What types of businesses qualify for the Spain Startup Visa?

The business must be innovative — meaning it uses technology, science, or intellectual property in a way that differentiates it from traditional businesses. Qualifying sectors include fintech, SaaS, e-commerce, sustainability tech, healthtech, edtech, and AI. Traditional retail, hospitality, or non-innovative service businesses do not qualify.

Is the Spain Startup Visa eligible for the Beckham Law?

Yes. Startup Visa holders who have not been Spanish tax residents in the previous five years are explicitly eligible for the Beckham Law tax regime, which offers a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 for up to six years. This is a major financial advantage for founders building high-growth businesses in Spain.

How long does the Spain Startup Visa take?

The ENISA favourable report typically takes 10–15 business days. The consulate approval after that usually takes a further 10–20 business days, making the total process one of the fastest Spanish visa routes — often completed in under 2 months from start to finish.

Spain Startup Visa for UK Entrepreneurs: 2026 Guide

Q: What is the Spain Startup Visa?

The Spain Startup Visa (officially the Residency Visa for Entrepreneurs) is a fast-track residency permit for non-EU nationals who want to launch or scale an innovative business in Spain. Introduced under Spain's Startup Law (Ley 28/2022), it is assessed by ENISA (Spanish National Innovation Enterprise) and typically approved within 20–30 business days. It is open to UK nationals following Brexit.

What is the Spain Startup Visa?

The Spain Startup Visa — formally the Residency Visa for Entrepreneurs — is a residency permit for non-EU founders who plan to launch or develop an innovative startup in Spain. It was significantly enhanced by the Ley de Startups (Law 28/2022), which created one of Europe's most entrepreneur-friendly immigration frameworks.

Unlike many business visas, the Spanish Startup Visa has no minimum capital requirement and no mandatory job-creation targets. The key requirement is that your business is innovative — assessed by ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovación), Spain's state innovation agency.

UK founders using this route also have access to the Beckham Law — a 24% flat income tax rate for up to six years — making Spain one of the most tax-efficient countries in Europe for high-growth founders.

Choosing between Madrid and Barcelona for your startup base? Read our Madrid relocation guide and Barcelona relocation guide — both compare startup ecosystems, costs and quality of life.

Who Qualifies?

Non-EU nationality: Open to UK nationals post-Brexit.
Innovative business: Your business must use technology or intellectual property in a distinctive way. Assessed by ENISA via their favourable report.
Clean criminal record: UK criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Private health insurance: Full coverage in Spain for the visa duration.
Sufficient financial means: Demonstration of sufficient funds to support yourself while establishing the business (no fixed minimum, but bank statements are required).

Startup Law Tax Benefits

Beyond the Beckham Law personal tax benefit, Spain's Startup Law offers significant corporate advantages:

15% Corporate Tax Rate

Qualifying startups pay only 15% corporate tax for the first 4 profitable years (vs. the standard 25%).

Tax Payment Deferral

New startups can defer their first two years of corporate tax payments without accruing interest.

Beckham Law (24% Income Tax)

Founders eligible for the Beckham Law pay a flat 24% on Spanish-sourced income vs. the standard 47% top rate. Valid for up to 6 years.

Investor Incentives

Angel investors in qualifying startups can claim up to 50% tax deduction on their investment (up to €100,000).

For the complete Spanish tax picture — income tax, wealth tax and UK income treatment — see our Spain tax guide for UK expats. High-net-worth founders should also review Spain's wealth tax and the significant Madrid exemption.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Business plan & ENISA submission

Prepare a detailed business plan. Agrin UK submits it to ENISA for the required favourable report. ENISA evaluates within 10–15 business days.

Document gathering

Criminal record certificate, passport, health insurance, bank statements, and accommodation proof — all with certified Spanish translations.

Consulate application

Submit the full application at the Spanish Consulate in the UK with the ENISA favourable report. Approval typically within 10–20 business days.

Arrive in Spain + company formation

Enter Spain and set up your Sociedad Limitada (SL). Agrin UK handles the full formation process, NIF, and VAT registration.

Apply for Beckham Law

Within 6 months of Social Security registration, apply for the Beckham Law flat tax regime. Agrin UK guides you through this process.

See our dedicated guide to Spain company formation for UK nationals — covering Sociedad Limitada setup, costs, and the 7-step process.

Launch Your Spanish Startup

Free consultation — we assess your business plan and confirm ENISA eligibility.

Free Consultation View Startup Packages

Visa at a Glance

EvaluatorENISA (10–15 days)
Permit Duration3 Years
Min. CapitalNone (from €1)
Beckham LawEligible
Corp. Tax Rate15% (4 years)

Related Guides

Spain Startup Visa for UK Entrepreneurs (2026)