General regime · Spanish Immigration Regulations
Residence and self-employment
A permit for people who want to settle in Spain carrying out their own professional or business activity, or working as self-employed.
Is this the right option for you?
It is designed for people who want to work as self-employed professionals or start their own business in Spain. If you live outside Spain, the application is filed at the consulate.
It can also be applied for from Spain, as a change of status, if you have lived legally in Spain for at least one year or have successfully completed your studies under article 190 of the Spanish Immigration Regulations, provided you meet the other requirements.
Our review covers not only the immigration requirements but also the viability of the proposed activity, the investment needed, your professional qualifications and, where applicable, the licenses or permits required to carry out the activity.
If your project is innovative and of special economic interest, also consider the residence permit for entrepreneurs.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Investment and employment
Showing that the planned investment is sufficient and its impact on job creation, including self-employment. A report from a self-employed workers’ organization is usually provided.
Qualifications or experience
Having the professional qualifications required or sufficient proven experience for the activity you will carry out.
Professional registration
Being registered with the relevant professional body when the law requires it for your profession.
Licenses and permits
Meeting the requirements to open and run the activity, or providing a list of the licenses required and the status of their processing.
Personal situation
Not being in Spain irregularly and having no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived in the last five years.
Who files the application
From outside Spain, in person at the Spanish consulate for your place of residence. From Spain, for changes of status, the foreign national or an authorized voluntary representative.
Duration
The initial permit lasts one year and is limited to one autonomous community and one sector. Renewals are granted for four years.
How can we help?
- Initial eligibility review.
- Immigration strategy.
- Personalized checklist.
- Legal review of your documents.
- Preparing and filing your application.
- Follow-up with the authorities.
- Responding to requests for documents where applicable.
- Assistance with the steps after approval.
Usual documents
- Valid passport.
- Business plan or description of the activity.
- Report assessing the investment and employment.
- Degree or proof of professional experience.
- Professional registration, where required.
- Licenses, or a list of the permits required.
- Criminal record certificate.
The final documents will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances, nationality and the applicable procedure. After the initial review you will receive a personalized checklist.
Related procedures
- Residence for entrepreneursIf your business project is innovative and of special economic interest (Law 14/2013).See procedure
- Residence and work as an employeeIf you have a job offer from a company in Spain.See procedure
- Digital nomad visaIf you work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain.See procedure
Tell us about your situation
We will review your case and explain which route may fit your circumstances.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of the application.