If you’re an entrepreneur with a game-changing idea or an innovator ready to expand your business into Europe, Spain offers a powerful gateway to success. The Spain Startup Visa and Spain Entrepreneur Visa are designed to attract international talent and foster innovation. But what are the differences, and how do you qualify?
This guide covers everything you need to know, including Spain startup visa requirements, Spain entrepreneur visa cost, and how to launch your venture in one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation hubs.
Why Choose Spain for Your Startup?
Before diving into the visa process, consider the advantages of building your business in Spain:
- Access to the EU market
- Lower operating costs compared to other Western European countries
- Vibrant tech ecosystems in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia
- Quality of life, mild climate, and international talent pool
- Government support for innovation and entrepreneurship
If you’re ready to turn your vision into reality, Spain offers the right mix of resources, lifestyle, and opportunity.
What Is the Spain Startup Visa?
The Spain Startup Visa is a relatively new option aimed at attracting foreign entrepreneurs who want to launch innovative businesses in Spain. It’s part of Spain’s 2023 Startup Law, created to simplify the relocation and legal processes for digital entrepreneurs and tech founders.
Key Features:
- Fast-tracked application process
- Designed for non-EU citizens launching scalable, tech-driven companies
- Remote workers and digital nomads may also benefit from certain clauses of the Startup Law
- Residence permit valid for up to 3 years, renewable
Spain Startup Visa Requirements
To qualify for the Spain Startup Visa, you must meet several criteria:
- Innovative Business Idea: Your startup must be tech-driven, scalable, and offer a product or service not currently widespread in Spain.
- Business Plan: Submit a solid business plan outlining your market strategy, target audience, budget, and growth potential.
- Approval from ENISA or the Spanish Ministry of Economy: Your idea must be certified as innovative by a government-recognized institution.
- Proof of Funds: Show sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependents.
- No Criminal Record: You must provide a clean police background check from your country of residence.
- Private Health Insurance: Coverage is required for the entire duration of your stay.
Understanding these Spain startup visa requirements is critical to building a successful application.
What Is the Spain Entrepreneur Visa?
The Spain Entrepreneur Visa (or Residence Visa for Entrepreneurs) is a more general route for those planning to establish a business in Spain, whether it’s a tech startup, consulting firm, or retail operation.
Differences from the Startup Visa:
- Focused more broadly on job creation and economic impact
- Also allows brick-and-mortar or traditional business types
- Requires submission of a detailed business plan to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE)
Spain Entrepreneur Visa Cost
When calculating the Spain entrepreneur visa cost, consider the following:
- Visa application fee: Usually around €70–€100 depending on your location
- Legal and translation fees: Plan for €500–€2,000 depending on service providers
- Health insurance: Private coverage can range from €50–€150/month
- Startup capital: While there’s no fixed minimum, your budget must be realistic for your industry
Total initial costs generally fall between €1,500 and €3,000, excluding business setup costs such as office space, staff, or marketing.
