Get a Startup Residence Permit in Spain for 3 years
27/09/2024
Reading time: 8 min
Startup Visa in Spain: Complete Guide
In 2025, the Spanish startup visa is one of the easiest ways for entrepreneurs to start a business in Europe. It grants a three-year residence permit with the possibility of extension for another two years. The applicant has the right to relocate with their family, engage in professional activities, and develop an innovative project. Applications are processed within 10 to 30 days, ensuring a fast procedure. We will explain in detail how to obtain the visa, prepare documents, and successfully launch a startup in Spain while avoiding common mistakes.
What is a Startup Residence Permit
The Spanish Startup Residence Permit in 2025 is a residence permit for entrepreneurs with innovative projects. It grants the right to live in Spain for three years, with the possibility of extension for two more years. The project may still be in the concept stage — a finished product is not required. The residence permit remains valid until its expiration date, even if the business does not progress. Spain supports startups through tax incentives, grants, and access to investment. Legislation from 2013 and 2022 has simplified the visa process, allowing applicants to obtain a startup residence permit upon arrival in Spain. The program promotes economic growth through innovation and job creation. The applicant’s family members also receive a residence permit and the right to work. This visa is suitable for relocating to Spain and implementing business projects in a stable jurisdiction.
Who is the Spanish Startup Visa for
The startup visa attracts entrepreneurs looking to establish a company in Spain. You may develop a local business or an international project registered in Spain. Self-employed professionals earning income from remote work choose this visa if they do not meet the criteria for the digital nomad visa. The program is ideal for those planning a long-term stay in Europe. The visa provides time for adaptation and strategic planning. Key members of the startup team can apply for residence permits as highly qualified professionals. This expands the team’s capabilities and makes the visa a versatile tool.
Advantages of Spain and the Spanish Startup Visa
The startup visa grants a three-year residence permit with a two-year extension. A spouse and minor children receive the right to work. Applications are processed within 10–30 days, which is faster than most other visas. The approval rate is high, although there is no official statistic. Spain offers low labor and transport costs. The European market facilitates trade and exports. Startups benefit from favorable tax rates, grants, and venture capital. There is no requirement to submit progress reports, and the residence permit remains valid even if the project fails. Spain is a hub of innovation with a high standard of living, mild climate, and well-developed infrastructure.
Requirements for Obtaining a Startup Residence Permit
Your project must be innovative and beneficial to the Spanish economy.
The business plan must create jobs or provide technological value. The ENISA organization evaluates the plan, checking its uniqueness and potential. Additional requirements to apply for a startup visa in Spain include:
- Bank statement confirming a balance of at least €28,800 (400% of IPREM per year) for the applicant.
- Criminal record certificate with an apostille covering the last 5 years.
- Health insurance sin carencias y copagos (without waiting periods or co-payments).
- Passport valid for at least one year.
For each family member, an additional €7,200 (100% of IPREM) is required. All listed documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Required Documents for the Application
A complete document package is the key to a successful startup visa application. Errors or missing documents often lead to refusal. All certificates must be translated into Spanish, notarized, and their validity checked in advance. The main documents include: business plan approved by ENISA, completed application form, passport scan with blank pages, and a 4x3 cm photo for the TIE card. Proof of funds should show €28,800 for the applicant and €7,200 for each family member. A criminal record certificate is required from every country of residence for the last 5 years, with an apostille. Family members must provide marriage or birth certificates with apostille and translation. Health insurance from a Spanish company is mandatory. Pay the application fee and attach the receipt with the NRC number. Ensure the bank statement is not from Russia or Belarus.
Complete Document Package for a Startup Visa to Spain in 2025:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Plan/span> | Innovative project approved by ENISA |
| Application Form | Official form for UGE or the consulate |
| Passport | Scan of all pages, valid for at least one year |
| Photo | 4x3 cm format, for the TIE card |
| Insurance | Private medical insurance from a Spanish company |
| Commitment to Register with Social Security | Completed and signed form |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Certificate of no criminal record with apostille |
| Fee | Payment of fee 730-038 |
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a startup visa requires thorough preparation. You can submit your application from Spain via the UGE platform or through a consulate abroad. The step-by-step plan for preparing documents for a Spanish startup visa in 2025 includes:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1. Draft the business plan and submit it for review to ENISA | The business plan is a free-form presentation of the project and its main features, introduction of the team, market research, and a description of the economic benefits. |
| Step 2. Gather the required documents listed in the table above | All collected documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and notarized. |
| Step 3. Submit the application for a startup visa to Spain | Upload the application to UGE with a digital signature or submit it to the consulate. |
For just €100, we provide a digital signature and support you at every stage of the application. Processing takes 10–30 days. A consular visa is valid for one year and is then converted into a two-year residence permit. If you apply from Spain, you will receive a three-year residence permit immediately. After approval, obtain your TIE card in Spain. It confirms your resident status and is required for travel within the Schengen Area. We recommend reading our article: How to Get a TIE
Financial Aspects and Additional Expenses
A startup visa requires financial investment at the application stage. The initial costs are:
- Medical insurance from a Spanish company — €500–1000 per year per person. You can pay monthly and cancel without loss if the application is refused.
- Fee — €75 for each family member, payable at a Spanish bank.
- Document translation — calculated separately depending on the word count of the documents.
- Apostille — around €25 per document.
The total expenses for the applicant range from €700 to €1200, including possible bank fees. Make sure the bank statement is current and shows the required amount. Incorrect documents increase costs and delay the process.
Life in Spain for Entrepreneurs
Spain attracts businesspeople with its Mediterranean climate, rich culture and developed infrastructure. Barcelona and Madrid are leading hubs for startups, offering active networking opportunities and access to investors. The quality of life in Spain is high, making relocation comfortable for the whole family. The single European market provides access to 450 million consumers without currency risks. Favorable taxes and grants from ENISA and other funds support business development. Families adapt easily: children can attend international schools, and Spanish can be learned through language courses. Entrepreneurs benefit from coworking spaces, accelerators, and startup events to grow their projects.
Our cases
Entrepreneur
The client joined a startup project that had already been submitted to ENISA by another co-founder. We helped with the technical and administrative parts of the submission, and also worked efficiently when receiving a non-standard additional request. As a result – project approval and startup residence permit in just one month.
Entrepreneur
Lyubov joined an existing startup. We helped with resume preparation, LinkedIn profile, insurance, and document submission. The startup residence permit was approved, and Lyubov has already received her resident card in Spain.
Entrepreneur
Thanks to the professional packaging of the startup and support at all stages, Ivan received approval for his project, then a residence permit through the startup program.
Project Manager
How a family from Montenegro obtained a Digital Nomad Residence Permit in Spain in 4 months: from document collection to receiving the TIE.
Lawyer
Aleksandr is a lawyer. His profession is a regulated one, which made it difficult to obtain a residence permit. How we managed it – read in the case.
Auditor
Maxim wanted to relocate to Europe with his family while simplifying the moving process for family members. Read this case study to learn how we managed to do it.
Possible Challenges and How to Avoid Them
An incomplete document package is the most common reason for refusals. A weak business plan that does not meet ENISA’s criteria will be rejected. Insufficient funds (less than €28,800) or expired certificates may also lead to refusal. ENISA strictly assesses the project’s innovativeness and economic benefit. Carefully check translations, apostilles, and document validity periods. Make sure your bank statement confirms the required amount and that the bank is neither Russian nor Belarusian. In case of refusal, submit an appeal within one month, clarifying the reasons. Gather the missing documents. Resubmission is possible after corrections. Seek professional advice to minimize risks.
Useful Resources and Links
- Spanish Consulate Website — publishes current visa requirements.
- ENISA — explains the evaluation criteria for business plans.
- UGE Platform — facilitates online application submission.
Our consultations are free. Contact us to start the process and successfully relocate to Spain to grow your startup!
