Here is a fact most people miss.
Spain is an exception in the EU. It legally permits non-EU nationals to work for themselves.
Who does this include?
- Freelancers
- Entrepreneurs
- Micro-business founders
- Consultants
There is a catch.
Approval depends on strict compliance with the application rules.
No shortcuts. No assumptions.
This option exists under the Spain Self Employment Visa Requirements, officially called: Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Propia
What you read below is not opinion or guesswork.
All requirements are taken from official Spanish government sources, including:
- Official Spanish consular authorities
- Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones
This is exactly what Spanish authorities expect.
The Visa That Allows Self-Employment in Spain – Explained
Under official Spanish government guidance, this visa permits residence in Spain for non-EU citizens. It grants legal authorization for self-employed economic activity.
- You are not hired by a company.
- You work for yourself.
- You are responsible for your taxes, social security, and compliance.
Spain approves this visa only if the authorities are convinced that:
- Your business activity is real and viable
- You can financially support yourself
- Your work is not disguised employment
This is why Spain’s self-employment visa requirements are reviewed more strictly than many other visas.
Who Can Apply
As per Spanish consular guidelines, this visa is intended for:
- Freelancers and independent professionals
- Consultants and service providers
- Small business founders
- Self-employed individuals with Spanish or foreign clients
If your work looks like regular employment, such as fixed hours or one boss. Spanish authorities may refuse the application due to company control.
Spain Self-Employment Visa Requirements Explained Clearly
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Business Plan Requirement
The Spanish government officially requires a detailed business plan.
This plan must explain:
- The activity you will carry out
- Your target clients
- How will you generate income?
- Why is Spain necessary for this activity
- Financial projections
- Required investment
Spanish authorities often request the business plan to be reviewed by a recognized professional association such as ATA or UPTA. This requirement is mentioned in official consular application instructions.
A poorly prepared or duplicated business plan commonly leads to refusal.
-
Proof of Professional Qualifications
Under Spanish government guidelines, applicants must demonstrate relevant qualifications for the activity.
This may include:
- University degrees or diplomas
- Professional certifications
- Licenses if the activity is regulated
- Evidence of professional experience
For regulated professions, official recognition in Spain may be required before approval.
-
Financial Means Requirement
The Spanish government rules state that applicants must show sufficient financial means to support themselves.
While no fixed amount is written into law, consulates generally assess finances based on:
- At least 100 percent of IPREM for the applicant
- Additional funds for family members
- Enough capital to support both living costs and business setup
Bank statements must clearly show personal, accessible funds.
-
Criminal Record Certificate
Spanish consulates explicitly list this requirement.
You must submit police clearance certificates from:
- Your country of nationality
- Any country where you have lived during the last five years
Certificates must be apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Spanish.
-
Medical Certificate
A medical certificate is required under Spanish government rules. It must confirm that no disease posing a public health risk is present.
The certificate must:
- Be recently issued
- Follow the official Spanish wording
- Be legalized or apostilled
- Be translated into Spanish if issued abroad
-
Health Insurance Requirement
The Spanish government visa rules clearly state that private health insurance is mandatory.
The policy must:
- Be valid in Spain
- Offer full coverage equivalent to the public health system
- Have no co-payments or deductibles
- Cover the entire stay
Travel insurance is not accepted under the Spain self-employment visa requirements.
-
Clean Immigration History
Spanish authorities review previous visa compliance carefully.
Inconsistent travel records can raise concerns. Clear and accurate disclosure is safer.
Additional Documents Required by Spanish Authorities
Based on official consular checklists, applications also include:
- EX-07 application form
- Full passport copies
- Recent photographs
- Proof of required licenses
- Payment of government fees
Fees vary depending on nationality and consulate.
Where to Apply
According to Spanish government procedure, applications must be submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of legal residence, usually by appointment.
The process has two official stages:
- Review of the self-employment authorization in Spain
- Visa issuance by the consulate after approval
Official timelines mention up to three months, but many applicants experience longer processing due to document review and workload.
After Arrival in Spain
Spanish government rules require several registrations after entry.
You must:
- Register as autónomo with the Spanish Tax Agency
- Enroll in Social Security
- Start paying monthly contributions
- Register your local address
- Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)
- Begin invoicing and tax filings
Failing to complete these steps on time can affect renewals.
Family Members
Spanish law allows family reunification once the main applicant meets income and residence conditions.
This requires:
- Additional financial proof
- Health insurance for dependents
- Separate residence permits
Work rights depend on the type of permit granted.
Common Reasons for Refusal
According to patterns seen in Spanish consular decisions, applications are often refused due to:
- Weak or unrealistic business plans
- Activities that resemble employment
- Insufficient financial proof
- Missing apostilles or translations
- Poor explanation of why Spain is required
Spain expects preparation, not assumptions.
Renewal and Long-Term Residence
As stated in the Spanish immigration law, the initial self-employment residence permit is typically valid for one year.
Renewals depend on:
- Continued self-employed activity
- Tax and social security compliance
- Proof of sufficient income
After five years of legal residence, long-term residence may be possible.
In The End
Spain welcomes self-employed professionals who follow the rules carefully. Everything above is aligned with official Spanish government guidance. No shortcuts. No unofficial tricks. In case, you are unsure about the process, you can contact with our Employment Visa experts at IberiaEOR.
