Spain continues to be one of the most attractive destinations to live in, thanks to its favourable climate, cultural richness and quality of life. However, the ultimate elimination of the Golden Visa program in April 2025 has reduced the available ways to obtain legal residency in the country.
The following chart provides a comparative overview detailing the requirements, advantages and key considerations of two currently most requested types.
| Visa type / Comparison criteria | |
|---|---|
| Main target | |
| Startup Visa See more | Creating an innovative business with economic potential for Spain |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | To develop an economic activity on one's own account |
| Business requirements | |
| Startup Visa See more | Innovative and technological project that meets ENISA criteria; scalability; job creation |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | Provide a business plan that does not require innovation; experience and professional qualifications; registration with fiscal and social authorities |
| Justification of economic funds | |
| Startup Visa See more | Prove at least €31,752 for the applicant, €11,907 for a second family member, €3,969 for each additional member |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | Justification of sufficient funds to implement the business plan and to pay for living in Spain; the amount depends on the activity to develop |
| Validity period of the permit | |
| Startup Visa See more | Initially 3 years with possibility of extension for another 2 years; after 5 years - right of permanent residence |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | Issued for 1 year with further extensions; |
| Fiscal regime and taxes | |
| Startup Visa See more | Possibility of applying the ‘Beckham Law’: a fixed rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 for the first 5 years |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | after 5 years - right of permanent residency |
| Employment possibilities | |
| Startup Visa See more | Yes, it is allowed to work as an employee in Spanish companies |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | Standard progressive income tax scale from 19% to 47%; corporate tax 25% except for the first two years - 15% |
| Possibility to apply in Spain | |
| Startup Visa See more | Yes, you can apply from Spain if your status is legal (e.g. with a tourist visa) |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | No, only own business activities are allowed |
| Processing time | |
| Startup Visa See more | Approximately 20 working days after submission of the complete package of documents |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | The application must be submitted from the country of origin through the Spanish Consulate |
| Family members can apply for a visa together with the applicant | |
| Startup Visa See more | Yes, a spouse and children can obtain a residence permit with the right to work and study |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | Approximately 3 months from submission, although this will depend on the country and the consulate's workload |
| Professional experience requirements | |
| Startup Visa See more | Demonstrable experience and qualifications in the indicated field of activity are required |
| Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more | Yes, it is possible, but requires proof of financial solvency to support family members |
| Visa type / Comparison criteria | Startup Visa See more | Residence for Self-Employed (Autónomo) See more |
|---|---|---|
| Main target | Creating an innovative business with economic potential for Spain | To develop an economic activity on one's own account |
| Business requirements | Innovative and technological project that meets ENISA criteria; scalability; job creation | Provide a business plan that does not require innovation; experience and professional qualifications; registration with fiscal and social authorities |
| Justification of economic funds | Prove at least €31,752 for the applicant, €11,907 for a second family member, €3,969 for each additional member | Justification of sufficient funds to implement the business plan and to pay for living in Spain; the amount depends on the activity to develop |
| Validity period of the permit | Initially 3 years with possibility of extension for another 2 years; after 5 years - right of permanent residence | Issued for 1 year with further extensions; |
| Fiscal regime and taxes | Possibility of applying the ‘Beckham Law’: a fixed rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 for the first 5 years | after 5 years - right of permanent residency |
| Employment possibilities | Yes, it is allowed to work as an employee in Spanish companies | Standard progressive income tax scale from 19% to 47%; corporate tax 25% except for the first two years - 15% |
| Possibility to apply in Spain | Yes, you can apply from Spain if your status is legal (e.g. with a tourist visa) | No, only own business activities are allowed |
| Processing time | Approximately 20 working days after submission of the complete package of documents | The application must be submitted from the country of origin through the Spanish Consulate |
| Family members can apply for a visa together with the applicant | Yes, a spouse and children can obtain a residence permit with the right to work and study | Approximately 3 months from submission, although this will depend on the country and the consulate's workload |
| Professional experience requirements | Demonstrable experience and qualifications in the indicated field of activity are required | Yes, it is possible, but requires proof of financial solvency to support family members |
Find more details on each visa type by clicking here:
Over the years, our team of lawyers has made more than 1200 residence permits for foreigners in Spain.
We will conduct a detailed consultation with you upon request, and find you the best option for obtaining visas.
We guarantee 99% success in obtaining visas when submitting documents prepared under the supervision of our attorneys.
When you move to Spain, you may have other questions, with the resolution of which we are happy to help you.
Foreigners’ Identity
Number
Open an account for
you at Spanish bank
We can help you open a company or a branch
Personal and
corporate taxes
We can help with
arranging insurance
We find and arrange
rent or buy
Any personal help
and assistance
Help with enrollment administration
Lusa Legal’s experienced team can help you with any questions you may have. Contact us today!
