Working in Spain: Self-employed visa

What do you need to live in Spain as a freelancer?

If you are considering moving to Spain while working for yourself, in this post you will find the self-employed visa requirements. This authorization will allow you to live and work in Spain as a freelancer.

This permit is granted initially for one year, renewable twice for 2-year periods each time and these are the main requirements:

• Be a non-EU citizen
• Not to be forbidden to enter in Spain, be in the country illegally or have committed to not return to Spain, while applying for this visa
• Have a clear background check
• Qualify to carry out the work you are planning to
• Have all the authorizations to open the business in Spain
• Have enough economic means for the project and for your own maintenance.

Business plan, qualification, and investment. 

To apply for a self-employed visa and work as a freelancer, a business project must be set describing the economic activity, business strategy, product, target market, and so on. It must include a financial aspect that specifies the amount of the investment to be made, expected profit and viability of job creation. 

If an opening license is needed or any other sort of authorization or concession, they have to be requested beforehand and by the time the freelancer visa application is submitted, process must be ongoing, or licenses already granted. 

Your professional background and qualifications are expected to meet all standards to develop the business, and therefore it will be subject to evaluation on the application. 

IMPORTANT: If in Spain the activity you are trying to develop requires that you are certified by a professional body, registration or membership must be requested and completed in advance, prior to the business opening.  

The amount of the investment depends on the activity planned. The self-employed visa applicant must present proof of sufficient economic means to cover all the expenses until the business generates enough turnover to sustain itself over time. Personal expenses are expected to be covered as well, at least for the duration of the initial visa.

Business plan feasibility report

All the above-mentioned aspects related to the business can be certified by one of the national self-employed associations such as: ATA, UPTA, CIAE, OPA, UATAE (abbreviations). 

In the case of a viability report being requested from one of these associations, it is issued or rejected on the basis of your business plan, professional profile and sufficiency of economic means presented.  

IMPORTANT: The viability report issued by one of these associations, beneficial for your case but it is NOT binding to the administration!! The Immigration office can interpret differently whether the requirements are met or not. 

The business plan is ready. It’s time to apply

Once you have your business plan straight, you must apply for the visa in a consulate with the following documentation:

• Visa application form
• Visa fee
• Passport 
• Form EX07 for the residence application
• The business plan
• Feasibility report
• Professional qualification (CV and diplomas)
• Proof of economic means for the investment and personal maintenance 
• Criminal records certificate
• Medical certificate
• ID card
• Paid fees from the form 790 052, point 2.1 (temporary residence)
• Paid fees from the form 790 062, point 1.5 (self-employment authorization)

Depending on the consulate you are applying to, this list can vary slightly. 

If the application is successful, the visa will be issued giving you an estimated time for entry in Spain. 

Once in Spain, within a period of a month, you must register as a self-employed worker in the social security and tax offices. Your residence is only valid after this registration, and you can apply for the TIE in a police station.

When you are freelancing in Spain, you have to pay social security monthly and submit your tax return quarterly. It is important to be up to date with those obligations because renewing this residence will depend on it.

IMPORTANT: The self-employed permit can also be requested from Spain if you are already a resident. E.g.: You have a work employment visa and would like to open your own business and therefore, become a self-employed worker.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you need more clarification on this permit and how it works for you👇🏻

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