Self-Employed (Autónomo) Visa in Spain

Complete legal guide for freelancers and independent professionals to establish traditional businesses and obtain residency in Spain.

Initial validity: 1 year
Traditional businesses (Retail, Consulting, Services)
Renewable for 4 years
Covers 2026 updated requirements

1) What is the Autónomo Visa?

This authorization grants temporary residence and the right to work as a self-employed professional in Spain. It is specifically designed for non-resident foreign nationals planning to carry out traditional economic activities on their own account.

Is this the right visa for you?
Unlike the Start-Up Visa, this permit does not require your project to be “innovative” or high-tech. It is the ideal path for:

Consulting and professional services.
Retail stores or online commerce (E-commerce).
Hospitality (Bars, Restaurants, Cafes).
Personal services (Hair salons, Wellness, Coaching).
Craft-based businesses or traditional trades.

2) Applicable Law

This residency path is governed by the general immigration regime, ensuring a stable legal framework:

Ley Orgánica 4/2000: Articles 25 bis, 36, and 37 regarding the rights of foreigners in Spain.
Real Decreto 1155/2024 (November 19): The newly approved Regulation (Articles 82–85) which modernizes the application process.

3) Requirements for a Successful Application

To qualify for the Self-Employed Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Legal Status: Must be legally outside Spain or not residing irregularly.
Clean Records: No criminal record in Spain or in countries of residence for the last 5 years.
Professional Qualifications: Proof of the required licenses, permits, or degrees for the specific activity.
Economic Viability: Demonstrate that the planned investment is sufficient to sustain the business and create self-employment.
Public Health: No threats to public order, safety, or health.

4) Financial Requirements & Investment

While there is no fixed legal minimum, the Spanish authorities evaluate the coherence of your investment and your personal maintenance.

Personal Maintenance

You must cover your living expenses for the first year. Recommended amounts:

Minimum: Annual IPREM (~7,200€).
Recommended: 10,000€ – 15,000€ as a personal cushion.
Increase proportionally for each dependent.

Business Investment

Must cover all initial costs (premises, licenses, marketing, equipment):

Service-based (Online/Consulting): 5,000€ – 10,000€ approx.
Physical Premises (Shop/Bar): 20,000€ – 30,000€+ approx.

Important: Your investment must be realistic. A business plan for a restaurant with only 5,000€ investment will likely be rejected for lack of coherence.

5) Required Documentation

Preparing a solid file is crucial. You will need:

Form EX-07: Completed and signed.
Full Passport: Copy of all pages.
Business Plan: Proving investment sufficiency and job creation potential.
Expert Evaluations: Supporting reports from organizations like ATA, UPTA, CIAE, OPA, or UATAE.
Professional Proof: Homologation of degrees or proof of extensive experience.
Apostille: All foreign documents must be legalized/apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.

6) Step-by-Step Procedure

Submission:
Resolution: Authorities have up to 3 months to process. Administrative silence here is considered a denial.
Visa Issuance: Once approved, you have 1 month to collect your visa.
Entry & TIE: Upon arrival in Spain, apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the Police Station within 30 days.

7) Validity, Renewal & Family Rules

Validity & Renewal

The initial permit lasts 1 year (limited to your specific activity). After that, you can renew for 4 additional years. After renewal, you gain the right to work as both self-employed and as an employee without restrictions.

Family Reunification

Important: Family members cannot be included during the first year. You may apply for family reunification after the first year of residence, provided you meet economic and housing requirements.

8) Why choose MigratioLex?

Strategic Planning

We don’t just fill out forms; we help you build a coherent business plan that satisfies the strict requirements of Spanish Consulates and authorized organizations (ATA, UPTA).

End-to-End Support

From the initial financial assessment to your TIE appointment in Spain, we manage the legal complexity so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am already in Spain as a tourist?

No. This visa must generally be applied for from your country of origin. You can only apply from Spain if you are “modifying” an existing valid residence permit (like a Student or Non-Lucrative visa).

What happens if my application is ignored for 3 months?

Under this specific regime, if there is no notification after 3 months, the law considers it a “negative administrative silence” (denied). This is why professional follow-up is vital.

Is there a minimum number of employees I must hire?

No. Creating self-employment for yourself is sufficient, though showing the potential to hire others in the future strengthens the “economic impact” of your project.

Check Your Eligibility Now

Find out in just a few minutes if your business qualifies for a Self-Employed (Autónomo) Visa in Spain.

Take the Eligibility Test