Parastoo Legal Group
Spain Start-Up Visa: How Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs Can Build Their Business in Spain
Spain's Start-Up Law introduced new residency and tax benefits for innovative entrepreneurs. Here's what you need to know.
Spain's Start-Up Law (Ley de Startups), in force since January 2023, introduced a dedicated Entrepreneur Visa and Start-Up Visa for founders of innovative companies. For Middle Eastern tech founders, fintech entrepreneurs, and digital business owners, this is one of the most attractive routes to Spanish residency — combining a clear immigration pathway with access to Spain's Beckham Law tax regime.
What Is the Start-Up Visa?
The Start-Up Visa (Visado para Emprendedores) allows non-EU nationals who intend to develop an innovative, scalable business project in Spain to obtain a 1-year initial visa, renewable for 2 years as a residence authorisation. The business project must be certified by ENISA (Spain's national innovation agency) as genuinely innovative and with a viable business model.
ENISA Certification
Before applying for the visa, the business project must receive a favourable report (informe favorable) from ENISA. The assessment evaluates: the innovative nature of the product or service, the founder's qualifications and experience, the viability of the business plan, and the potential economic and social impact. We prepare the full ENISA application package for our clients.
Requirements for the Visa Application
Once ENISA certification is obtained, the visa application requires: valid passport, criminal background certificate, health insurance, proof of sufficient financial means (at least €1,200/month), and the ENISA favourable report. The application is submitted at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence.
Tax Benefits Under the Start-Up Law
Start-Up Visa holders can apply for Spain's Beckham Law, paying a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income and exempting most foreign income for up to 6 years. The Start-Up Law also reduced corporate tax for qualifying startups to 15% for the first profitable year and the following 3 years.
Who Is This For?
This visa is ideal for tech founders, SaaS entrepreneurs, digital health innovators, fintech founders, and any entrepreneur with a scalable, technology-driven business. We have guided clients from the UAE, Iran, and Saudi Arabia who are building companies in areas including AI, e-commerce, proptech, and cleantech.