Self-employed work permit in Spain
Do you want to live in Spain and work in your own business?
Do you want to move to Spain and run your own business legally?
The self-employed work permit is the immigration route that allows non-EU nationals to reside in Spain and carry out an economic activity as self-employed professionals or business owners.
At our international law firm, we assist clients throughout the entire process, from the initial assessment of the business project to the preparation and submission of the application, helping ensure that all legal, financial and administrative requirements are properly met
Start your self-employed work permit application in Spain
Our team helps prepare the required documentation, coordinate the consular application and ensure full compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
What is the self-employed work permit?
The self-employed work permit is a residence authorisation that grants the right to live in Spain and work in your own business or as an independent professional. This type of permit is designed for foreign nationals who wish to set up a business, launch a professional activity or develop a self-employed project in Spain in full compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
Who can apply?
This permit is intended for individuals who are planning to relocate to Spain and carry out an economic activity on a self-employed basis. In most first-time applications, the process begins with a D visa application at the Spanish Consulate corresponding to the applicant’s country of residence. A solid and well-prepared application is essential, especially when the authorities assess the viability of the project, the expected investment, the profitability of the activity and, where applicable, the jobs that may be created.
Required documents
- EX-07 application form
- Fee form 790 code 052
- Fee form 790 code 062
- Full copy of the passport
- Business or activity project, including the planned investment, expected profitability and potential job creation
- Accreditation of the project by one of the authorised organisations, such as ATA, UPTA, CIAE, OPA or UATAE
- Authorisations, licences or responsible declaration required for the activity
- Documents proving the legally required professional qualifications, where applicable
- Proof of sufficient financial investment
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
How we help you
Jurisdiction Assessment of eligibility and immigration strategyresidency requirements
Review of the business or professional project
Guidance on the required investment and supporting evidence
Assistance with document preparation and compliance
Legal support with translations, legalisation and formal requirements
Advice on consular filing and post-arrival obligations in Spain
Processing time
Once the complete application has been submitted, the Spanish Consulate generally has up to 3 months to issue a decision on the visa application. Processing times may vary depending on the Consulate and the complexity of the file, so careful preparation from the outset is key to reducing risks and delays.
What happens after the visa is granted?
Once the visa has been approved, the applicant must enter Spain during the visa validity period. From the date of entry into Spain, the worker has 3 months to register with the Spanish Social Security system. After registration, the applicant must personally apply for the residence card within 1 month. This final stage is essential to complete the immigration process correctly and secure legal residence status in Spain.
Why choose our law firm?
Applying for a self-employed work permit in Spain involves much more than filling in forms. The success of the application often depends on presenting a coherent project, proving financial capacity, meeting professional requirements and complying with strict documentary formalities. Our firm combines immigration experience with a practical international approach, helping entrepreneurs, freelancers and investors navigate the Spanish system with clarity and confidence.