When You Can Obtain Permanent Residency with a Start-Up Visa

Applicants with experience and qualifications as co-founders can apply by submitting an application, a valid passport, proof of legal residence in Spain, a clean criminal record, full health insurance, and sufficient financial means for living in the country. New projects benefit from tax incentives: instead of the standard 25% corporate tax, they pay 15% and are granted a deferral of corporate tax payments for six months to one year. This type of visa is issued for up to one year, after which applicants must apply for a residence permit and later for permanent residency.

Conditions and Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residency through a Start-Up Visa

Moving to Spain for permanent residency is possible through a start-up visa. Initially, applicants receive a residence permit allowing them to live and work in Spain for three years. It can then be extended for another two years, after which they may apply for permanent residency. To obtain PR, the following are required:

1. A valid, unexpired Schengen visa;
2. No more than five co-founders in the project;
3. A clean criminal record;
4. Financial reports indicating the number of jobs created;
5. Financial solvency: €16,400 in the applicant’s bank account and €8,000 per family member.

The certificate of no criminal record is valid for only 3 months from the issue date, so it should be obtained shortly before moving to Spain.

Permanent Residency Application Process

To obtain residency, one must prepare an application and a complete set of documents, including:

1. Passports of the applicant and family members;
2. Criminal record certificate;
3. Financial statements;
4. Health insurance;
5. Proof of business success.

You must also submit a color photo (3.5x4.5 cm), proof of residence in the consular district, and, for minor children, birth certificates. If parents are relocating as dependents, supporting documents must be provided. All documents must be translated into Spanish. When submitting the application, keep in mind that the applicant must have resided in Spain for at least 183 days per year for each of the 5 years. The application process involves several steps:

1. Filling out the application form (form MI-T for the applicant, form MI-F for family members);
2. Submitting the required documents;
3. Paying the registration fee and including the receipt with a generated code in the application.

If another person is submitting the application, a power of attorney must be issued. Documents are submitted electronically, so a digital signature is required, as well as proof of legal stay in Spain. After submission, it takes approximately 3–6 months to receive a decision. Additional documents or information may be requested.

Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency via a Start-Up Visa

Meeting the requirements for permanent residency in Spain through a start-up visa allows you and your family to live not only in Spain but also travel freely within the Schengen Area. Applicants must demonstrate that their business idea is promising for the country. Residence permits are granted in most cases, with rejections being quite rare. Obtaining PR allows you to live in Spain legally for an extended period, with renewals required every 5 years. The start-up visa is one of the most efficient legal pathways for residing in Spain. A PR holder gains access to the Spanish healthcare and social security systems, known for their high quality. After 10 years of legal residence, one may apply for Spanish citizenship, which grants full civil rights, including voting and running for office. Importantly, the start-up visa does not require a functioning MVP at the beginning, nor does it demand an investment of €500,000 in real estate or securities. Even if a start-up fails, the applicant can seek employment with another start-up or work for a company as an employee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Tips and Recommendations

To obtain permanent residency, it is crucial to maintain a successful and impactful business—merely opening a bakery or café is not enough. The venture must provide real benefits to Spain’s economy. This must be reflected in the business plan submitted to the Ministry. To improve business performance:

1. Reduce expenses;
2. Increase repeat purchases;
3. Raise the average transaction value;
4. Develop new business areas;
5. Generate more leads.

Proper preparation of documentation is essential. The applicant must prove they have been a law-abiding resident over the past 5 years. Documents issued outside of Spain must be translated into Spanish or the official language of the region where the PR application is submitted, notarized, and apostilled. Consulting immigration specialists can significantly speed up the process. Full-service PR application assistance is available, including guidance on the best legalization route. Our experts will help prepare a compliant and compelling business plan for submission to ENISA and the migration commission.

Conclusion

It is not possible to obtain permanent residency directly via the start-up visa. You must first obtain a temporary residence permit and live in Spain as a resident for 5 years before applying for PR. This route is among the most accessible, as it does not require large capital injections into the national economy and, with expert support, offers nearly guaranteed success. With permanent residency, you gain the right to live in Spain and enjoy the same benefits as Spanish citizens. Contact our team to help you gather the necessary documents and successfully obtain PR in Spain.