What counts as 'innovative'?

ENISA looks for businesses that are scalable, technology-based or technology-enabled, and bring something new to the market. Pure services businesses rarely qualify. Think tech startups, innovative apps, new business models using technology. A traditional restaurant doesn't qualify; a food-tech platform might.

Do I need investment or funding?

No minimum investment is specified, but you need to show you can fund the business and support yourself. Having secured investment (angel, VC, etc.) strengthens your application significantly. Self-funded bootstrapped businesses can qualify too.

What if my business fails?

Business failure doesn't automatically end your residency, but you'd need to start another innovative project or switch to a different visa type. The visa is tied to your entrepreneurial activity, so you can't just close the business and stay on this visa.

Can I employ myself and others?

Yes, you can be a director/employee of your own company and pay yourself a salary. You can also hire employees - in fact, creating jobs strengthens your position for renewals. All employees must be legally employed with proper contracts.

Entrepreneur Visa (Visado de Emprendedor)

For entrepreneurs starting an innovative business in Spain

Who Is This Visa For?

The entrepreneur visa is for people who want to start an innovative business in Spain. It's part of Spain's Startup Law and requires your business to be genuinely innovative. **This visa is for:** - Tech entrepreneurs - Innovative startups - Scalable business models - Businesses that will create jobs **Not for:** - Traditional businesses (restaurant, shop, etc.) - consider self-employed visa instead - Businesses without innovative element - Those wanting to buy existing business **Key requirement:** Your business must be assessed as 'innovative' by ENISA (Spanish innovation agency).

Requirements

Financial Requirements

•Business plan showing financial viability
•Proof of funds to support yourself (similar to non-lucrative visa)
•Investment capital for business (varies by project)
•No minimum investment amount specified

Documents Required

•Valid passport
•Detailed business plan
•Proof of qualifications/experience relevant to business
•Criminal background check (apostilled)
•Health insurance
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Favorable report from ENISA (applied for as part of process)

Other Requirements

•Business must be innovative/have innovative element
•Must have potential to create jobs in Spain
•Scalable business model preferred
•Tech/digital businesses have easier path

Step-by-Step Timeline

Develop business plan

Variable

Focus on innovation and job creation. Get professional help with the plan.

Apply for ENISA favorable report

20 days (official)

This is the key step. ENISA evaluates if your business is innovative enough.

Apply for visa with favorable report

4-8 weeks

Once you have ENISA approval, visa process is smoother.

Register business in Spain

2-4 weeks

Set up SL (limited company) or autonomo. Get tax registration.

Costs Breakdown

Item	Cost
Visa application fee	€80
ENISA reportFree government service	€0
Company formation (SL)Legal fees and capital	€1,000-3,000
Business plan preparation (if using consultant)	€500-2,000

* Costs are approximate and may vary. Check current rates with official sources.

Municipality-Specific Information

Processing times and procedures vary by municipality. Here's what to expect in each area:

Marbella

Growing startup scene. Some coworking spaces support entrepreneurs. Good quality of life for founders. Tourism-tech and lifestyle businesses popular.

Typical timeline: Standard processing

Malaga

Major tech hub in southern Spain. Malaga Tech Park, Google, and many startups. Best ecosystem in the region for tech entrepreneurs. Consider this for tech startups.

Typical timeline: More experience with entrepreneur visas

Estepona

Quieter alternative to Marbella. Lower costs. Less startup infrastructure but growing.

Typical timeline: Standard processing

After Your Visa Is Approved

1Register business (SL or autonomo)
2Get tax identification (CIF for company, NIF for you)
3Open business bank account
4Register with Social Security
5Actually run your innovative business!
6Hire employees (helps with renewals)
7Keep records of innovation and growth

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Business not innovative enough - traditional businesses don't qualify
Poor business plan - must clearly show innovation and viability
Not understanding ENISA criteria - research what they consider innovative
Underestimating costs - running a business in Spain has overhead
Not actually running the business - this isn't a way to get residency without working

Entrepreneur Visa (Visado de Emprendedor) FAQs

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Quick Summary

Processing Time: 26 weeks typical
Total Estimated Cost: €1,580+
Documents Needed: 7 documents

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources or consult a qualified immigration lawyer.