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Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)
SpainSpain•Europe
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Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–4 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €321

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Spain flag

Living in Spain

Cost of Living
26% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€22,000
Quality of Life
183/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Visa for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs. For freelancers, contractors, and business owners establishing self-employment in Spain.

Spain's Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo) lets non-EU/EEA nationals live and work in Spain as freelancers, contractors, or independent business owners. Unlike the Digital Nomad Visa, it requires direct engagement with the Spanish market — serving local clients and paying into the national tax base.

The initial permit lasts 1 year; renewal runs 4 years, with long-term residence thereafter. A viable business plan, professional qualifications, and proof of funds are required. Fees total around EUR 311 (work authorization, residence, consular, and TIE card). Mandatory Social Security enrollment applies from day one.

This visa is ideal for self-employed professionals — consultants, developers, creatives — who want to operate legally in Spain with a clear pathway to long-term residence.

Spain

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Cost Breakdown

Work authorization fee (Modelo 790-062)EUR €204
Residence fee (Modelo 790-052)EUR €11
Consular visa feeEUR €90
TIE card feeEUR €16
TotalEUR €321

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Must be at least 16 years old (though 18+ is often required for specific authorizations).

Must not be in an irregular immigration status in Spain.

Must have a clean criminal record in Spain and any country of residence for the past 5 years.

Must provide a comprehensive, viable business plan demonstrating economic feasibility.

Must possess the necessary professional qualifications or experience to perform the intended work.

Must have sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses and initial business operations.

Must obtain any required licenses or permits for the specific business activity.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

National visa application form (EX-07).

Valid passport (original and photocopy).

Recent passport-size photographs.

Criminal record check certificate (legalized/apostilled and translated).

Medical certificate confirming absence of serious contagious diseases.

Detailed business plan.

Proof of professional qualifications or experience.

Proof of sufficient financial resources.

List of required licenses/permits and proof of application/possession.

Application Process

1

Develop business plan

Create detailed business plan for Spain

2

Prepare financial documents

Gather proof of funds and business viability

3

Apply for visa

Submit application at Spanish consulate

4

Attend interview

Business plan review with consulate

5

Pay fee

Pay €203 visa fee

6

Receive visa

Visa approved for self-employment

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Self-Employment Visa Application—
EX-07
Application for Initial Temporary Residence and Self-Employed Work Authorization
Fill online

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