Paseo de Gracia 8-10, 3º Barcelona, Spain

[email protected]

+34 661 80 08 99

Services

Self-Employed Visa In Spain

REQUEST CONSULTATION

Setting up as Self-Employed in Spain

The Self-Employed Visa in Spain, also known as Cuenta Propia or Autónomo, is intended for those who plan to work independently in Spain. This type of visa allows you to start your own business or work as a freelance professional. To obtain it, you need to demonstrate the viability of your project and have sufficient resources for its implementation.
At Lusa Legal Firm, we are international experts in assisting our clients in obtaining a self-employed business permit in Spain. If you are considering living in Spain and would like to start your own business here, there are some important steps that need to be taken and required documentation that must be gathered first. We are well versed in the process of setting up as self-employed in Spain and we can guide you in the process of obtaining one.

The steps to acquire
the Self-Employed Visa

How Long Will Getting A Self-Employed Permit Take?

Obtaining this type of residency can often be a lengthy process. Filling out the Spanish visa application form and collecting all of the required documentation can usually takes up to two months or more to complete. These documents must then be submitted to the immigration authorities for reviewal. It can then take anywhere from two to six months for the self employed visa in Spain to be granted.

How Long Is A Self-Employed Business Permit Valid For?

Once the visa has been granted, and you are officially self employed in Spain, the initial permit is valid for a period of one year. After this time you can apply to continue to be autonomo in Spain for another two years with the option to apply once more for another two year period after that. After five years have been spent within the country, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency status. It is also very important to note that you must spend a period of at least six months out of every year within the country while holding the self-employed business permit.

Documents required to apply for Self-Employed Visa

To obtain a Self-Employed Visa (Cuenta Propia) in Spain, an individual entrepreneur must meet a set of requirements and submit the following documents to the Spanish immigration authorities:
  1. Proof of sufficient financial resources. You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to start and operate the business. The required amount depends on the type of business and project scale.
  1. Business plan. A detailed plan describing your business activity, expected income and expenses, and the plan for job creation.
  1. Criminal record certificate. Certificates from your country of residence and, if applicable, from Spain. These documents must be translated and apostilled.
  1. Lease or rental agreement. Proof of the premises intended for the business activity.
  1. Job creation evidence. Proof that your business may generate employment for Spanish citizens.
  1. Documentación profesional y educativa, u otras pruebas de experiencia y competencia.
    Diplomas, certificados, licencias, CV u otros documentos que acrediten su cualificación y experiencia para la actividad prevista.

Note: The financial resources must cover both living expenses and business startup costs, in accordance with the consulate’s requirements and the nature of the business activity.

Difference between StartUp Visa and Entrepreneur Visa

The StartUp visa and the Residence for Self-Employed (Entrepreneur visa) in Spain serve different purposes. The StartUp visa is intended for the implementation of innovative projects with high potential and the possibility of creating new jobs, even without large initial investments.

The Entrepreneur visa is suitable for running traditional businesses or providing services. It requires a prepared business plan and proof of financial stability, but it is not necessarily linked to innovation.

Key differences:

  • StartUp visa: for innovative, scalable projects; Entrepreneur visa: for traditional businesses.
  • StartUp visa allows starting a project from scratch; Entrepreneur visa usually implies an existing business idea.
  • For the StartUp visa, an innovative business plan is crucial; for the Entrepreneur visa, financial stability and readiness to manage the business are essential.

A full comparative analysis of the StartUp visa and the Entrepreneur visa is available at this link.

Forms of Employment and Prospects of Residence with Right to Work

Residence with the right to work in Spain offers various opportunities for employment. Holders of this type of residence can work as employees under a contract with an employer or independently as self-employed (autónomos). This allows managing a personal business, providing services, or developing commercial activities without the need for additional permits.

Furthermore, residence with the right to work provides long-term residence prospects. The initial permit is granted for a limited period but can be renewed if all conditions are met. Over time, while complying with residence and work requirements, it is possible to apply for permanent residence and, eventually, Spanish citizenship.

Thus, residence with the right to work combines flexibility in choosing the form of employment with the possibility of stable living in Spain, making this type of visa a convenient tool for long-term professional and personal planning.

Modification of Other Residence Permits to the Self‑Employed Visa

We also provide assistance with modifying an existing residence permit in Spain to a Self‑Employed Visa (residence with authorization to work as self‑employed). This procedure is carried out directly in Spain and is available to applicants who already hold a valid residence permit.

The requirements and the list of documents largely coincide with those established for obtaining the Self‑Employed Visa through a consulate. Applications submitted from within Spain are often processed more quickly, and the key advantage is that there is no need to leave Spain — the decision is issued locally, and the residence status is updated in the country.

Setting up as Self-Employed in Spain with us

If you have a business venture idea and are interested in obtaining further information on how to become autonomo in Spain, the qualified team of legal professionals and Lusa Legal firm can help. We specialize in helping entrepreneurs gain their self-employed business permits in Spain and would be pleased to answer any questions that you may have. We believe that our business clients should be focused on growing and expanding their ideas, leaving the tedious details of forms and applications to us.

Service Price*

€ 1650 applicant, application submitted through the consulate
€ 1000 applicant, modification from within Spain

* Estimated service price, total amount will depend on the particular case and additional services required.
VAT is not included in the price.

What is included in the service

  1. Preparation and verification of documents – assistance in collecting all necessary documents for the Self-Employed Visa, adjusting the format and content to meet the requirements of Spanish authorities.
  2. Consultation on legal form – advice on whether it is better to register as self-employed (autónomo) or establish a company, considering your business activity, taxation, and administrative obligations.
  3. Registration as self-employed – support in obtaining NIE/NIF, registering with tax and social security authorities, and setting up an electronic signature.
  4. Support with apostille and document translations – guidance on document legalization, certified translations, and apostille where required.
  5. Assistance during submission – help with filling out forms 790-052 / 790-062, payment of consular fees, and submission of documents to the consulate.
  6. Consultation on address confirmation (empadronamiento) – advice and guidance on registering your address in Spain, which is necessary for residency and administrative procedures.
  7. Legal and administrative support until decision – ongoing support from our lawyers and consultants throughout the process until your visa is approved.

What is paid separately

  1. Government fees and visa charges – all consular fees for processing the visa and obtaining the TIE.
  2. Health insurance – mandatory annual health insurance from a Spanish provider.
  3. Accounting, taxes, and reporting – professional support for bookkeeping, tax reporting, and social security contributions after starting activity.
  4. Project financing – assistance with investments, purchasing equipment, and renting premises if necessary.
  5. Opening a bank account – help with opening a Spanish bank account and transferring funds.
  6. Company registration – if you decide to establish a company (SL or other forms), assistance with registration and legal requirements.
  7. Business plan preparation – drafting a professional business plan, available upon special request.

Contact us!

    up