By Johanna Gardener •
Published: 30 Nov 2024 • 23:20
• 2 minutes read
For small business owners, freelance workers or entrepreneurs, applying for a self-employed visa could be your ticket to Spain from the US
Credit:Shutterstock:GagoDesign
Euro Weekly News offers a guide for US citizens relocating to Spain, highlighting today the self-employed or entrepreneurship visa, ideal for those pursuing independent work or business ventures.
First and foremost, be aware that if you are planning to come and live in Spain, things will be that little bit more difficult as of 2025. Not only will legislation regarding Golden Visas change, eliminating options to invest in property in exchange for residency, but those not from European Union countries, you will require a visa waiver, known as ETIAS. This needs to be solicited at least 72 hours before your flight and if successful, will be valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period going and returning is fine as long as the number of days doesn t exceed 90. Once approved, ETIAS allows you to travel freely across Schengen countries for these short visits. For longer stays, an extra type of visa is required.
In total, there are several categories and subcategories of visa that can be solicited to consider a move to Spain from the US including the following:
Student visa
Job Search visa
Work visa which also includes: Highly Skilled Worker visa and Self-Employed/Entrepreneurship visa
Golden Visa
Non-Lucrative visa
Permanent residency
Family Reunification visa
All visas have different terms and conditions including length of stay
Each type of visa has its own terms and conditions – some offering more benefits than others – and applications will need to either be made by yourself, an employer or institute of further education (in the case of student and job search visas).
The self-employed or entrepreneurship can be classified as a work visa in the same way as the highly skilled worker visa, already detailed by Euro Weekly News. This visa, as the name says on the tin, is perfect for Americans who are small business owners or freelancers and want to set up a business hub in Spain.
This type of visa is valid for one year initially, but can be renewed up to four times – each renewal granting a further year’s stay in the country. Applying for each renewal will require proof that your business is functioning well and is having a positive impact on the local community and economy.
For self-employed visa applications, include a detailed business plan
If this profile looks like yours, applications may seem daunting but once you get the ball rolling, it falls into place. Be aware that you must be qualified to work in the business sector and have sufficient funding to support yourself and your business prospects. Spain, like anywhere else, isn’t open to half-hearted projects, that are likely to flop or go bankrupt. Moreover, your application must come complete with a robust and detailed business plan. Within this plan, there must be references made to how your business initiative or your current firm would be in the interest of the chosen country of destination – in this case, Spain. How would it benefit the economy, contribute to developments in science or technology or facilitate employment? These are all questions which will need answering before submitting your application.
Relocating to Spain as a self-employed individual offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy the country’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant way of life while pursuing your professional aspirations. By demonstrating a viable business plan, sufficient financial resources, and compliance with Spain’s legal and tax requirements, you can make this dream a reality and get your foot in the door with Spain’s self-employed visa, or “Autónomo Visa.” ¡Buena suerte!
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Written by
Johanna Gardener
Originally from Manchester, UK and with a degree in English with Modern Foreign Languages, she has been a permanent resident in Spain for the past 12 years. Many of these years, she has spent working as a secondary school teacher, as well as in journalism, editing and marketing. She currently lives in the historic centre of Malaga, where she enjoys writing, walking and animals.
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