It authorises you to live in Spain to develop an innovative business project of special economic interest. It is the Act 14/2013 route for startups and technology projects.
It requires a prior favourable report on the innovative nature of the project and is processed online by the UGE-CE.
- Foreign nationals who want to start, develop or run an entrepreneurial and innovative economic activity in Spain.
- A favourable report on the innovative nature of the project and its economic interest for Spain.
- A detailed business plan: description of the project, market, financing, expected jobs and added value.
- A suitable professional profile and evidence of your training or experience.
- Sufficient financial means for living costs and accommodation during your residence.
- Health insurance with cover in Spain.
- No criminal record for the last 5 years and no entry ban.
Online application to the UGE-CEForm and supporting documents submitted through the electronic office.Official link Full passport, validA copy of every written page (including blank ones if the office asks for them) plus the original for checking. Many procedures require at least 4 months of validity. Report or business planDescription of the project, its innovative nature, financial plan, forecast job creation and investment. Favourable report on the innovative natureIssued by the competent body (National Entrepreneurship Office / Directorate-General for International Trade and Investment). Evidence of your professional profileQualifications, CV and certificates of experience. Evidence of financial means and health insuranceStatements, bank certificates and a policy with full cover in Spain. Criminal record certificateFrom the countries where you have lived in the last 5 years, issued by the authorities of that country, legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Online application for a residence authorisation for entrepreneurial activity
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 790 código 038 | Processing of Act 14/2013 authorisations | The applicant | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
UGE-CE (electronic office of the Ministry of Inclusion)
Processed exclusively online.
Spanish consulate
Alternative: an entrepreneur visa from your country of residence.
- Prior report on the innovative nature: around 10 working days.
- UGE decision: 20 working days, with positive silence.
- Usual initial duration: 3 years, renewable for 2.
Residence by investment (the "golden visa") was abolished by Organic Act 1/2025, with effect from 3 April 2025: it is no longer possible to obtain residence by buying property.
The innovative nature is assessed strictly: a traditional business fits better under self-employed residence in the general regime.