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Work permit for the self-employed – Autónomo

A residence permit with the right to work as a self-employed person, known as a ‘autónomo’ residence permit, is your route to legal residency in Spain if you plan to run your own business, work as a freelancer or provide professional services. Unlike salaried employment, you are not dependent on an employer. The key is to convince the immigration authorities of the viability of your business idea with a detailed business plan.
Assess the chances
  • 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.
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 type of residence permit is intended for non-EU nationals who wish to:
Starting your own business in Spain: for example, a café, a shop, a beauty salon or a workshop.
Working as a self-employed professional or freelancer: IT specialists, designers, consultants, photographers, translators, etc.
Register as a sole trader (empresario individual) to carry out any permitted commercial activity.
Key legislation
  • The procedure is governed by the general rules governing matters relating to foreign nationals:
    • Organic Law 4/2000 (Ley Orgánica 4/2000) on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain.
    • Regulations implementing the Act (Royal Decree 557/2011), Articles 103–109, which set out in detail the requirements for self-employed foreign nationals.
Requirements
The requirements focus on your professional qualifications and the viability of your future business.
Professional qualifications: You must possess the necessary qualifications, experience and, where required, a recognised degree or licence to practise your chosen profession (e.g. for doctors, architects).
Business plan (Proyecto de establecimiento): This is the key document. It must provide a detailed description of your business activities, projected investments, expected profitability and potential for job creation (where applicable).
Feasibility assessment: Your business plan must receive a positive assessment (informe de viabilidad) from one of the authorised organisations in Spain (UPTA, UATAE, CIAE, OPA, ATA).
Financial resources: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to:
  • Launching and maintaining the project: The amount specified in the business plan as the initial investment.
  • Personal living expenses: The annual allowance is generally calculated at 100% of the IPREM per month (€600 for 2026).
No criminal convictions in Spain or in countries of previous residence over the last 5 years.
Compliance with requirements: You must meet all the same requirements as Spanish citizens in order to set up this type of business (licences, permits, etc.).
Required documents
(main list)
Application (Form EX-07).
Passport (full copy).
Your project’s business plan.
A positive assessment of the project’s viability from an authorised body.
Documents confirming your qualifications (diplomas, certificates), duly legalised and translated.
Proof of financial means (bank statements).
Certificate of good conduct with an apostille and translation.
Draft licences and permits required to set up and operate a business.
Receipt for payment of government fees (Tasa 790, code 052 and Tasa 790, code 062).

Application procedure

The process begins at the Spanish Consulate in your country and requires some preparation in advance.

  • Drawing up a business plan and obtaining a valuation:

    First, you draw up a detailed business plan and submit it to one of the accredited organisations (such as ATA) to obtain a favourable assessment (feasibility report).

  • Submitting an application at the Consulate:

    You are applying for a visa to work as a self-employed person, enclosing the full set of documents, including a business plan and a positive assessment of it.

  • Hearing of the case:

    The Consulate forwards the documents to Spain, where they are processed by the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería). The office has three months to reach a decision.

  • Obtaining a D visa:

    Once approval has been granted, the Consulate will affix a visa to your passport, allowing you to enter the country and commence your activities.

  • Entry into Spain:

    You must enter Spain within 3 months (the validity period of the visa).

  • Registration and obtaining a TIE:

    Within three months of arriving, you must register with the tax authorities (Hacienda) and the social security system (Seguridad Social) as a self-employed person. You must then register with the police to obtain a resident’s card (TIE) within one month of registering with social security.
Are you ready to set off on your journey?
Your business idea deserves to be realised in Spain! The key to success with the autónomo residence permit is a professionally drafted business plan that will leave no room for doubt among the authorities. Our experts will help you develop a compelling proposal, obtain the necessary feasibility assessment, and guide you through every stage — from submitting your application at the consulate to registering your business in Spain.
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.
  • Cost
    since €3510
    On behalf of the main applicant.
    No hidden fees.
    Get in Touch
  • Payment procedure
    First, we sign a contract.
    50%
    before the provision of services begins;
    50%
    on the day the documents are submitted
Not included and charged separately:
  • State fees and charges: Payable in the country where the application is submitted (medical certificates, certificates of good conduct).
  • Personal expenses: Private health insurance, tuition fees or the cost of drawing up a business plan (depending on the type of residence permit).
  • Important: All government fees within Spain are already included in the service fee.