Startup Visa Spain is one of the most popular ways to legally move and open a business in Europe. This program attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world due to its affordable requirements, fast processing times and the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for the entire family at once. In 2025, the startup visa Spain remains an excellent chance for those who dream of developing in an international environment.
How to get a startup visa in Spain?
To get a startup visa in Spain, you need to prepare an innovative business project that will be approved by one of the authorized certification bodies of the country. It is important to show that the project is truly new to the market, has a technological basis and the potential to create jobs. After preparing a business plan and documents, the application is submitted to a specialized institution UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas).
The process of obtaining a startup visa is quite transparent. After submitting documents, a decision is made on average within 20 working days. If your application is approved, you will immediately receive a residence permit in Spain for three years with the possibility of extension.
Requirements for a startup visa in Spain
The requirements for a startup visa in Spain in 2025 have remained stable. The main thing is to have a unique and promising idea. The applicant must be an adult, have no criminal record, and have funds to live and develop the project. Higher education and entrepreneurial experience will be a big plus, although it is not formally required.
Another important point: the business must be focused on international markets or have a technological innovation. For example, projects in IT, biotechnology, energy or artificial intelligence are a priority.
Documents for a startup visa: what you need to collect
The list of documents for a startup visa is quite standard. You will need a passport, a business plan, proof of financial solvency, health insurance, a certificate of no criminal record and a resume. A letter from a certifying body confirming the innovativeness of the project is also required.
It is important to prepare translations of all documents into Spanish with an apostille in advance to speed up the review process.
Business plan for a startup visa: what to look for
A business plan for a startup visa plays a key role. The decision on your application depends on its quality. The document should describe in detail the product or service, market analysis, business model, marketing strategy and development plan for the next three to five years. Particular attention is paid to the justification of the innovative component of the project and the calculation of the economic impact on the Spanish economy.
A good business plan should be realistic, logical and clear. To increase your chances, it is worth contacting professional business immigration consultants.
Investments for a startup visa: how much is needed
The minimum investment for a startup visa in Spain is not officially established. However, in practice, an entrepreneur must demonstrate the availability of sufficient funds to cover the costs of starting a business and living in the country. The recommended amount is from 30,000 to 50,000 euros. This money can be in your personal bank account or raised from investors.
If the project already has initial investments or grants, this significantly increases the chances of approval of the application.
Moving to Spain through a startup: how it works
Moving to Spain through a startup visa is a convenient and fast process. After the approval of the business project, you receive a national visa type D and a residence permit for three years. This allows you to immediately register a business, open a bank account, rent a home and officially work.
Moving with a startup visa also gives the right to freely move around the Schengen area without the need to apply for additional visas.
Startup visa rights Spain: what you get
Startup visa rights Spain include legal residence, the right to create a company and employment within your business. You also get access to Spanish educational and medical institutions, and after five years of residence you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.
An additional advantage is the possibility of operating in other EU countries, subject to certain conditions.
Extension of a startup visa Spain: how to stay longer
Extension of a startup visa Spain is possible subject to the successful implementation of a business plan. Three months before the end of the first residence, it is necessary to submit documents for an extension. To do this, it is necessary to confirm that the company is operating, creating jobs or bringing economic benefits. When renewing, you receive a new residence permit for two years with the possibility of subsequently switching to other forms of residence, for example, entrepreneurial or long-term.
Visa for entrepreneurs in Spain: what is the difference between a startup visa
A visa for entrepreneurs in Spain differs from a startup visa. A regular entrepreneur visa is suitable for starting a traditional business (cafes, shops, services), while a startup visa is intended only for innovative projects. The selection criteria for a startup visa are stricter, but its holders receive more rights and benefits.
Startup visa Spain with a family: conditions for moving
One of the reasons for the popularity of a startup visa in Spain is the opportunity to take a family. A startup visa Spain with a family allows you to include a spouse and children in the application without having to wait for the approval of the main applicant. Family members receive their own residences, and the spouse has the right to work in Spain without a separate permit.
This significantly simplifies the integration process and makes a startup visa especially attractive for family entrepreneurs.
Startup visa expenses Spain: how much does it cost to apply
Startup visa expenses Spain include government fees for processing (75-100 euros), document translations (from 200 euros), insurance (300-800 euros per year) and consultant services (if you use them). You should also consider the costs of registering a company and renting a home.
In total, it is recommended to budget from 3,000 to 7,000 euros for preparation and relocation.
Spanish level for a startup visa: is the language necessary?
The level of Spanish for a startup visa is not an official requirement. You can apply without knowing the language. However, for effective business management, hiring employees and working with government agencies, basic knowledge of Spanish or having an assistant-translator will make life much easier.
In addition, many regions of Spain actively support English-speaking startups.
Startup and business immigration Spain: why you should choose this country
Startup and business immigration Spain in 2025 are becoming increasingly popular due to a stable economy, high quality of life and support for innovative projects. Spain is actively investing in the startup ecosystem, opening new accelerators, incubators and venture funds.
Moving on a startup visa allows you to start your journey to the EU with a reliable legal framework, the opportunity to scale your business and enter international markets.
🔍 Frequently asked questions about the startup visa to Spain
1. What are the requirements for a business plan for a startup visa?
The business plan must be innovative, scalable and focused on the Spanish market. It must include sections on the team, competition, business model, clients and partners. It is important that the project creates jobs and has growth potential.
2. Do I need a Spanish partner to get a startup visa?
No, having a Spanish partner is not mandatory. However, having a local co-founder can be a plus when evaluating the project.
3. Is it possible to get a startup visa while in Spain on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can. It is important that you are in the country legally. The application procedure includes obtaining an NIE, a digital signature and submitting documents online through the UGE platform.
4. How much money do I need to have in my account to apply for a startup visa?
The minimum amount for the main applicant is about 32,000 euros. Additionally: 12,000 euros for the second family member and 4,000 euros for each additional one.
5. What documents are required for the application?
- Business plan.
- Certificate of no criminal record with an apostille.
- Health insurance.
- Bank statement confirming the availability of the necessary funds.
- Copy of passport with visa and entry stamp.
- NIE and digital signature.
6. How long does the process of obtaining a startup visa take?
The process can take from 3 to 4 months. First, you need to get approval from ENISA, then submit the documents to UGE. Once approved, an appointment is scheduled to submit biometric data and receive the residence card.
7. What to do if rejected?
If rejected, you can appeal within a month. If you are in Spain, you have 15 days to leave the country or apply for another type of visa, such as a digital nomad.
8. Can I transfer my existing business to Spain with a startup visa?
Yes, if your business meets the criteria for innovation and scalability, you can apply for a startup visa. It is important to adapt the business plan to the Spanish market and demonstrate the potential for job creation.
9. Can I include my family in my startup visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and minor children in your application. To do so, you must provide additional documents and prove that you have sufficient funds to support your family.
10. What are the benefits of a startup visa in Spain?
- Residence permit for 3 years with the possibility of extension.
- Right to work and run a business.
- Free movement within the Schengen area.
- Possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
- Tax benefits: the income tax rate can be 15% for the first 4 years.