The Entrepreneur Visa for Spain, also known as the Start-Up Visa, is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to start an innovative business or project in Spain. This visa is part of Spain’s broader initiative to attract talent and investment to the country by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. Here’s a guide to the Entrepreneur Visa application process:
Eligibility Requirements
- Innovative Business Idea: The key requirement is that your business idea must be innovative and have the potential to contribute to the Spanish economy. This could involve new technologies, unique products or services, or a significant improvement to an existing market.
- Viability of the Business Plan: You need to present a detailed business plan that demonstrates the viability, profitability, and impact of your project on the Spanish market.
- Financial Resources: You must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your business in Spain during the startup phase.
- No Criminal Record: You should have a clean criminal record in Spain and your home country.
Develop a Business Plan
- Detailed Description: Your business plan should include a thorough description of your business idea, products or services, target market, competitors, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
- Innovation: Highlight the innovative aspects of your business and explain how it differs from existing companies in Spain.
- Economic Impact: Demonstrate how your business will benefit the Spanish economy, such as creating jobs, contributing to technological advancements, or attracting investment.
- Funding Requirements: Detail the financial requirements of your business, including startup costs, funding sources, and financial forecasts for the first few years.
Evaluation by the Spanish Government
- Submission to the Economic and Commercial Office: Before applying for the visa, your business plan must be submitted to the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in your home country. The Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness (through the Directorate-General for International Trade and Investments) will evaluate your project.
- Approval: If your business plan is approved, you will receive a favorable report, which is required to apply for the Entrepreneur Visa.
Gather Required Documents
- Visa Application Form: Complete the national visa application form available at the Spanish consulate or embassy.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa sticker. The passport should be valid for at least one year from the date of application.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) that meet Spanish visa photo requirements.
- Business Plan: A copy of the approved business plan with the favorable report from the Spanish government.
- Proof of Financial Means: Documentation showing that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your business in Spain. This could include bank statements, investment records, or proof of funding.
- Health Insurance: Proof of private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance should cover the entire duration of your stay.
- Medical Certificate: A certificate from a licensed doctor stating that you do not suffer from any diseases that could pose a threat to public health, in accordance with international health regulations.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate from your home country (and any other countries where you’ve lived in the past 5 years) showing that you do not have a criminal record. This document must be legalized and translated into Spanish.
- Proof of Payment of Visa Fee: The fee, which varies depending on nationality and other factors.
Submit Your Application
- Consulate/Embassy: Submit your visa application and required documents to the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Processing Time: The processing time for the Entrepreneur Visa is typically around 1 to 3 months.
Travel to Spain
- Visa Issuance: Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport, allowing you to enter Spain.
- Residence Permit (TIE): After arriving in Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the local police station within 30 days. This card serves as your residence permit in Spain and is usually valid for one year.
Running Your Business in Spain
- Start Operations: You can begin setting up and running your business once you have your residence permit.
- Renewal: The Entrepreneur Visa is initially granted for one year. It can be renewed for two-year periods, provided your business is operational and meets the criteria outlined in your business plan.
- Family Members: Your spouse and dependent children can join you in Spain under a family reunification visa. They are also eligible for residency and may have the right to work or study in Spain.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
- Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency in Spain.
- Citizenship: After ten years of legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship, provided you meet the legal requirements, including passing the language and cultural knowledge tests.
Important Considerations:
- Commitment to Innovation: Your business must remain innovative and viable to maintain your visa status.
- No Minimum Investment: Unlike the Golden Visa, there is no minimum investment amount, but you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to fund your business.
- Compliance with Spanish Law: Your business must comply with all relevant Spanish laws and regulations, including tax, labor, and environmental laws.