Moving to Spain: Work Visa & Business Residency Guide for Non-EU Citizens

If you hold a non-EU passport and want to move to Spain, buy a business, or become self-employed, you must apply for the appropriate Spanish work visa and residence permit.

Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs, investors, and lifestyle buyers. Not only can you own a business, but you can also enjoy the Spanish way of life.

This guide explains the requirements, financial criteria, and application process for obtaining a self-employed work visa in Spain.

However, immigration rules can change. Therefore, you should always confirm the latest information with the Spanish Consulate in your home country.

Do Non-EU Citizens Need a Visa to Work or Buy a Business in Spain?

Yes. Anyone holding a non-EU passport must obtain a visa before they can legally work or operate a business in Spain.

One of the most common options for entrepreneurs and business buyers is the Self-Employed Work Visa (Autónomo Visa).

This visa allows non-EU nationals to:

  • Purchase an existing business in Spain

  • Start a new business venture

  • Work as a self-employed professional

  • Apply for Spanish residency

However, there is an important rule to remember. You must submit the visa application from your home country through a Spanish Consulate.

In other words, you cannot apply for this visa while already in Spain.

Financial Requirements for a Spanish Self-Employed Visa

A key part of the application involves proving that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your business during the first year.

Although the Spanish Embassy does not publish an official minimum amount, recent applications suggest that applicants usually need to demonstrate approximately:

Applicant Recommended Funds
Married couple €27,500
Each additional family member €7,000
Unmarried partners €27,500 each

Example

For example, a married couple with one child would generally need to show approximately:

€34,500 in savings or annual income.

Importantly, this amount does not include the funds required to purchase or invest in the business itself.

In addition, immigration officials review every application individually. Therefore, the final decision often depends on:

  • The size of the business investment

  • Expected business revenue

  • The applicant’s available savings and income

Buying or Starting a Business in Spain

As part of the visa process, applicants must show that they have made a genuine investment in a Spanish business.

For example, applicants may purchase or start a wide range of businesses, including:

  • Retail businesses

  • Service companies

  • Cafés, bars, and restaurants

  • Tourism and leisure businesses

  • Beauty salons or wellness centres

  • Property management companies

  • Online or consulting businesses

  • Trade or specialist service businesses

To support the application, you will normally need to provide several documents. These documents prove that you genuinely intend to establish a business in Spain.

Typically required documents include:

  • Signed business purchase contracts

  • Reservation agreements

  • Commercial lease contracts

  • Applications for local operating licences

  • Proof of business registration or planned activity

Together, these documents demonstrate that the business project is legitimate and well prepared.

Preparing a Business Plan for Your Visa Application

In addition to financial proof, applicants must submit a detailed business plan.

An official Spanish organisation must review this plan to determine whether the project is viable.

The business plan should include:

  • A detailed marketing strategy

  • The applicant’s professional experience and qualifications

  • A breakdown of the investment being made

  • Financial forecasts for the first 12 months

  • Expected revenue and operating costs

If the organisation approves the project, it will issue a Viability Certificate. You must then include this certificate in the visa application.

Documents Required for the Spanish Work Visa Application

When submitting your visa application, you must provide several official documents to the Spanish Consulate.

These usually include:

  • Completed work visa application forms

  • Bank certificates proving available funds

  • Two passport photos (3 × 4 cm)

  • A passport valid for at least six months

  • A medical certificate confirming good health

  • A criminal record certificate

For applicants from the UK and many other non-EU countries, additional steps apply.

For example:

  • All documents must be officially translated into Spanish

  • Certificates must be Hague Apostilled

  • Applicants must provide a criminal background check (ACRO in the UK)

Proving Financial Stability

The Spanish Consulate expects applicants to show that they can financially support themselves during the first year of business operations.

Therefore, applicants should provide as much financial evidence as possible.

For example, supporting documentation may include:

  • Personal savings

  • Investment portfolios

  • Pension income

  • Stocks and shares

  • Rental income

  • Other passive income sources

In most cases, applicants must also show that the first year of operating costs is financially secure.

After Your Visa Is Approved

Once you receive your visa and arrive in Spain, you must complete several administrative steps.

For example, you will need to:

  • Register as self-employed (autónomo)

  • Register with the Spanish Social Security system

  • Register for Spanish tax purposes

  • Apply for your TIE residence card

Because these procedures can be complex, many new business owners work with tax advisors or labour specialists to manage the process efficiently.

Immigration Legal Support and Costs

Because the process involves detailed documentation and official approvals, many applicants choose to work with an immigration lawyer or specialist advisor.

Typically, legal fees for two applicants applying for self-employed work visas are approximately:

€3,000 + VAT (€3,630)

Payment usually follows this structure:

  • €1,815 retainer fee

  • Remaining balance payable once the visas are issued

These services generally include:

  • Preparation of visa paperwork

  • Assistance with the business plan

  • Support with the visa application

  • Help obtaining TIE residence cards

However, additional costs — such as translations, apostilles, and consulate visa fees — are usually charged separately.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must also provide:

  • A medical certificate confirming they do not suffer from any disease that poses a public health risk

  • A criminal background certificate

Furthermore, authorities usually require official translation and legal certification of these documents before submission.

Why Spain Is One of the Best Countries to Start a Business

Despite additional paperwork introduced after Brexit, Spain remains an attractive destination for international entrepreneurs.

In particular, Spain offers:

  • A high quality of life

  • Strong tourism and hospitality industries

  • A large international expat community

  • Excellent healthcare and infrastructure

  • A welcoming environment for small business owners

As a result, many international buyers choose Spain not only for business opportunities but also for the lifestyle benefits.

Getting Professional Advice

If you plan to buy a business or start a new venture in Spain, it can be extremely helpful to consult an immigration or commercial lawyer during a visit to Spain.

For example, professionals can help you with:

  • Understanding the visa process in detail

  • Opening a Spanish bank account

  • Preparing visa documentation

  • Ensuring your business purchase supports your residency application

Ultimately, the Spanish Consulate makes the final decision on all visa applications. Therefore, the strength of your documentation and preparation plays a crucial role.

Start Your Journey to Living and Working in Spain

With proper preparation and professional guidance, thousands of non-EU entrepreneurs successfully relocate to Spain every year.

Although the process requires careful planning, it offers a valuable opportunity to live and work in one of Europe’s most desirable countries.