Discover how to secure Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa, from core requirements and the essential ENISA report to funding thresholds and family reunification. By the end, you’ll know each step, document and strategy to launch your venture on Spanish soil.

What Is the Entrepreneur Visa?

Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa lets non-EU nationals set up a business deemed of special economic interest, granting you a renewable residence permit tied to your project (Official visa overview by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Core Eligibility and Document Checklist

To qualify, you must satisfy both general and project-specific criteria.

General Requirements Explained

• Valid passport with at least one year remaining and issued within the last 10 years, in line with the European Commission’s passport validity guidelines.
• Clean criminal record from your home country, legalized or apostilled and officially translated in accordance with the Spanish Ministry of Justice’s certificate requirements.
• Private health insurance from a provider licensed to operate in Spain, maintained throughout your stay and covering the full duration of your visa as specified by the Spanish Ministry of Health’s insurance regulations.
• Proof of residence in the consular district where you apply or evidence of in-person class enrollment if relevant, following the Schengen Visa Info guide on consular jurisdiction.

Business Activity Criteria

Your project must:
1. Demonstrate economic impact or social benefit
2. Show potential for job creation and added value to Spain’s economy
3. Align with Spain’s strategic sectors (tech, green energy, biotech, etc.)

Crafting Your Business Plan & Securing ENISA’s Report

An expertly drafted plan is critical—Spain’s national innovation agency evaluates it.

Role of ENISA

The Empresa Nacional de Innovación (ENISA) issues the mandatory favorable report that validates your project’s economic interest, as detailed by Invest in Spain’s overview of the ENISA favorable report.

Emphasis on Job Creation

ENISA assesses expected hires and the broader impact your venture will deliver to local communities and national GDP growth, ensuring alignment with Spain’s commitment to innovation and employment.

Funding Your Venture: IPREM Thresholds

You must prove access to financial means based on Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM).

Calculating Your Financial Means

• Main applicant: at least 100 % of annual IPREM
• Each accompanying family member: an additional 50 % of IPREM
• Evidence through bank statements, investment agreements or capital deposits as defined in the Boletín Oficial del Estado’s published IPREM values.

Navigating the Application Process

Follow these steps to lodge your request smoothly.

Document Legalization & Translation

All non-Spanish records (criminal certificates, diplomas, bank letters) must be legalized (apostille) under the Hague Convention Apostille requirements and translated by a sworn translator.

Fees, Representation & Where to Apply

• Pay the visa fee in local currency at the consulate
• You may appoint a legal representative with a notarized power of attorney and ID proof
• File at the Spanish consulate covering your residence zone or directly in Spain if you hold a valid entry permit

Bringing Your Family Along

Your spouse and dependent children can apply for accompanying visas simultaneously, granting them the right to live, study and work in Spain under your permit, in accordance with the EU Family Reunification Directive.

Charting the Course Ahead

Here’s a quick action plan to kickstart your application:
1. Draft a compelling business plan with clear financials and hiring goals.
2. Submit your plan to ENISA and obtain the favorable report.
3. Gather legal, financial and insurance documents; legalize and translate each.
4. Complete the visa application, pay fees and appoint a representative if needed.
5. File at your consulate or in Spain, then await approval (usually within one month).

With these insights and a targeted roadmap, you’re ready to transform your idea into a thriving Spanish enterprise. Good luck!