Spain Entrepreneur Residence Programme
Spain Entrepreneur Residence Programme
The Spain Entrepreneur Residence route is designed for foreign entrepreneurs aged 18 or over who want to start, develop, or direct an entrepreneurial business activity in Spain. The programme operates under Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation and focuses primarily on innovative businesses capable of generating economic value for Spain.
A major advantage is flexibility. There is no prescribed minimum investment and no mandatory minimum number of jobs that every applicant must create. Instead, ENISA evaluates the applicant's professional profile, involvement in the project, business plan, financing, innovation, and the value the project could contribute to the Spanish economy.
"A flexible Spanish business residency route for innovative entrepreneurs with no fixed investment threshold."
— Spain Entrepreneur Residence ProgrammeKey Benefits of Spain Business Residency
Spain's Entrepreneur Residence route offers flexibility, innovation-led assessment, Schengen mobility, family relocation options, and a strategic European base for business growth.
No Fixed Minimum Investment
Spain does not impose a predetermined minimum investment amount. Financing must instead be appropriate and credible for the proposed business.
No Fixed Job-Creation Requirement
There is no mandatory minimum number of jobs that every entrepreneur must create. The overall economic and innovative value of the project is considered.
Establish an Innovative Business in Spain
Entrepreneurs can use the programme to start, develop, or manage an innovative commercial project with special economic interest for Spain.
Residence in an EU Country
Successful applicants can establish legal residence in Spain while developing their entrepreneurial activities, providing a strategic base within the European Union.
Access to the Schengen Area
Spanish residence permit holders can benefit from short-term mobility within the Schengen Area in accordance with applicable Schengen rules.
Strong Startup Ecosystem
Spain offers a growing environment for entrepreneurship and innovation, with ENISA playing an important role in startup development and certification.
Business & Investment Opportunities
Spain provides entrepreneurs with access to European consumers, skilled professionals, modern infrastructure, international investors, and expanding technology ecosystems.
Family Relocation
Qualifying family members can benefit from residence arrangements alongside the entrepreneur, subject to applicable Spanish immigration requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The Spain Entrepreneur Residence route is intended for foreign nationals who want to develop a genuine innovative entrepreneurial activity in Spain.
Minimum Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Entrepreneurial Intention
Applicants should intend to start, develop, or manage a genuine entrepreneurial business in Spain.
Innovative Project
The business project should be innovative and/or of special economic interest to Spain.
Professional Profile
Applicants should demonstrate relevant professional experience and meaningful involvement in the proposed project.
Business Plan & Financing
A comprehensive business plan and a credible financing structure are essential.
ENISA Assessment
Applicants must obtain a favourable assessment of the entrepreneurial project from ENISA.
General Legal Requirements
Applicants must also meet the general immigration and legal requirements applicable under Law 14/2013.
Investment Options & Costs
Unlike conventional Golden Visa routes, Spain's Entrepreneur Residence programme is assessed on the overall business project rather than a fixed investment threshold.
Innovative Business Investment
There is no prescribed minimum investment. Required capital depends on the proposed business, operating requirements, development strategy, and financing plan.
Applicant Profile
ENISA considers the entrepreneur's professional background, expertise, role, and level of involvement in the proposed business.
Business Plan
Applicants should prepare a detailed description of the project, product or service, business model, required investment, and financing sources.
Innovation & Economic Value
ENISA assesses how the project can create added value for the Spanish economy, introduce innovation, or generate new investment opportunities.
Additional Costs: Applicants should budget separately for business establishment and operating capital, immigration and administrative charges, professional advisory services, legal assistance, translations, certifications, insurance, company formation, accounting, and other business-related expenses.
Your Residency Journey
SEG supports entrepreneurs throughout the development, assessment, application, and implementation of their business project in Spain.
Initial Eligibility Assessment
SEG evaluates your entrepreneurial background, business concept, financial capacity, family circumstances, and objectives to determine whether Spain's Entrepreneur Residence route is appropriate for your profile.
Develop Your Business Concept
Your proposed business is structured around a commercially viable concept that can demonstrate innovation and/or special economic interest for Spain.
Prepare Your Business Plan
A detailed business plan is developed covering the product or service, market opportunity, business model, operations, financing, required investment, growth strategy, and potential contribution to the Spanish economy.
ENISA Assessment
The entrepreneurial project undergoes the required assessment. ENISA evaluates the entrepreneur's profile, business plan, financing, innovation, and potential economic value.
Prepare Your Immigration Application
Once the relevant requirements are satisfied, the entrepreneur's personal, financial, business, and immigration documentation is prepared for the appropriate application.
Submit Your Application
The application is processed through the appropriate Spanish immigration procedure under the entrepreneur provisions of Law 14/2013. The Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) handles residence authorisations covered by this law.
Establish & Develop Your Business
Following approval, the entrepreneur proceeds with establishing, developing, or directing the approved business activity in Spain.
Maintain Your Spanish Residency
The entrepreneur must continue meeting applicable immigration, business, tax, and legal requirements while operating the business and maintaining residence status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Spain Business Journey with SEG
Planning to establish or scale an innovative business in Spain? SEG can help you assess your business concept, prepare your ENISA-facing business plan, and build a structured path towards Spanish entrepreneur residency.
Contact an Authorised Advisor