). Spanish consulates issue the visa abroad, and the National Police handle your NIE/TIE once you are in Spain.

Who it benefits

This visa is meant for non-EU founders who want to build a startup or innovation-driven company in Spain. It’s best suited if you intend to relocate and actively develop your project on Spanish territory.

You’re a strong candidate if:

• You are a foreign national from outside the EU/EEA
• You plan to launch an innovative business, not only freelance services
• Your project has measurable economic relevance for Spain
• You can obtain a favorable assessment of your business plan

It does not replace other common work routes. For example:

If your aim is to create and scale a startup in Spain, this visa offers a legal path designed for founders, not employees.

Legal basis

The Spain entrepreneur visa is regulated by Law 14/2013, which governs entry and residence for certain categories of foreign nationals, including entrepreneurs. This law created a structured pathway for innovative business founders.

Under this framework:

• Your project must qualify as innovative and economically relevant
• A favorable evaluation typically supports your application
• Authorities review your application under the rules set by Law 14/2013

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) oversees immigration policy. Spanish consulates process visa issuance abroad. After arrival, the National Police issue your foreigner identity documentation.

You may encounter other immigration forms such as Form EX-01, Form EX-02, or Form EX-05, or the fee form Modelo 790 (Code 052) in different residence contexts. The entrepreneur visa, however, follows its own legal channel under Law 14/2013 and does not default to the standard national employment framework.

You must submit a complete and consistent file. Your business plan, identity documents, and official forms must align and show that you meet the requirements set by the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, SEM) and the Spanish consulate handling your visa.

Incomplete or unsigned documents delay processing.

Business plan and financing

Your business plan is the core of your Spain entrepreneur visa application. It must clearly describe:

• The project, product, or service
• Your target market and market analysis
• Your financing structure

Explain what you’ll offer, who your customers are, and how you’ll fund operations. Keep the plan structured and factual. Use financial projections and funding sources that match the scale of your project.

If you previously considered other routes such as the Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo), Highly Qualified Professional Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or a National Work Visa, ensure your plan aligns specifically with the entrepreneur framework.

Your financing section must identify where the capital comes from and how it supports launch and early operations. Inconsistencies between your plan and your declared funding raise concerns.

ID, photos and passport

You must prove your identity with valid, current documents.

Prepare:

• A passport valid for at least one year
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A properly completed national visa application form

Your passport must contain sufficient validity at the time of application. If your passport will expire soon, renew it before filing.

The photograph must meet standard passport photo requirements used by Spanish consulates. Use a recent image that clearly reflects your current appearance.

If approved, the National Police will later issue your NIE/TIE in Spain. Your identity details must remain consistent across all documents to avoid complications at that stage.

Application form and submission items

Download the current entrepreneur visa form and official instructions from the Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones (SEM) website. Use the latest version available at the time you apply.

Complete all required sections carefully. Do not leave mandatory fields blank.

You must:

1. Fill out the national visa application form.

2. Sign the form where required.

3. Attach all supporting evidence, including your business plan and identity documents.

4. Submit your application to the appropriate Spanish consulate.

Some applicants confuse entrepreneur documentation with forms such as Form EX-01, Form EX-02, or Form EX-05, or payment forms like Modelo 790 (Code 052) used in other immigration contexts. Use only the forms specified for the entrepreneur visa process and confirm requirements with SEM or your consulate before submission.

You must budget for the government filing fee, related administrative costs, and several months of processing. Timelines and amounts vary by visa category and where you apply, so confirm details with the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, SEM) and your Spanish consulate.

Consular fee

The standard government fee for the Spain entrepreneur visa is €80 (as of February 2026). You pay this fee when you submit your visa application at the Spanish consulate.

If you apply from within Spain under an authorized stay, you may also need to submit the relevant immigration form, such as:

• Form EX-01
• Form EX-02
• Form EX-05
• Modelo 790 (Code 052) for certain residence authorizations

Confirm the correct form with SEM before filing. Filing the wrong form can delay processing.

Fees differ for other residence categories, including:

• Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)
• Highly Qualified Professional Visa
• Digital Nomad Visa
• National Work Visa

Check SEM or your consulate for the current fee schedule for each category.

Associated costs

The €80 government fee is just the beginning. Expect extra administrative and compliance expenses.

These might include:

• Translation and legalization of supporting documents
• Payment of Modelo 790 (Code 052) if required
• Issuance of your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
• Issuance of your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) through the National Police

Amounts for these services vary. SEM sets immigration policy, Spanish consulates issue visas abroad, and the National Police handles NIE and TIE issuance inside Spain.

Each authority may require a separate payment. If you later modify your status or switch categories—like moving from a Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo) to another work authorization—you could face new filing fees.

Double-check each cost before you submit anything.

Processing time overview

Under the standard procedure, entrepreneur visa processing usually takes 1 to 3 months (as of March 2026).

Processing time depends on several factors:

• Whether you apply from abroad or inside Spain
• The specific visa category
• The reviewing authority (consulate or SEM)
• Whether your file is complete

Other work-related visas, such as the Highly Qualified Professional Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, follow different procedures and may have different timelines.

A complete and well-organized application helps you avoid delays. Missing forms, using the wrong version of an EX form, or unpaid fees can push your timeline beyond the standard range.

Your approval chances improve when you involve the right professional at the right stage. Legal guidance matters when you face classification doubts, complex filings, or unusual personal circumstances.

When to consult an expert

Seek advice if you’re unsure whether the Spain Entrepreneur Visa fits your project or if another permit applies more clearly.

Many applicants confuse the entrepreneur route with the Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo), Highly Qualified Professional Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or a National Work Visa. Filing under the wrong category can lead to delays or refusal.

Professional help is useful if:

• Your business model doesn’t fit one visa category
• You previously held Spanish residence and are changing status
• You need to coordinate filings between a Spanish consulate and authorities in Spain
• You’re unsure which official form applies (such as Form EX-01, Form EX-02, or Form EX-05)
• You need guidance on paying the correct government fee using Modelo 790 (Code 052)

SEM oversees immigration policy. Spanish consulates issue visas abroad, and the National Police handles your NIE or TIE card. An advisor helps you align filings with the right authority.

If you can’t clearly identify the proper procedure after reviewing SEM instructions, get help before submitting anything.

Complex documentation or multistep filings

Assistance is valuable when your case involves multiple authorities or sequential filings.

Entrepreneur applications often require:

1. The correct application form (for example, EX-01, EX-02, or EX-05 depending on your situation)

2. Payment of the appropriate fee using Modelo 790 (Code 052)

3. Submission of documentation to the correct authority

4. Follow-up steps for visa issuance or residence card collection

Errors in any step can delay processing.

Common trouble spots:

If your filing involves both a consulate and in-country procedures, professional coordination reduces risk. Always confirm requirements directly with SEM before submission.

Supplementary evidence and special cases

Get help if your application needs extra supporting documentation beyond the standard checklist.

This applies if:

• Your business structure is unusual
• You rely on third-party agreements or partnerships
• You’re changing from another Spanish residence category
• You need to explain inconsistencies in prior filings

Authorities expect you to follow instructions exactly and include all required documents. Incomplete or poorly organized evidence can trigger additional requests or refusal.

If your situation overlaps with another residence category, such as the Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo) or Highly Qualified Professional Visa, a professional can help you present your case correctly.

When your case is not straightforward, review the SEM guidance carefully and get tailored advice before you file.

You reduce risk by following the official instructions exactly and submitting a complete file the first time. Most delays result from missing documents, incomplete forms, or failing to file required supplements together.

Top expert recommendations

Start by reviewing the instructions issued by the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones) (SEM) and the relevant Spanish consulate. Don’t rely on summaries or third-party checklists.

Submit every required document listed for your specific route, whether you apply under the Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo), Highly Qualified Professional Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or another National Work Visa category. Each category may require a different primary form, such as Form EX-01, Form EX-02, or Form EX-05, plus the corresponding Modelo 790 (Code 052) fee form.

File all required supplements together with your main application. Authorities may reject or delay a case if you submit supporting forms separately.

Use this comparison to stay organized:

Confirm the correct form directly with SEM before filing.

Avoiding delays

Incomplete or incorrect information is the main cause of processing delays. Complete every field on each required form.

Check names, passport numbers, and dates for consistency across all documents. Even small discrepancies can trigger requests for correction.

Avoid these common errors:

• Leaving blank fields on EX-01, EX-02, or EX-05
• Submitting Modelo 790 (Code 052) without the main application
• Omitting required supporting documents listed in the official instructions
• Filing supplemental documents after the initial submission instead of together

Spanish consulates issue visas abroad, and SEM oversees immigration policy. If you apply from within Spain, make sure your submission aligns with SEM requirements before filing.

Checklist best practices

Use a structured checklist before submission. Don’t rely on memory.

Before filing, confirm:

• ✅ Correct visa category selected
• ✅ Correct primary form (EX-01, EX-02, or EX-05) completed in full
• ✅ Modelo 790 (Code 052) prepared as required
• ✅ All supporting documents included
• ✅ No blank fields or inconsistent information

Review the official instructions at least twice. Then compare your completed application against the checklist line by line.

Submitting a complete, accurate, and fully assembled application the first time helps you avoid rejections and delays.