Startup Visa in Spain: Complete Guide to Residence Permits
TL;DR
The Spanish startup visa provides a three-year residence permit for entrepreneurs with innovative projects, expandable by a two-year extension. Applications are processed rapidly within 10–30 days. Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency with at least €28,800 (400% of IPREM) and obtain business plan approval from ENISA. Per Ley 28/2022, there are no minimum stay requirements to maintain residency. Total initial costs typically range between €700 and €1,200, leading to permanent residency after five years.
What is the Spanish Startup Residence Permit?
The Spanish Startup Residence Permit is a specialized legal status for entrepreneurs developing innovative business projects within Spain. As of 2025, it grants an initial three-year residency with a path to a two-year extension and eventual permanent residency after five years.
* The project can be in the concept stage without a finished product.
* The permit remains valid even if the business project does not succeed.
* Spouses and minor children receive residency and immediate rights to work.
* Holders access the European market of 450 million consumers without currency risks.
Who is the Spanish Startup Visa for?
This visa is designed for international entrepreneurs and professional teams looking to establish a base in the European Union.
* Entrepreneurs launching local or international projects registered in Spain.
* Self-employed professionals not qualifying for the Digital Nomad Visa.
* Key startup team members applying as highly qualified professionals.
* Innovators seeking a stable jurisdiction with significant tax incentives.
"The client joined a startup project already submitted to ENISA. We worked efficiently on additional requests. As a result—project approval and startup residence permit in just one month." — Aleksei Kh., Entrepreneur
What are the requirements for a Startup Residence Permit?
To qualify, the applicant's business project must be deemed innovative and economically beneficial to Spain by the ENISA organization.
* Business plan creating jobs or providing specific technological value.
* Proof of funds: €28,800 for the main applicant.
* Additional funds: €7,200 per family member.
* Criminal record certificate covering the last five years with an apostille.
* Private Spanish health insurance without waiting periods or co-payments.
* Passport valid for at least one year.
What documents are required for the application?
A complete document package is required to avoid refusal, with all non-Spanish documents requiring sworn translation and notarization.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Plan | Project presentation approved by ENISA |
| Application Form | Official MI-T form for UGE or Consulate |
| Passport | Scan of all pages (must be valid for 1+ years) |
| Insurance | Private medical policy from a Spanish provider |
| Social Security Form | Signed commitment to register with Spanish Social Security |
| Fee 730-038 | Proof of payment for the residence application |
How does the application process work?
The application can be initiated from outside Spain via a consulate or directly from within Spain through the UGE platform.
1. Project Review: Submit the business plan to ENISA for innovation evaluation.
2. Document Preparation: Gather, apostille, and obtain sworn translations for all certificates.
3. Submission: Upload documents to UGE using a digital signature.
4. TIE Issuance: Upon approval (10–30 days), apply for the physical TIE residence card.
"Lyubov joined an existing startup. We helped with resume preparation and document submission. The permit was approved, and Lyubov has already received her resident card." — Lyubov A., Entrepreneur
What are the costs and financial aspects?
Applicants should budget between €700 and €1,200 for the initial application process, excluding the required maintenance funds.
* Medical Insurance: €500–€1,000 per year per person.
* Government Fee: €75 per family member.
* Apostille Services: Approximately €25 per document.
* Maintenance Funds: Must not be held in Russian or Belarusian banks.
How do residency requirements work?
As of April 2024, the legal framework regarding physical presence has been significantly relaxed for this visa category.
* No minimum residency days are required to maintain the permit (Ley 28/2022).
* The permit is valid for travel throughout the Schengen Area.
* Consular visas are valid for one year before conversion to residence permits.
* In-country applications grant a three-year residence permit immediately.
Source Attribution
* Evaluation Criteria: ENISA Official Site
* Online Application: UGE Platform
* Visa Standards: Spanish Consulate Guidelines
* Application Fee: Spanish Ministry of Inclusion Fee Form
Source: https://el-relocator.com/guides/startup-residence-permit