Spain remains a leading European choice for self-employment.
Market access, quality of life, reliable infrastructure, and clear legal routes continue to attract independent professionals and small business owners.
However, the Self Employment Visa (officially known as Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Propia, or Autónomo visa) is a formal process that requires thorough preparation. It’s not a quick option for casual freelancing or pure remote work.
This guide explains everything related to self employment work visa in Spain. It includes eligibility, requirements, documents, and much more.
Spain’s Self-Employment Work Visa: What You Need to Know
The self-employment work visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain. The visa authorizes them to carry out independent economic activities as an autónomo.
This visa is suited for those establishing or running a business/activity primarily tied to the Spanish economy. It requires demonstrating viability, professional capability, and potential benefit to Spain.
Once approved, you can register as autónomo. You can then invoice clients in Spain or abroad and access social security.
Important distinction: You should consider the Digital Nomad Visa if 80 percent of your income comes from outside Spain. Introduced in 2023, it is amazing for professionals serving clients outside the country.
It has lower barriers, faster processing, and special tax benefits, but work with Spanish clients is limited.
Who Can Apply?
This visa targets professionals whose activity is legitimate, sustainable, and contributes to Spain’s economy. Common profiles include:
- Specialized small business owners
- Licensed tradespeople
- Regulated professionals
- Solo entrepreneurs
- Tech freelancers
- Creative freelancers
- Consulting freelancers
- Independent service providers
You must prove that your activity can produce a stable income. You must also demonstrate the required skills, experience, and regulatory compliance.
Core Eligibility Requirements
Authorities prioritize feasibility and credibility:
- Viable business plan with financial projections
- Proof of qualifications, experience, or certifications
- Proof of sufficient funds under IPREM guidelines
- Clean criminal record (last 5 years)
- Full-coverage private health insurance in Spain
- Proof of accommodation
- Licenses or registration for regulated professions
- Medical fitness certificate (no contagious diseases)
The business plan is a key requirement. A positive viability report from bodies such as ATA, UPTA, or CIAE is recommended but not mandatory.
The Real Document Checklist for Spain’s Self-Employment Work Visa
Requirements vary by consulate, but typically include:
- National visa application form
- Valid passport
- Detailed business plan (with optional viability endorsement)
- Professional credentials or experience records
- Financial evidence
- Valid health insurance policy
- Visa/residence fees (~€80–€200, varying by nationality)
- Criminal record certificate(s) (apostilled)
- Medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Any professional licenses (if applicable)
Foreign documents require an apostille or legalization. A sworn translation is mandatory.
Self-Employment Work Visa: Where and How to Apply
The process starts at the Spanish consulate or embassy back home. Booking early keeps you ahead of delays.
The process is a two-stage process: First, approval of work/residence authorization. Second, visa issuance.
Processing: Officially up to 3 months. In practice, it often takes three to six months due to reviews and backlogs.
Renewals/modifications can be handled in Spain later.
After Approval: Next Steps in Spain
Upon entry:
- Register as autónomo with the Tax Agency and Social Security within three months
- Pay monthly social security contributions (~€300+ minimum; new autónomos may qualify for reduced “tarifa plana”)
- Open a Spanish bank account
- Register on the municipal padrón (empadronamiento)
- Apply for Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)
- Start legal invoicing and meet ongoing tax obligations
These steps are time-sensitive. Delays can create compliance issues.
Things Applicants Overlook
- Vague/unrealistic business plans lacking Spanish market focus
- Insufficient funds or proof
- Missing licenses/medical certificate
- Overlooking post-arrival obligations (e.g., social security costs)
- Confusing with Digital Nomad Visa (if mostly remote/foreign clients)
- Applying without expert review
Pure remote work for overseas clients rarely qualifies here. You are better off exploring the Digital Nomad visa.
Renewal and Long-Term Prospects
Initial validity: 1 year.
Renewals: First often 2 years, subsequent up to 4 years (post-2025 updates).
Requirements: Your activity should be active and consistent. Plus, tax and social security compliance and financial stability are required.
After 5 years: Eligible for long-term/permanent residence (and eventually citizenship paths).
Family reunification is possible.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
The self-employment visa is not just an immigration process. It intersects with
- Tax law,
- Labor rules,
- Professional licensing, and
- Long-term residency planning
This is where expert support becomes valuable. Working with specialists familiar with Spanish immigration and employment rules reduces risk and delays.
For individuals who want structured guidance across documentation, compliance, and legal alignment, professional support services like those offered by IberiaEOR can be useful. Their employment and visa advisory services assist applicants in preparing compliant visa files, understanding work authorization pathways, and aligning their professional activity with Spanish legal requirements. You can review their employment visa support services.
This support helps applicants gain clarity before investing time and resources.
Summing Up
Our Iberia EOR team has covered all the essential details related to Spain’s self-employment visa in this article. Applying solo requires attention to detail. Follow the details shared above and always cross-check with official Spanish government sources, as rules can change based on nationality and policy updates.
Uncertain about any step? Contact our Iberia EOR team.
