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

Spain•Europe

Open

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.

At a Glance

Processing Time

Up to 4 months

Estimated Cost

€305 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year (renewable)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Spain

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€24,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

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.

Curious about life in Spain?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

National Visa Fee (Type D)€90 EUR

Initial Temporary Residence Permit (Form 790-052, epígrafe 2.1)€11 EUR

Self-Employed Work Permit (Form 790-062, epígrafe 1.5)€204 EUR

Total€305 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Spain

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

Prepare a detailed business plan and gather required documentation

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

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

Collect the visa upon approval

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

Verified Claims (17)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Prepare a detailed business plan and gather required documentation; Submit the visa and work permit …

exteriores.gob.es

Fee Breakdown

National Visa Fee (Type D): 90 EUR; Initial Temporary Residence Permit (Form 790-052, epígrafe 2.1):…

exteriores.gob.es

Fees

€90 for the national visa fee (varies by nationality due to reciprocity, e.g., higher for US, UK, Ca…

exteriores.gob.es

Forms

—

exteriores.gob.es

Included Nationalities

—

exteriores.gob.es

Job Offer Required

false

exteriores.gob.es

Official Info

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-t…

exteriores.gob.es

Max Stay

1 year (renewable)

exteriores.gob.es

Official Information

Living in Spain

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€24,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

Ready to see if the Self-Employed Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery

Overview

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.

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