Spain simplifies life for self-employed workers: Combined visa and residency now available

Self-employed professionals can now apply for their visa and work authorisation together, with Heniam making the process simple

Who can apply?

• Anyone aged 16 or over who wants to engage in self-employed activity in Spain.
• Applicants must meet general requirements for visas, as well as additional requirements for self-employed work.

Documents you’ll need

• Visa application form – fill out all sections and sign. Minors must have a parent sign.
• Passport photo – recent, passport-size, facing forward, against a light background.
• Valid passport – at least 1 year remaining, issued in the last 10 years, with two blank pages.
• Criminal record check – from all countries where you’ve lived in the last 5 years, legalised/apostilled and translated into Spanish. UK applicants submit the ACRO certificate.
• Medical certificate – issued by a registered doctor, confirming you don’t have diseases that could seriously affect public health. Must be legalised/apostilled and translated if not in Spanish.
• Proof of residence in the consular district where you are applying.
• Proof of parent/guardian identity (if you are a minor).
• Visa fee payment – varies by country, check the consulate’s website.

• EX-07 Form – your application for self-employed work authorisation (residency).
• Activity permits and licenses – required for your business; include certification of applications if they haven’t been granted yet.
• Professional qualifications – diplomas or certificates required for your profession, legalised/apostilled and translated if needed.
• Business plan – detailing your planned investment, expected income and potential jobs created.
• Proof of financial means – bank statements or commitments showing you have enough funds to support your business.
• Work authorisation fees – forms 790-052 and 790-062, completed and paid. Some exemptions apply here.

How to apply

1. Submit in person at the Spanish Visa Application Centre in your country (e.g., BLS London for UK applicants).
2. The consulate may request extra documents or a personal interview.
3. Decision timeline: usually up to 4 months, but can be extended if additional info or interviews are required.
4. Visa collection: once approved, collect in person (or via representative if a minor) within 1 month of notification.

What happens if your visa is refused?

• Refusals are provided in writing, with reasons stated.
• You can appeal within 1 month to the consulate.
• Judicial review in Madrid is possible within 2 months of refusal or appeal dismissal.

What happens if your visa is approved?

• Visa validity: 1 year.
• Once in Spain:
• Register with Social Security within 3 months.
• Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of Social Security registration.

Sworn translations & legalisations

• All foreign documents must be legalised/apostilled and translated into Spanish.
• Medical certificates and criminal records must be legalised, but the Hague Apostille does not need translation if already in Spanish.

Make it easier with Heniam & Associates

• They provide an initial consultation to assess your eligibility.
• Help you gather and prepare all necessary documentation.
• Submit the application on your behalf and monitor its progress.
• Address any additional requirements that arise.
• Assist after approval, such as registering family members with local authorities.