Entrepreneur residence permit (innovative activity)
Authorisation for foreign nationals who want to develop an innovative business project of economic interest in Spain. It requires a favourable report from ENISA and is processed by the UGE-CE with positive administrative silence.
The entrepreneur residence permit allows you to settle in Spain to launch an innovative business project of economic interest. It is essential to obtain a favourable report from ENISA, which assesses the innovative nature of the business and its added value for the Spanish economy.
It is processed by the Large Companies Unit (UGE-CE) in around 20 working days with positive administrative silence, lets you bring your family, and opens the way to long-term residence.
Who is it for?
Non-EU entrepreneurs with a business project of an innovative nature and special economic interest for Spain. Your spouse or partner and children may accompany you.
Main requirements
- Be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland
- Not be in an irregular situation in Spain
- Have sufficient financial means for the project and your own living expenses
- Have no criminal record in the countries of residence over the last 5 years
Duration
A 1-year visa to start the procedures, or a residence permit of 3 years (renewable for 2) if applied for from Spain. It gives access to long-term residence.
Usual documentation
- Valid passport
- Business plan for the project (description, investment, financing and job creation)
- Favourable report from ENISA certifying the innovative nature and economic interest of the project
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the activity and your own living expenses
- Qualifications or professional experience related to the project
- Criminal record certificate from the last 5 years, apostilled
- Medical insurance with coverage in Spain
- Application form and proof of payment of the fee (modelo 790, código 038)
How to apply
The key step is the favourable report from ENISA. After that, the application is submitted to the UGE-CE electronically and resolved in around 20 working days, with positive administrative silence.
- Prepare the business plan and request the favourable ENISA report on the innovative nature of the project.
- Choose the route: the visa at the consulate in your country, or the residence permit before the UGE-CE if you are already legally in Spain.
- Submit the electronic application with the ENISA report and pay the fee.
- Once granted and in Spain, book the appointment for fingerprints and the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).