Visas

Spain attracts many foreign investors, entrepreneurs and professionals that want to set up and promote their business in our country, thereby advancing economic growth and creating jobs.

Spanish law facilitates the process of their and their families move to Spain through a Residence Program. The Mobility Section of the Entrepreneurs Law grants residence and work permits to foreign nationals from outside the EU, in order to attract investment and talent.

Benefits of

Entrepreneurs Law Residence Program

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These permits authorize the holders and their families to live and work throughout the Spanish territory without the National Employment Situation application, and allow them freedom of movement in the Schengen Area.

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The process is quick and easy: visas are processed in 10 business days and residence permits approved in 20 days. The permits can be processed through a representative and simultaneously prepared for all family members.

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How

to apply?

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Investors and digital nomads

From outside Spain, they can apply for a visa, valid for one year, at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office in their country of residence.

If in Spain legally, they must apply for a residence permit, valid for three years, at the Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Economic Sectors (UGE-CE).

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Entrepreneurs

Whether they are abroad or legally in Spain, they must apply online for a residence permit, valid for three years, from the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).

If they are outside Spain at the time of application, upon receiving the residence permit they must apply for an Entrepreneur visa, valid for entry into Spain, at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office in their country of residence.

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Highly qualified professionals, intra-corporate transferees and researchers

The legal entity wishing to hire the foreign national must apply in Spain for a residence permit, valid for three years or for the duration of the contract if shorter, to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).

If the candidate is outside Spain at the time of application, upon receiving the residence permit he/she must apply for a visa, corresponding to the type of permit, valid for entry into Spain, at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office in their country of residence.

Submitting this application will extend the foreign national's previous residence or stay status in Spain until the process is completed.

Residence permits can be renewed if the conditions under which they were instituted are maintained.

The investor residence permit can be renewed for five years without having to reside in Spain.

All other residence permits are renewed for two years or up to the contract length for a maximum of two years for highly qualified professionals, researchers and digital nomads. Those renewals require legal residence in Spain.

Different types of authorizations

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Investors

Foreign nationals that make a significant investment in Spain: real estate assets (500,000 euros); company shares or holdings or bank deposits (1,000,000 euros), public debt (2,000,000 euros) and business projects considered of general interest in Spain.

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Entrepreneurs

Foreign nationals who intend to develop an innovative business activity of economic interest for Spain.

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Highly qualified professionals

Companies that need foreign professionals: directors, highly skilled personnel and graduates or postgraduates from renowned universities and business schools.

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Intra-Corporate Transferees

Businesses or associations established in Spain or another country and that move one or more foreign nationals to Spain for work or training purposes.

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Researchers

Private or public companies and other entities that want to employ researchers, scientific or technical personnel and university or business school teachers to conduct training, research, development or innovation activities.

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Digital nomads

Foreign nationals who come to Spain to carry out remote work or a professional activity for companies located abroad, through the exclusive use of computer and telecommunication means.

For more information on the Entrepreneur Law Residence Program, see:

 

Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Sectors (UGE-CE)

Entrepreneurs Law PRIE Portal

There are other options for foreign nationals from outside the EU that want to invest, start a business or undertake a professional activity, and for companies that want to hire foreign professionals who do not meet the requirements of the Entrepreneurs Law Residence Program. See:

Inmigration Portal