Startup Visa Assistance — We Handle Your ENISA File
Residence for founders building an innovative, scalable company in Spain, built around ENISA certification under the Startups Law.
We prepare your business plan and ENISA submission, coordinate company registration, and manage your Startup Visa filing end to end so your application meets the "emerging company" bar on the first attempt.
Overview
The Startup Visa is aimed at entrepreneurs launching a new, technology-driven or otherwise innovative business in Spain, rather than buying into an existing company or opening a routine trading operation. Eligibility runs through Law 28/2022 (the Startups Law), and the central requirement is a positive evaluation from ENISA, the public entity that certifies whether a business model qualifies as an "emerging company" — innovative, scalable, and not simply a local services business.
This differs from the Entrepreneur Visa, which suits founders relocating or converting an already-operating business rather than launching a new certified startup. Once approved, the Startup Visa grants an initial three-year residence permit, extendable for a further two years, with the clock counting toward permanent residency after five years total.
Eligibility & Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| ENISA certification | Business must be assessed and approved as innovative and scalable under the Startups Law; ENISA has up to roughly three months to decide |
| Company size & turnover | Under Law 28/2022, qualifying startups generally must not exceed €10 million in annual turnover and must keep the bulk of their workforce employed in Spain once operational |
| Business plan | Detailed plan covering the product, market, team, financial projections, and growth strategy — this is the core document ENISA reviews |
| Minimum income (main applicant) | Roughly 200% of Spain's minimum wage, approximately €31,000–€32,000/year as of 2026, to show the founder can support themselves while the company scales |
| Team & qualifications | Evidence of relevant professional background, prior experience, or academic qualifications supporting the founder's ability to execute the plan |
Application Process
- Develop a business plan that clearly demonstrates innovation, scalability, and market viability — the single most scrutinized element of the application.
- Submit for ENISA certification confirming the company qualifies as an emerging startup under Law 28/2022.
- Register the company in Spain if not already done — see Company Registration and Startup ENISA Certification.
- Gather personal documentation: criminal record certificate, proof of income or savings, health insurance, and academic or professional credentials.
- File the residence application either through a consulate abroad or via Spain's UGE-CE unit if already in the country.
- Collect your TIE card and complete municipal registration once approved. See TIE Card.
- Open a business bank account and register for tax purposes, coordinating with an accountant on VAT and corporate tax obligations.
Costs & Timeline
ENISA's certification review can take up to about three months, and this typically runs in parallel with or ahead of visa document preparation. Once ENISA approval is in hand, residence permit processing is often faster than standard categories due to Spain's interest in attracting founders. Costs include ENISA filing, legal and accounting support for company setup, and standard visa fees — budget for professional business plan preparation as a meaningful line item, since a weak plan is the most common reason for ENISA rejection.
FAQ
What makes a business "innovative" enough for ENISA approval?
ENISA looks for scalability, a technology or process-driven edge over existing local competitors, and a business model that isn't simply replicating an established local service. Traditional retail, hospitality, or standard consulting businesses generally don't qualify — the bar is aimed at tech-enabled or genuinely novel models.
Can I apply for the Startup Visa if my company is already operating outside Spain?
The Startup Visa is generally intended for new companies being established in or relocated to Spain. If you're moving an established, already-profitable business rather than launching a new certified startup, the Entrepreneur Visa route may fit better.
USIf I set up a Spanish company, how does that affect my US tax reporting?
Owning a foreign company as a US citizen typically triggers additional IRS reporting obligations beyond your personal return, potentially including Form 5471 for controlling interests in a foreign corporation. This is layered on top of standard FBAR and FATCA requirements for foreign accounts. Coordinate with a cross-border tax advisor before incorporating.
UKDo I still count Schengen days if I hold a Startup Visa but haven't collected my TIE card yet?
Until your residence permit is physically issued and you hold a valid TIE card, any time spent in Spain as a UK citizen counts against the standard 90/180-day Schengen limit. Plan your entry and application timeline carefully to avoid overstaying while your application is pending.
Can my co-founders apply under the same Startup Visa?
Each founder generally needs their own individual application and must independently meet income and documentation requirements, though they can apply in parallel if all are relocating to work on the same certified company.
What happens if ENISA rejects the certification?
You can typically revise and resubmit the business plan addressing ENISA's feedback, or pursue a different residence category if the business model isn't a fit for startup certification. A rejection doesn't bar you from applying under another visa type such as the Entrepreneur Visa.
Building a startup in Spain?
We help founders prepare ENISA-ready business plans and coordinate the residence application from start to finish.
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