Have you heard that Spain is shutting down the gold visa program? Previously, you could just buy real estate for 500,000 euros, and voila, you got a residence permit! But now you have to invent, create, and generate business ideas. That’s exactly why the startup visa was created.
So, what’s so great about it? First of all, it gives a residence permit for three years straight—none of that Schengen visa for a couple of months. Plus, it opens doors to the job market. Just keep in mind, you’ll be working for your own company, which must be innovative, contribute to the Spanish economy, and create jobs. Sounds like a quest, but it’s doable!
Changes to the startup visa in 2024
Now let me tell you what’s new. Be prepared that your bank statements will be scrutinized. Forget about electronic documents – submit everything with wet stamps, or you’ll be turned away quickly. And the amount needs to be substantial: 32,000 euros for the main applicant, 12,000 for the partner, and 4,000 euros for each child. Start saving or find a rich uncle!
But the process is faster – reviewing documents takes a maximum of one month. Just don’t forget to upload your business plan into the Ley de Emprendedores system, and then apply immediately to UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). And feel free to bring along your partner—no need for a marriage stamp in the passport.
List of documents for applying for a startup visa
So, you’ve decided to apply for a startup visa. Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step toward your dream! But before you pack your bags, you’ll need to gather a set of documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
- National visa application form. Download the form from the consulate’s website, fill out all fields, and sign it. If you’re submitting through a representative, don’t forget their signature too.
- Photograph. Recent, colored, on a light background, without glasses and headwear. Size — passport-sized. Basically, like usual.
- Passport. Must be valid for at least 1 year and have two blank pages. If your passport is older than 10 years—unfortunately, you’ll need to replace it. Also, remember to make a copy of the page with biometric data.
- Positive project evaluation. This is the most important document, and you can’t do without it. It is issued by the Commercial-Economic Section of the Spanish Embassy or the Directorate-General for International Trade and Investment.
- Financial resources. You need to prove that you have money to live in Spain. The minimum amount is 100% of IPREM (which is the Spanish minimum income) for the applicant and 50% of IPREM for each family member. This can be confirmed with a bank statement or proof of regular income. Don’t forget to translate and certify the documents if they’re in a foreign language.
- Criminal record certificate. Required for everyone over 18 years old, from all countries lived in during the last 5 years. For the UK — ACRO certificate. The certificate must be less than 6 months old, translated into Spanish, and apostilled (if the country signed the Hague Convention) or certified at the consulate (if not signed).
- Health insurance. You’ll need proof that you have insurance valid in Spain. It can be public or private, but the company must be licensed to operate in Spain.
- Proof of residence. You need to prove that you legally live or study full-time in the area where you’re submitting documents. Check the consulate’s website to see your area.
- Representative’s documents. If submitting through a representative, don’t forget a copy of their passport and power of attorney. Bring the original at the time of submission. Again, if the power of attorney is in a foreign language—translate and certify.
- Payment of visa fee. This is essential, and you must pay when submitting documents. The amount depends on the currency exchange rate, so check the consulate’s website.
Finally, they evaluate:
- How many jobs you will create in Spain (the more, the better).
- Your education, work experience, and role in the project (impress them with your resume!).
- A business plan with a description of the project, product, or service, market analysis and financing (no options here, you have to do it).
- What benefit will your project bring to the Spanish economy, will it be innovative, or will it attract investments (show that you are not just going there, but with benefit to the country).
Если вам нужна помощь в получении ВНЖ Цифрового Кочевника, ВНЖ по Стартапу, открытие аутономо, оптимизация налогов и ведение бух.учета, студенческая виза, то пишите нам в Телеграм:
Official information at:
Document requirements and submission process
First of all, take care of your criminal record certificate and translation of all documents into Spanish. By the way, for some countries (hello, Georgia and Armenia!), a simple translation will not be enough – you will have to legalize documents at the consulate. So look for compatriots who can help you figure it out.
Now about the most interesting part, the money. Remember I talked about amounts in accounts? So, if you have euros – great, if dollars, then you will need to add another 10-15% just in case. And be sure to write by hand an explanation that the amount is in dollars, and this is the equivalent of the required amount in euros at the exchange rate on the date of the statement. Otherwise, additional confirmations will be requested.
When all the documents are ready — go ahead and buy tickets to Spain. The visa can be of any Schengen country, whether Greek or Italian. You arrive, go to the immigration office (with our help, so you don’t get lost), pay the fee — and go ahead, submit documents online. And yes, you only need to be present in person once to stamp the visa in your passport.
Then all that remains is to wait for approval, checking your email. On average, the whole process takes 20-30 days. Not that long, right? Especially if you compare it with other European countries — in France, for example, you will be exhausted running around institutions and trying to communicate in the local language. But here — it’s beautiful, everything online and in English.
Confirmation of a doctor’s diploma and other nuances
If you are a doctor, teacher, or representative of another profession where a diploma is not just a piece of paper, but a pass to work in your specialty, be prepared for challenges.
Relocating to Spain with a medical degree is like going through a «Fort Boyard» quest. First, you need to pass the language exam at the B2 level (that’s really fluent!), then go through the diploma confirmation process, which can stretch up to 2 years. And we’re not even talking about eligibility exams and additional courses yet.
There is a way out — first get a startup visa, and then take your time confirming your diploma. Three years to learn the language, submit documents, and wait for a decision is quite a realistic timeframe. Just keep in mind that you will only be able to work in your specialty after full recognition of your qualifications.
Now about the family. Spouses and children can be brought over either immediately or a year or two after your move. But if you plan to join them later — immediately open an individual entrepreneur (autónomo) (in Spanish — autónomo). This is essential, it’s one of the main criteria for family reunification.
Opening an individual entrepreneur (autónomo) and taxes
The first thing you have to do is open an individual entrepreneur (in Spanish — autónomo). There’s no way around it, since a startup visa is about working for yourself, not for someone else. And if you plan on moving your family not immediately but after a year or two, then the individual entrepreneur needs to be opened in the first month after receiving a residence permit. Otherwise, you will have to explain to the immigration office why you’re just cooling your heels here instead of developing your business.
- Autónomo or SL: understanding Spanish legal entities from scratch
- Autónomo in Spain — How to register as an individual entrepreneur (autónomo)
Now about social security contributions (seguridad social). The first year is almost a breeze, only 60 euros per month. But then the fun begins: from the second year, the rate jumps to 300 euros per month. The amount depends on the region. And it doesn’t matter if you make a profit or not — you have to pay regularly.
But there is a lifehack to save on taxes. You will have to sacrifice the amenities of civilization and move to a small town with less than 5,000 residents. But for the first two years, you will only pay 60 euros a month instead of 300. Calculate for yourself — a decent amount adds up over a year!
Why It’s Better Not to Delay with a Startup Visa
Firstly, conditions can change at any moment. Today there are certain rules, tomorrow there might be different ones. Look, the golden visa has already been canceled, and they might «tighten» the startup visa tomorrow. So it’s better to seize the moment while it’s available.
Secondly, the earlier you move, the sooner you’ll start adapting to your new life. You’ll learn the language, make friends, and navigate the bureaucracy. And in three years, you may even qualify to apply for permanent residency.
And thirdly, life is unpredictable. Putting off your dreams for later is not the best strategy. Today you’re young, full of energy and ideas, but tomorrow—who knows?
If you’ve read up to this point, the thought of moving has already crossed your mind. So don’t postpone your decision! Start gathering your documents, planning your business plan, and looking for like-minded individuals. And if you need help, reach out to us; we are happy to share our experience and help you take the first steps.
Если вам нужна помощь в получении ВНЖ Цифрового Кочевника, ВНЖ по Стартапу, открытие аутономо, оптимизация налогов и ведение бух.учета, студенческая виза, то пишите нам в Телеграм:
With that, our journey into the world of startup visas comes to an end. I hope you learned a lot of new and useful information. And remember: if you dream of moving to Spain—go for it! This country is waiting just for you.Другие статьи про переезд
- Как переехать в Испанию в 2024
- Как получить визу цифрового кочевника в Испании в 2024 году
- Как получить студенческую визу
- Как открыть банковский счёт в Испании
- Как открыть Autónomo (ИП) и сколько платить налогов
- Аутономо или SL: разбираемся в испанских юрлицах с нуля
- Как получить права в Испании: подробная инструкция
- Как дешево купить квартиру в Испании
- Как получить гражданство Испании
