Spain Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)

The Spain Entrepreneur Visa under Ley 14/2013 is for founders building an innovative, economically impactful business in Spain, assessed and approved by the UGE-CE (Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit).

Last reviewed: 2026-06-071 Official sources

Overview

The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa (Visado para Emprendedores) was created by Ley 14/2013 (the Entrepreneurs' Law) to attract founders and startup teams to Spain. Unlike a simple self-employment visa, it requires the business to be classified as innovative or of special economic interest to Spain. Approval is assessed by the UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos).

The route offers a faster decision window than many European startup visas: UGE-CE targets a response within 20 working days of receiving a complete application. If no decision is issued within that period, a complete application may be deemed approved by administrative silence.

Who it's for

  • Founders whose business model is innovative or has clear economic impact for Spain
  • Entrepreneurs who want Spanish residency while actively building and running a company
  • Teams where each founder applies individually (no joint applications)
  • Non-EU nationals who cannot use the Highly Qualified Professional route

Requirements

RequirementDetail
Business planDetailed, innovative plan qualifying as entrepreneurial activity of special economic interest
UGE-CE reportFavorable report from ENISA or a competent authority certifying innovation and viability
AgeAt least 18 years old
Clean recordNo criminal record in Spain or prior countries of residence in the last 5 years
Health insurancePrivate or public health insurance without copayments valid in Spain
Financial meansAt least 100% of IPREM for the main applicant, plus required percentages per dependant
Legal presenceMust be legally present in Spain (if applying in-country) or from abroad (consular route)

IPREM reference

IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples) is the Spanish public reference index for benefits and income thresholds. The required financial means are typically expressed as multiples of the monthly IPREM. Verify the current annual figure before applying.

Steps

  1. Develop a business plan that clearly demonstrates economic impact, innovation, and viability for Spain
  2. Obtain a positive report from ENISA or another competent authority on the project's innovation
  3. Apply to UGE-CE (if already in Spain) or at the Spanish consulate (if applying from abroad)
  4. Receive decision: UGE-CE targets 20 working days; consular applications often take 4–8 weeks
  5. Enter Spain and begin operating the business within the permit conditions
  6. Register the company with the Spanish Commercial Registry if not already done
  7. Renew after 2 years or transition to a longer-term permit if conditions are maintained

Key notes

  • The business must be innovative or of special economic interest; a conventional local business (restaurant, retail) does not qualify
  • Personal financial means requirements are based on IPREM, not a fixed investment minimum
  • If UGE-CE is silent for 20 working days on a complete application, administrative approval may be implied, so document all submission timestamps carefully
  • Local market validation and operational detail strengthen the business plan significantly
  • Spain's digital nomad visa (D8-equivalent) exists separately and may be more suitable if you are employed rather than founding

This content is for informational purposes only.