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Self-Employed Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia)
SpainSpain•Europe
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Self-Employed Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.
No longer accepting new applications

Duplicate of es-self-employed; merged 2026-09-17

See replacement: Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)

At a Glance

Processing Time

Up to 4 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €305

Stay Duration

1 year (renewable)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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

Renewable one-year permit for non-EU entrepreneurs and freelancers running their own business in Spain, based on an approved business plan and minimum annual income of €7,200.

The Spanish Self-Employed Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia) lets non-EU nationals live and work in Spain as independent entrepreneurs or freelancers. Applicants must be at least 16, submit a detailed business plan, demonstrate professional qualifications, and show income of at least €7,200 per year.

The initial permit is valid for 1 year and is renewable. Work authorisation is restricted to the self-employed activity specified in the approved business plan. After 5 years of legal residence the holder may apply for permanent residency, with Spanish citizenship possible after 10 years.

This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals or freelancers who want to run their own business in Spain without needing an employer to sponsor them.

Spain

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Cost Breakdown

National Visa Fee (Type D)EUR €90
Initial Temporary Residence Permit (Form 790-052, epígrafe 2.1)EUR €11
Self-Employed Work Permit (Form 790-062, epígrafe 1.5)EUR €204
TotalEUR €305

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Entrepreneur Visa
Spain flagSpain

Entrepreneur Visa

Validity1 year
Processing1 week
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be 16 years of age or older.

Must have the necessary professional qualifications or training to carry out the proposed activity.

Must provide a detailed business plan for the establishment or activity, including investment, expected returns, and potential job creation.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to carry out the planned investment and support oneself.

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

Must provide a clean criminal record certificate for the last 5 years.

Must provide a medical certificate confirming no public health risks.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

7,200 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed and signed EX-07 form (initial residence and self-employed work permit).

Valid passport (minimum 1-year validity).

Detailed business plan.

Proof of professional qualifications and training.

Proof of financial means (bank statements, investment proof).

Activity permits and licenses (if applicable).

Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized and translated).

Medical certificate (apostilled/legalized and translated).

Proof of payment of the visa fee (forms 790-052 and 790-062).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows legal residence and self-employment in Spain
  • Path to permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence
  • Potential qualification for Spanish citizenship after 10 years

Worth Knowing

  • Requires a rigorous evaluation of the business plan by Spanish authorities
  • Strict financial requirements for both personal living and business operations
  • Work authorization is typically limited to the specific activity and location authorized

Application Process

1

Prepare a detailed business plan and gather required documentation

2

Submit the visa and work permit application in person at the nearest Spanish consulate

3

Wait for the immigration office to evaluate the application and business viability

4

Collect the visa upon approval

5

Register with the Spanish Social Security system and apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) upon arrival

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