Spain Entrepreneur Visa
Start or move your business to Spain
A three-year residence and work permit for non-EU founders.
No minimum investment required. Here's how it works, and whether your current company can come, too.
The big question
Bring your company or start a new one
Good news: you can move an existing business over, not just start one. The catch is what Spain considers an eligible business. It's built for innovative, scalable companies, so a tech startup can move here and keep growing.
- Founders open a Spanish company and run it from Spain
- A cafe or solo freelancer uses the self-employed visa instead
The numbers that matter
3 years
Initial permit, the longest Spain gives
renews in 2-year steps
0 euros
No minimum investment required
your business plan is the asset
~20 days
Target decision once ENISA signs off
one of Spain's fastest routes
The one thing that matters most
What counts as innovative
One document makes or breaks it: a favorable ENISA report saying your project is innovative and good for Spain. Think technology, R&D, or a genuinely new way of doing things. Restaurants, franchises, and plain consulting get turned down.
Entrepreneur Visa
For entrepreneurs who wish to start or invest in a business in Spain. The business must demonstrate potential economic impact, such as job creation or technological innovation.
- Government cost
- $80
- Processing time
- ~30 days
- Timeline
- 3 years (renewable)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Key requirements
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Positive report from ENISA (Spanish National Innovation Company) on the business project
- Proof of financial means
- Criminal record certificate (no older than 6 months)
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of residence in consular district
A permit that grows with you
The permit lasts three years up front, then renews in two-year steps. After five years of legal residence, you can apply to stay permanently. Your spouse and kids can come along, and you can work in your own company right away.
Scouting Trips
Before you move, see Spain like a future resident.
- We walk neighborhoods
- Meet local experts
- Tour healthcare facilities
- Explore housing options
- Help you understand what daily life actually feels like
You don't have to do this alone
The people below have helped Americans set up in Spain, from the visa file to finding a flat.
Moving to Spain
Spain Relocation Specialist
Files entrepreneur visas and handles the move, based in Spain.
Christine Job
Move Abroad Coach
A move-abroad coach based in Valencia.
Where founders tend to settle down
Barcelona
Startup capital
Spain's biggest tech scene and a deep international talent pool.
Valencia
Rising and affordable
A fast-growing hub with lower costs than Madrid.
Malaga
Costa del Sol tech
A growing tech park, sunshine, and direct flights home.
Bilbao
Northern innovation
Basque industry, design, and a serious food scene.
Common questions
How is the Entrepreneur Visa taxed?
An ENISA-certified startup can pay 15% corporate tax in its first profitable years, and founders may choose the Beckham regime: a flat 24% on Spanish income up to 600,000 euros for six years. As a U.S. citizen, you'll still file U.S. taxes on your worldwide income, so work with a cross-border accountant for best results.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse or registered partner and dependent children can apply at the same time as you, and your spouse is allowed to work in Spain.
Does this lead to permanent residency?
It can. The permit starts at three years and renews in two-year blocks. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for long-term permanent residency. Citizenship is possible after ten years in the country.
How long does the whole thing take?
Plan for three to five months. ENISA's review runs from a few weeks up to about three months. Once you have the favorable report, the immigration unit (UGE-CE) is meant to decide within about 20 business days. Our partners at Moving to Spain can advise further.
What is the ENISA report and why does it matter?
ENISA is Spain's national innovation body. It reviews your business plan and issues a favorable report if the project is innovative and good for the Spanish economy. No favorable report, no visa, so the plan has to be strong. Restaurants, franchises, and human-only consulting are usually rejected for the Entrepreneur Visa.
Can I move my existing business to Spain, or do I have to start a new one?
Either works, as long as the business is innovative and scalable. Most founders moving over will open a Spanish company (usually an SL) and run their venture from Spain. If your business is a traditional shop, restaurant, or solo freelance service, the self-employed (autonomo) visa is the right route for you.
You can move abroad.
Thousands of Americans have already done it.
Why not you?