The Spain Self Employed Visa allows individuals to legally live and work in Spain by setting up their own business or offering professional services. It provides the right to work independently, access Spain’s social security system, and enjoy free movement within the Schengen Zone.

This visa is perfect for self-employed persons, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to explore new opportunities in Spain’s growing market while experiencing its rich culture and high quality of life.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Spain Self-Employed Visa, including how to apply, who’s eligible, and what documents you’ll need.

What is the Spain Self-Employed Visa?

The Spain Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo Visa) allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Spain as self-employed individuals. This temporary residence and work permit is designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to start or continue their professional activities in Spain.

You can apply for the Spain Self-Employed Visa if you plan to work as a freelancer or run your own business. Directors or authorized representatives of a Spanish company with decision-making power are also eligible.

Once your application is approved, you must register as self-employed under Spain’s Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA). To legally work in Spain, you’ll need both a work and residence permit, along with a self-employment work and residence visa. You’ll also have to register with the Spanish Tax Authority and the social security system to meet all tax and contribution requirements.

Benefits of the Spain Self Employed Visa

cost of living in spainLegal right to live and work – This visa gives you the legal right to work in Spain as self-employed.

Flexibility and mobility – The Spain Freelance Visa allows for extended stays of up to five years, reducing the need for frequent renewals. It also offers the freedom to travel and explore other countries.

Schengen access (for EU residents) – You can travel freely across the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period without needing additional visas.

ETIAS exemption (for EU residents) – ETIAS is a new travel authorization that will soon be required for visa-free travelers to the EU. Self-employed visa holders with EU residency do not need to apply for ETIAS.

EES exemption (for EU residents) — The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will require non-EU travelers to register passports, provide fingerprints, and answer security questions at entry points. Self-employed visa holders are exempt from these requirements.

Affordable second residency – Unlike investment visas, this visa does not require a large financial commitment. However, you must show you have enough funds to support yourself and your business in Spain.

Access to healthcare and education – Self-employed visa holders can benefit from Spain’s high-quality public healthcare system and educational opportunities for themselves and their families.

Path to EU citizenship — After ten years of legal residency, you can apply for Spanish citizenship, which gives you the benefits of an EU passport and dual citizenship.

What are the Spain Freelance Visa financial requirements?

To be eligible for a Spain Freelance Visa, you need to show that you earn at least 200% of the Spanish national minimum wage, which is approximately €2,763 per month. You can prove this through documents like work contracts, bank statements, invoices, and payslips, demonstrating that you have enough income to support yourself while living in Spain.

Eligibility Criteria for the Spain Freelance Visa

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicants must be from non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss countries.
  • A clean criminal record is mandatory.
  • Applicants must be in good health and have a medical certificate and health insurance.
  • Applicants must be professionally qualified to conduct professional activity in Spain or have previous experience in the same sector and demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves.

Required documents for the Spain Self Employed Work Visa

required documentsAll documents that are not in Spanish must be translated into Spanish by a Sworn translator. For all applicants 18 years or older apostilled police clearances must be submitted.

These are the documents needed for the Freelance Visa Spain:

Application form: Completed visa application form for the residence permit.

Valid passport: A copy of your passport and any previous visas.

Criminal record check certificate: Certificate proving you have no criminal record in your home country or any country you’ve lived in for over 6 months in the last 5 years.

Proof of health: Documentation proving you have no serious illness that poses a risk to public health.

Business plan: Detailed plan for your business, supported by evidence, including:

  • Project execution schedule.
  • List of required licenses and authorizations.
  • Proof of resources for starting the business.
  • If necessary, academic qualifications or professional experience.
  • If joining a company, proof that the company complies with tax and Social Security obligations.

Qualifications:

  • Academic qualifications recognized in Spain, if required.
  • If applicable, professional registration with the relevant association (if the profession is regulated in Spain).
  • If your activity doesn’t require qualifications, proof of adequate training or professional experience.

Proof of company compliance (if joining a company): Updated certificates of tax and Social Security compliance from the State Tax Agency, Autonomous Community’s Tax Agency, and Social Security.

Retail or service business (if applicable): A declaration or notification about your retail or service business, and proof of tax payment if applicable.

Required authorizations and licenses: A list of necessary authorizations or licenses for your business and proof of application or status of these licenses.

Financial stability: Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your business in Spain.

Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos of yourself and any dependents.

Legal Documents (if applicable):

  • If joining a cooperative or partnership: Relevant registration documents, tax filings, and proof of participation in the cooperative or company.
  • If collaborating as a family member: Proof of the family relationship, activity details, and compliance with tax obligations.

The Spain Self Employed Work Permit Application Process

This is a step-by-step overview of the process for applying for the Spain Self-Employed Visa.

Submit the application

As a self-employed person, you must apply in person at the consular office (Spanish Consulate) in your country of residence. The consular office will forward your application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will send it to the Spanish immigration authorities for processing.

File review and resolution

The Spanish immigration authorities will review your application and supporting documents. This process can take up to three months but the authorities may request additional documents during this period.

Pay visa fee

The visa fee is of an amount equivalent to 80 euros. For nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the United States of America and the United Kingdom different rates are applied for reasons of reciprocity. In these cases, the amount of the fee must be consulted with the Consular Office.

Visa processing and entry into Spain

Once your application is approved, the consular office will notify you. You can then apply for your visa, which is processed within 1 month and valid for 3 months. Upon receiving your visa, you can travel to Spain. Present your visa at border control to get your entry stamp.

Get a National Insurance Number (NIE)

Visit the local immigration office to obtain your NIE. Submit the EX-07 form along with your passport to receive your NIE immediately.

Register with the Tax Authorities (IAE)

Go to the local Tax Agency office. Complete the model 036 or 037 forms and bring your NIE, passport (with a copy), and bank account details.

Register for Social Security (RETA)

Within 30 days of tax registration, visit any Social Security office. Register under the RETA (Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers) to start your self-employment in Spain.

Open a bank account

Opening a Spanish bank account is essential for Social Security registration and contributions. Provide proof of identification, address, NIE number, and proof of self-employment to open the account.

Apply for a residence permit

Apply for a residence permit within 30 days after registering for Social Security. For stays of 3-6 months, apply for a residence card; for longer stays, apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

Obtain a business license (Licencia de Apertura)

If your business operates on public property, get a Licencia de Apertura from the local town hall. The town hall will verify all details. Be prepared to pay fees and submit required documents.

Social security registration

Ensure your registration with the social security system is completed within 3 months of entering Spain to officially start your self-employed work.

Register your address (Empadronamiento)

Register your official address (Empadronamiento) at the local city council.

Get your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE):

Once in Spain, apply for your TIE at the local police station to complete the process.

How much does the Self Employed Visa Spain cost?

A self-employed visa in Spain usually costs about 80 euros. The exact fee might be a bit different depending on your nationality, so it’s a good idea to check with an immigration expert for the right information.

How long is the Spain Self Employed Visa valid for?

The Spain Self-Employed Visa is initially valid for 1 year. After that, you can apply for renewals.

  • First Renewal: After the first year, the visa can be renewed for two more years.
  • Subsequent Renewals: After 20th May 2025, another renewable will be for four years. Once you’ve held the visa for five years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain, provided you meet the conditions.

Can you bring family members to Spain with a Freelance Visa?

Family reunification AustriaYes, you can bring your family members to Spain with a Freelance (Self-Employed) Visa. However, family members of self-employed applicants must apply for a non-lucrative visa, as they can’t travel with the main applicant right away. Another option is family reunification, which can be requested after one year once the main applicant renews their self-employed status. Eligible family members include:

  • Spouse or partner.
  • Children under 18 years old, or older if they are financially dependent and studying.
  • Dependent parents (if they rely on you for support).

To bring them over, you must prove that you can financially support them, and they must apply for the appropriate visa to join you.

Taxes in Spain for those on the Self Employed Work Permit

If you have a Spain Self employed Visa, you become a tax resident if you stay in Spain for more than 183 days a year, run a business or work there, or if your spouse and children live in Spain.

This means you must pay personal income tax on all the money you earn worldwide, as required by the Spanish Tax Authority. However, Spain may have agreements with your country to avoid being taxed twice on the same income.

If you invest in things like company shares and make a profit, you will need to pay capital gains tax. Also, if you buy a home, there may be extra taxes related to the purchase.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Spain Self Employed Visa

What is the Spain Self-Employed Visa?

The Spain Self-Employed Visa allows a self-employed person to live and work in Spain legally by starting a business or freelancing, following approval from Spanish immigration authorities.

How do I apply for the Spain Self-Employed Visa?

Submit the application at the consular office in your home country. The consulate forwards it to the Spanish immigration authorities for processing, which takes up to 3 months.

What financial requirements must I meet?

You must prove a monthly income of at least €2,763 (200% of the national minimum wage). This can be shown through contracts, bank statements, invoices, or payslips.

How long is the Spain Self-Employed Visa valid?

The initial visa is valid for three months. After entering Spain, you must apply for a residence permit (TIE) to extend your stay legally.

Do I need a business plan for the application?

Yes, a detailed business plan showing the viability of your self-employment activity is essential. The authorities will review it during the application process.

What taxes will I pay as a self-employed person in Spain?

You’ll pay personal income tax on worldwide income. Capital gains tax applies if you profit from investments. Double taxation agreements may prevent being taxed twice.

How do I register for taxes in Spain?

Visit the local Tax Agency office, submit forms 036 or 037, and register for Social Security (RETA) within 30 days of arriving in Spain.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, family members can apply for a visa as dependents. They must meet the financial requirements and register with the consular office. 

What happens after I arrive in Spain?

You must get your NIE number, register for taxes and Social Security, apply for a residence permit, and obtain a business license if necessary.

How long does it take to get the Spain Self-Employed Visa?

The visa application process takes up to three months for approval and an additional month for visa issuance at the consular office.