Visa for individuals over 18 years old who intend to carry out a self-employed work activity in Spain.
Required Documents: The visa application includes the application for a residence permit.
All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled. If written in a language other than Spanish, they must be accompanied by the appropriate translation.
Visa-Related Documents:
- National visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign the application form in all its sections.
- Photograph. A recent, passport-sized color photo with a light background, taken from the front, no dark glasses, reflections, or clothing that covers the face.
- Valid passport. Original and photocopy of the page(s) with biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least one year and have two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.
- Criminal record certificate. Applicants must submit the original and a copy of a criminal record certificate issued by the country or countries of residence in the past five years.
- Medical certificate. Original and copy of a medical certificate stating that the applicant does not suffer from diseases that could pose a serious risk to public health according to the International Health Regulations of 2005.
- Proof of residence within the consular district.
- Payment of the visa fee. Information must be provided about the visa fee amount (taking into account possible bilateral fee exemption agreements) and the method of payment.
When necessary to evaluate the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also summon the applicant for a personal interview.
Documents Related to the Residence Authorization Application
- Application Form: Two completed and signed copies of the initial residence and self-employment work authorization form (Model EX-07). If the applicant is a minor, a parent must sign.
- Passport: A photocopy of all pages of a valid passport or travel document.
- Activity Permits and Licenses: A list of required authorizations or licenses for setting up, opening, or operating the proposed business or professional activity, along with proof of submission to the relevant authorities.
- Professional Qualifications: Original and copy of documents that prove the applicant holds the necessary training and, if applicable, the legally required professional qualifications.
- Business or Activity Plan: A plan outlining the activity to be carried out, expected investment, anticipated profitability, and any jobs that may be created.
- Financial Means: Original and copy of documents proving the applicant has sufficient funds for the planned investment or a letter of support from financial institutions.
- Fee Payment: Two completed and signed copies of forms:
- Model 790 Code 052 (Section 2.1 – Initial Temporary Residence Authorization)
- Model 790 Code 062 (Section 1.5 – Self-Employment Work Authorization) Fees can be paid online—payment receipts must be attached. For applications in Catalonia, payment is made directly to the Autonomous Community, with proof of payment submitted. Nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Sephardic Jews, and children of Spanish nationals or foreigners born in Spain are exempt.
Procedure
- Authorized Party: The applicant must submit the visa and residence/work authorization applications in person. A representative may be allowed if Spanish or EU law permits.
- Place of Submission: Visa application Centre, BLS https://web.blscn.cn/
- Receipt: The consular office will provide copies of the submitted forms and proof of fee payment. The application is then sent to the relevant Foreigners' Office, which has three months to decide. Lack of response means rejection by default.
- Visa Status Tracking: A tracking code is provided for monitoring via this link.
- Request for Additional Documents: The consulate may ask for missing documents, further data, or a personal interview.
- Visa Decision Timeline: The decision must be made within one month of receiving the residence/work authorization resolution. The consular office will notify the applicant.
- Visa Collection: Must be done in person (or by legal guardian, if a minor). No appointment required.
- Rejection: If denied, a written explanation is provided.
- Appeals: Applicants have 1 month to file an administrative appeal, or 2 months for a judicial appeal to the High Court of Justice of Madrid.
- Visa Validity: Valid for 365 days. Once in Spain, the worker must register for Social Security within 3 months before starting work, and apply for a Foreign Identity Card (TIE) at the local police station within 1 month after registering.