The entrepreneur residence permit (residencia para emprendedores) is for non-EU nationals who want to carry out a business project in Spain that is innovative or of special interest to the Spanish economy. Under this route, as reshaped by the 2022 Startup Law, the decisive factor is a favourable assessment of the project by ENISA, a public body. There is no minimum investment and no requirement to hire a set number of people; the assessment is based on the quality of the business plan.
What is expected of the project
The ENISA report looks at three elements:
- The applicant's professional background and role in the project; where there are several partners, the contribution of each
- A business plan describing the product or service, the market, the investment needed and the sources of funding
- The value the project adds to the Spanish economy, its innovative features and the investment opportunities it creates
An ordinary shop, restaurant or consultancy business often does not meet these criteria. For activities of this kind, the self-employment (autónomo) permit is a more realistic route.
General requirements
- Being at least 18 years old and not being in Spain irregularly
- No criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived in the last two years, plus a written declaration covering the last five years
- Health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain
- Sufficient means for yourself and your family: 200% of the SMI for the applicant, 75% for the first family member and 25% for each further family member
- Any sector-specific licences and permits the activity requires
As these amounts are updated every year, we prepare your application using the figures in force on the date you apply.
How the application works
- First, the project form and business plan are submitted through ENISA's website. By law, ENISA must issue its report within 10 working days; in practice this can take longer
- After a favourable report, the permit application is filed electronically with the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) in Madrid. The decision period is 20 days; if no answer is given in that time, the application is deemed approved
- If you apply from Türkiye, once the permit is approved you obtain a visa from the Spanish consulate; if you are legally in Spain, no consulate stage is needed
- After entering Spain, you obtain your residence card (TIE)
Your spouse or partner, children and dependent parents can apply at the same time or later. The permit is granted for 3 years, renewed for periods of 2 years as long as the requirements continue to be met, and after 5 years you can apply for long-term residence.
How it connects to setting up a company
Once the permit is granted, the activity is usually carried on through a company set up in Spain or through registration as self-employed. The notarial deed, entry in the commercial registry and tax registration are carried out by the notary, the registry and the tax authorities in Spain. We prepare the documents and the timetable for these steps with you in advance.
How we work with you
- We assess at the first consultation whether your project meets ENISA's criteria and, if it does not, discuss other routes
- We review the structure and presentation of your business plan against the criteria examined in the report
- We prepare the documents on means, insurance and criminal record, and plan the apostille and sworn translation steps
- We prepare the UGE application and the consulate stage and follow them up until a decision is issued
- We prepare in advance the documents you will take to the notary and the authorities in Spain for setting up the company and registering for tax
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest?
The law sets no minimum investment. What matters is that the investment needed in the business plan is realistic and that you show where the funding will come from. In addition, you must separately meet the requirement of sufficient means for yourself and your family.
What happens if the ENISA report is unfavourable?
This permit is not granted without a favourable report. Reworking the project to address the weaknesses identified, or choosing another route such as the self-employment permit, can be considered.
How does it differ from the investor visa (golden visa)?
The investor visa based on property and capital investment was abolished with effect from 3 April 2025. The entrepreneur permit looks not at the amount invested but at the nature of the project and its contribution to the Spanish economy.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse or partner, your children and your dependent parents can apply together with you or later. You need to show additional means for each family member.
Does this permit count towards permanent residence?
Yes. Time spent on the entrepreneur permit counts towards long-term residence, which you can apply for after 5 years.
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Requirements and amounts are updated every year. Your file is prepared under the rules in force on the day you apply.