Spain offers a favorable business environment and a strategic location in Europe, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and businessmen worldwide. If you’re planning to start a business or make investments in Spain, this article is for you as we explain in detail what the business visa in Spain entails, how to apply for it, the requirements you must meet, and the documents you must submit.
What is a Business Visa?
A business visa is a residency permit that allows you to stay in Spain if you intend to establish a business there. When we refer to a business visa, we usually compare it to a short-term Schengen visa, which allows the person to stay in Spain for a period of 90 days.
Who Can Apply for a Business Visa?
You can apply for this business visa if you come from a country outside the European Union. However, if you are a European citizen or your country of origin has an agreement with Spain whereby you do not require a visa to cross the border, then applying for a business visa is not necessary.
Types of Visas Available
Currently, there are three types of business visas in Spain, which vary according to the duration of your intended stay in Spain. Here’s everything you need to know about these visas:
Schengen Business Visa
It is a short-term business visa that allows you to stay in Spain for a period of 90 to 180 days.
An important point to note is that this visa does not permit you to engage in activities that directly generate income.
The Schengen business visa is suitable if you are visiting a client, attending a conference, or have business meetings.
Obtaining the Schengen business visa is straightforward. You need to schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country. Once you have the appointment, you must fill out a form, attend an interview, and pay the corresponding fees.
The documents you need to present include:
- Bank account statement to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Spain.
- Hotel or apartment reservation where you will stay while in Spain.
- Invitation from the Spanish company you will meet with, entry ticket for the event, conference, or training you will attend.
- Original passport and two photos.
- Round-trip flight tickets.
- Travel medical insurance.
Self-Employment Work Permit
If your plan involves staying in Spain for an extended period, this visa is for you as it allows you to reside and work in Spain for one year (which can be renewed once expired for another 4 years).
This visa is intended for setting up your own business or working as a self-employed individual in Spain.
As it is a long-stay visa, the application process is more extensive and time-consuming. To apply for the self-employment work permit, you must first schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your home country. Once you have the appointment, you must submit the following documentation:
- Immigration application form (model EX-7)
- Criminal record certificate with apostille
- Birth certificate
- Medical certificate indicating that you do not have any diseases regulated by the European Union since 2005
- Purchase health insurance in Spain covering more than €30,000 and without copayments
Once you have submitted these documents, the next step is to create a business plan. In the business plan, you must explain in detail the business you intend to carry out in Spain. In your business plan, you need to demonstrate that you have a physical location to conduct the activity, have at least a few confirmed clients, and have sufficient financial resources to handle daily operations.
Important Note: All documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Entrepreneur Visa
The entrepreneur visa is a residence permit that allows you to reside in Spain for a period of three years and requires you to start a project or company in Spain.
This visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to start a business in Spain, although the business must meet certain criteria such as having a high level of technology and being a highly innovative idea.
To apply for this visa, you have two options:
The first option is to process the entrepreneur visa from your country of origin through the Spanish consulate in your country.
The second option is to process it from Spain once you have entered the country, and you will have 90 days from your arrival. In this case, the UGE (Large Companies Unit) will be responsible for applying for it.
The requirements you must meet to apply for the entrepreneur visa are:
- Professional profile: The more experience, skills, and abilities you have and can demonstrate, the more likely you are to be granted the entrepreneur visa.
- Business plan: You must outline your business idea in detail in the business plan.
- Your business must add value to the Spanish economy as it must be something that does not exist in the country and can benefit Spain.
- The applicant cannot be from a country belonging to the European Union.
- You must be over 18 years old.
- No criminal record.
- You cannot be in an irregular situation in Spain.
- Health insurance.
- Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself both personally and for the business for at least one year.
The documents you must submit to apply for the entrepreneur visa are:
- Application form
- Complete passport
- One passport-size photograph
- Favorable project report
- Certificate of criminal record
- Health insurance
- Proof of residence
- Payment of the fee
Marta Palacios Cuesta is the founder and principal consultant of Es Abogado Extranjería, a law firm specializing in immigration law in Madrid and Seville. With an impressive academic background, Marta offers expert advice on immigration procedures, residency processes and obtaining Spanish nationality. Committed to providing personalized and up-to-date solutions, her firm stands out for its detailed and professional approach. If you need legal guidance regarding your status in Spain, contact Marta for a personalized consultation at Es Abogado Extranjería.
