Spain Self-Employed Visa (Cuenta Propia)
The Spain Self-Employed Visa is the route for people who want to open their own business or practise their profession in Spain — a restaurant, a shop, a consultancy, a trade, a franchise. Unlike the Digital Nomad Visa, the activity takes place in Spain and with Spanish clients. The file is assessed on the project itself: whether it is viable, properly funded and legally able to operate, and whether you are qualified to run it.
Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs opening a traditional business in Spain: hospitality, retail, services, import-export, franchises.
- Professionals — consultants, designers, engineers, health and wellness practitioners — who will invoice clients in Spain.
- Business owners who want to operate personally in Spain rather than manage from abroad.
What’s included
- Incorporation of your Spanish limited company (SL), with notary and registry fees — see Limited Company (SL) Incorporation.
- A business plan prepared by our team to the standard the evaluators apply, and management of the viability report.
- Your residency application and the residency applications of your family members.
Not included
- Sworn translations, apostilles and legalisations of documents.
- Government fees and administrative charges (tasas).
- The company’s share capital, which remains the company’s own money.
- Ongoing accounting and tax filings for the company — see Accounting & Tax — Companies.
- A contentious-administrative appeal before the courts (recurso contencioso-administrativo), which is quoted separately.
How we work
- 01 · Initial assessment. We tell you honestly whether the project is ready, and whether Self-Employment or Entrepreneur Visa suits it better.
- 02 · Strategy and document map. The business plan, investment evidence, qualifications, licences and personal documents, mapped country by country.
- 03 · Preparation and filing. Company incorporation, business plan and viability report, then the visa application with the investment evidence, qualifications, criminal record and medical certificate.
- 04 · Approval, TIE and settling in. Registration with Social Security and the tax authorities, TIE card and start of the activity.
- 05 · Obligations and renewals. We keep contributions and tax compliance continuous throughout the year so the four-year renewal is straightforward.
What the authorities assess
- A business plan showing the activity, market, investment, forecast and the jobs it may create.
- Sufficient investment for that specific activity, and separate means to support you and your family.
- Your qualifications and professional experience for the activity — with homologation or recognition where the profession is regulated in Spain.
- The licences, permits and premises the activity legally requires, or proof that they have been applied for.
- A favourable viability report from an organisation such as ATA, UPTA or UATAE, which reviews the plan before the consulate does.
Family
- Your family members’ residency applications are included in the service. Under this route they generally join through family reunification once the main applicant has completed the first year of residence; we plan the timing from the outset so the separation is as short as possible.
Things to know
- The consulate will not accept a vague plan: generic templates are one of the most frequent reasons for refusal.
- Franchise routes can work well, but check what any non-refundable reservation fee secures before paying it.
- Being up to date with Social Security and tax is a legal condition for renewal, not a formality.
Frequently asked questions
What is the key requirement for the Spain Self-Employed Visa?
A favourable viability report from a recognised self-employed association such as ATA, UPTA or UATAE, which reviews your business plan before the consulate does.
How long is the permit valid?
The initial authorisation is for 1 year and the first renewal is for 4 years under the 2025 Immigration Regulation. Long-term residency is available after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Is it the same as the Digital Nomad Visa?
No. Under Self-Employed Visa the activity takes place in Spain and with Spanish clients. The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote work for companies or clients outside Spain.
Can my family come with me?
Yes — their residency applications are included. Family members generally join through family reunification once the main applicant has completed the first year of residence, and we plan the timing from the outset.
Is the company incorporation included?
Yes. The service includes incorporating your Spanish limited company (SL), with notary and registry fees, and a business plan prepared by our team. Share capital, government fees and sworn translations are not included.