Renovación de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Propia
Renewal of a work residence permit with the right to work as a self-employed person – Autónomo
Renewing a self-employed work and residence permit (Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Propia) allows a sole trader or freelancer to continue their business activities in Spain.
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Personal manager
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Who is it suitable for?
This extension is intended for non-EU nationals who:
Hold a valid residence permit entitling them to work as a self-employed person (Autónomo).
They wish to continue their activities in Spain.
They will confirm that their business is profitable and provides a sufficient income to support themselves.
✍ General Terms
Traductor Jurado (Sworn Translation) — a translation performed by a translator officially accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some documents on the list must have a "jurado" translation. You can find the full list of accredited translators via this [link]. In addition to the official list, there are many agencies that work with multiple translators at once.
NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) — a unique identification number for foreigners. This number is assigned once for life. You can request it separately at the police station or receive it automatically after applying for a residency permit (VNV).
TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) — the physical ID card for foreigners in Spain. It contains your photo, NIE number, and the type and expiration date of your residency.
Padrón / Empadronamiento (Registration) — a local census registration (residency certificate). Registration in Spain is much simpler than in many other countries; you can register even in a rented apartment.
Cita (Appointment) — any scheduled meeting or booking, even a romantic date ❤️. In the context of visas, it refers to an appointment at a government office or police station. For example: "you need to book a cita for fingerprints."
Tasa (Government Fee) — a state tax or administrative fee that must be paid for various legal procedures and applications.
Matrícula (Enrollment) — an official document confirming enrollment in an educational institution for a specific course, including the exact study dates.
Nota Simple — an extract from the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) containing essential information about a property and its legal status. The document is valid for no more than 3 months.
✍ Health Insurance Terms
Sin copago (No Co-payment) — insurance policies with full coverage where you don't have to pay extra for each doctor's visit.
Sin carencia (No Waiting Period) — insurance policies without "waiting periods" for certain services (for example, you can get an MRI immediately rather than waiting 6 months after the policy starts).
Key legislation
Law 4/2000 (Organic Law 4/2000). Royal Decree 1155/2024 (Articles 86 and 87) — govern the renewal of residence permits and self-employment.
Requirements
A key requirement is financial stability and business continuity.
Continuity of activity: Confirm the continuation of your activity (alta) with the Social Security authorities under the RETA scheme (self-employed) and with the tax authorities (Hacienda) for the period required by law.
Financial stability: Demonstrate that the business is profitable and generates sufficient income to support yourself and your family (exceeding the IPREM). An extension is also possible if the applicant is receiving a cessation of activity allowance (prestación por cese de actividad) or is an economically dependent self-employed person.
No outstanding debts: No outstanding debts to the social security authorities or tax authorities.
Validity period: The permit is valid for 4 years (if this is the second or subsequent permit leading to permanent residence).
Required documents
Main list
Renewal application form (Official Form EX-03).
A valid passport.
A copy of the current TIE.
Tax returns (Form 100, 390 or others, confirming profitability and financial activity).
A certificate from Social Security confirming that there are no outstanding debts.
Proof of payment of the fee (Form 790): Code 052, sections 2.2.1–2.2.7
Application procedure
The procedure is carried out at the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in your area of residence. The application must be submitted within 60 calendar days before the expiry date or within 90 days after it has expired.
Consideration:
The processing time is up to three months. Submitting an application extends your legal stay.
Obtaining a TIE:
Once approved, you must apply for a new TIE card at the police station.
Don’t let your residence permit expire!
We will help you put together a comprehensive set of documents, confirm that you have fulfilled all your obligations (whether work-related or academic), and submit your application on time to avoid fines and ensure that you can continue to live in Spain legally.
What does the service include?
Suitable for most applicants. We provide full support throughout the entire process and see your application through to the granting of a residence permit.
Case assessment: Checking documents for compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
Preparing the application: Compiling a complete set of documents for the consulate or immigration authorities.
Health insurance: Finding a competitive policy and taking out insurance with a Spanish company.
Medical certificate: Arranging for the issue of a standard-format medical certificate.
Certified translation: Official translation (2 pages included in the price).
Technical translation: Preparation of translations (3 pages included in the price).
Application process: Booking an appointment at the Consulate and obtaining access codes.
Completing forms: Preparing all forms, applications and receipts for the payment of fees.
Submission by a solicitor: Electronic submission of documents via the solicitor’s official portal.