Anastasia Agafonova Spain Startup Visa
Entrepreneurs with a Spain residence permit gain the right to travel
€33,150+
In a bank account
6+ months
Obtaining period
3 years
Residence permit validity
5 years
To permanent residence
The Startup Visa is a government initiative that grants a residence permit in Spain to entrepreneurs who establish an innovative business. Spain has been issuing this type of residence permit since 2013.
To obtain the visa, a foreigner may either found a startup or join an existing one.
The business must be
The initial residence permit is valid for three years. It can be renewed every two years if the entrepreneur continues to run the business according to the approved plan and the startup shows development.
7 benefits of Spain Startup Visa
Relocation to Spain
Freedom of movement
Path to permanent residence and citizenship
Right to do business in Spain
Favourable taxation
No investment requirements
Status for the whole family
Visa-free travel to 29 European countries
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Requirements to apply for Spain Startup Visa
Over 18 years old
Has a legal source of income
Holds valid health insurance
Without criminal record
Spouse
Children under 18 years old
Students
Financially dependent on the main applicant
Living with the main applicant
Over 65 years old
Under 65 if they have health issues and require constant care
Requirements for applicants to obtain a Spain Startup Visa
Schedule a meeting
Help with the choice
Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.
Key documents to apply for Spain Startup Visa
- Passport
- Business plan
- CV or LinkedIn profile
- Marriage and birth certificates for family members
- Bank letter confirming a balance of at least €33,150 in a bank account
- Health insurance valid in Spain
- Police clearance certificates from countries where the applicant has lived for more than 183 days during the past two years
How to obtain Spain Startup Visa: step‑by ‑step process
Preliminary check
Passportivity’s lawyers verify the client’s identity before signing a cooperation agreement. This check helps identify possible risks of visa refusal in advance and prepare additional documents if needed.
Business plan preparation and document collection
Passportivity assists the entrepreneur in drafting a detailed business plan describing the product or service, target audience, innovations, and competitor analysis. Lawyers also prepare the documents required for the visa application, translate, and certify them.
Obtaining a D visa
Lawyers schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate or visa centre. The applicant submits documents for a national, or entrepreneur, visa. The approved visa is affixed to the passport and is valid for one year.
This step may be skipped: one can arrive in Spain directly and apply for a residence permit there.
Arrival in Spain and residence permit application
Lawyers submit the entrepreneur’s business plan to Enisa, a government organisation that supports small and
These two authorities decide whether to approve or reject the Startup Visa application. By law, the review process takes up to three months, during which the applicant may leave Spain.
Biometric data submission
Once the business plan and residence permit are approved, lawyers arrange an appointment with the police for biometric data collection.
Receiving the residence permit card 🔥
The residence card is collected in person at a police office. The first residence permit is valid for three years and can later be renewed for two years.
How to obtain a residence permit if the entrepreneur is already in Spain
Why choose us
Reliable partner
Passportivity operates strictly in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 28 On the Development of the Startup Ecosystem of December 21st, 2022, and Law No. 14 On Support for Entrepreneurs and Their Internationalisation of September 28th, 2013.
Deep Expertise
11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.
Individual Approach
We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.
Support at every stage
From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.
Additional services
Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.
Flexible communication and 24/7 availability
Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.
We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.
From idea to residence permit — guided by experts
For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines
Frequently asked question
Yes, holders of the Spanish Startup Visa may work both on their own project and for other Spanish or foreign companies.
A business in Spain can be founded by both Spanish citizens and foreigners. If a business project applies and develops innovative technologies, its founder may qualify for the Startup Visa, which grants a residence permit valid for three years.
To run a business and work in Spain, a foreigner must obtain a residence permit that allows employment. One such type is the Startup Visa. Foreigners can apply for it even at the idea stage. It is enough to show savings and present a business plan.
The most profitable sectors include tourism, hospitality, real estate, and IT startups. Success depends on the region and demand; for instance, tourism services are especially popular in coastal areas.
If a business is
If the immigration authority denies a residence permit, the reason is stated in the official notice. Common reasons include:
- incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents;
- project was not recognised as innovative or significant for the Spanish economy;
- applicant failed to prove sufficient financial means;
- applicant was previously banned from entering Spain or other Schengen countries.
A foreigner may appeal the refusal within one month or reapply for the Startup Visa.
To renew the residence permit, the applicant must demonstrate the startup’s progress. The immigration service may refuse renewal if the business does not meet the financial or growth targets set in the business plan.
The startup founder may, however, apply for another type of residence permit, for example, as a digital nomad.
The corporate tax rate in Spain is 25%. For new resident companies, it is reduced to 15% during the first two years of operation. Small and medium‑sized enterprises pay 23%.
Personal income tax ranges from 19 to 47% on a progressive scale: the higher the income, the higher the rate.
The first residence permit is renewed after three years, and subsequent ones every two years. The application is submitted to the Spanish immigration office. During renewal, the authorities may request documents confirming business activity and the founder’s financial stability.
After five years of living in Spain, a startup founder becomes eligible for permanent residence. During this time, absences from Spain cannot exceed six consecutive months or a total of ten months. Permanent residence is indefinite, but the residence card must be renewed every five years.
After 10 years of residence, a foreigner may apply for Spanish citizenship. Applicants must prove Spanish language proficiency at level A2 or higher and pass exams on the country’s culture and constitution.
Naturalised citizens must renounce their previous nationality, as Spain generally does not recognise dual citizenship, except for citizens of Latin American countries, France, Portugal, the Philippines, Andorra, and Equatorial Guinea.
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We will help you obtain Spain Startup Visa without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.
