It authorises you to live in Spain and carry out an economic activity on your own account: opening a business, practising a profession as a self-employed person, or setting up a company you work in.
It can be applied for from abroad (with a visa) or, in certain cases, from Spain as a change from another authorisation.
- Non-EU foreign nationals who are going to carry out a self-employed activity in Spain and meet the legal requirements for that activity.
- Meeting the requirements that the law sets for opening and running the activity (licences, registrations, qualifications, professional registration).
- Proving the professional qualification or experience required.
- Submitting a plan for the activity with forecasts of investment, profitability and, where applicable, jobs to be created.
- Proving that you have sufficient investment funds or a commitment of support from financial institutions.
- Proving sufficient financial means for your living costs and accommodation, over and above the investment.
- No criminal record and not being in Spain irregularly.
Official form EX-07, completed and signedIn duplicate (original and copy) if you file it on paper. Always download it from the Ministry website so you use the current version.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. Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 052It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 062It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Project or business planDescription of the activity, planned investment, legal form, location, revenue forecast and job creation. Viability report on the projectIssued by a recognised professional or self-employed workers' association (for example ATA, UPTA, UATAE), where the office requires it. Evidence of the investmentBank certificates, financing commitments, lease agreements for the premises, quotations. Licences, permits and registrationsApplications for or grants of opening or activity licences, planned tax registration, professional registration where applicable. Qualification or professional accreditationOfficially recognised or validated where the activity requires it. 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.
Application for a temporary residence and work authorisation as a self-employed person
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 052 | Temporary residence authorisation | The applicant | Generate fee form |
| 790 código 062 | Work authorisation as a self-employed person | The applicant | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
Spanish consulate (if applying from abroad)
Together with the residence and work visa.
Immigration Office (changes and renewals)
By appointment or filed online.
- Decision: 3 months (silence means refusal).
- Registration with the self-employed scheme (RETA) and the tax office: before starting the activity and within the deadline set in the decision.
- TIE: 1 month from entry into Spain or from notification.
If your project is innovative or technology-based, look at the Act 14/2013 route (entrepreneurial activity): the deadlines are much shorter and it is handled by the UGE.
Viability reports are not a mere formality: a weak business plan is the most common reason for refusal.