How to Build a High-Innovation Business Plan, Get Approved, and Relocate to Spain as a Founder
Spain has quickly become one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for founders, innovators, and remote entrepreneurs. With a thriving tech ecosystem, excellent lifestyle, and a government committed to attracting global talent, the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa—also known as the Startup Visa or Innovator Route—opens the door to residency for entrepreneurs building high-potential, innovative businesses.
If you’re a founder looking to relocate yourself (and your family) to Europe, this visa might be your best pathway.
1. WHAT IS THE SPANISH ENTREPRENEUR VISA?
The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa is a residence permit for entrepreneurs planning to launch an innovative, high-growth business in Spain. It’s designed for:
- Tech founders
- AI, software, and platform entrepreneurs
- Innovators and inventors
- Startup founders with traction abroad
- Digital product creators
- Founders with a concept that brings economic value to Spain
You receive:
- 1–2 year residency (renewable to 5 years)
- Right to live and work in Spain
- Right to bring spouse + children
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
2. WHO IS IT FOR?
The Entrepreneur Visa is ideal for:
- Tech founders with a pitch that includes innovation
- Entrepreneurs building software platforms, AI tools, apps, SaaS, marketplaces
- Founders with an existing company who want to expand into Spain
- Innovators with patents, new models, or unique solutions
- Startup founders planning to hire locally or develop the product in Spain
Not suitable for low-innovation businesses like restaurants, salons, or non-digital consultancies.
3. KEY ADVANTAGES VS OTHER VISAS
Entrepreneur Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa:
- Entrepreneur Visa is for building a startup (not remote work)
- Based on innovation
- Easier family reunification
- Stronger long-term residency pathway
Entrepreneur Visa vs NLV:
- You CAN work
- You CAN run a company
- You CAN stay economically productive
Entrepreneur Visa vs Golden Visa:
- No €500K+ investment required
- Approval based on innovation, not capital
4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
4.1. Innovative Business Concept
Must involve:
- Technology
- Innovation
- Platforms or I.P.
- Scalability
- Economic impact
4.2. Business Plan Requirements
Clear market need, technology advantage, growth plan, financial feasibility.
4.3. Founder Competence
ENISA will review your: CV, experience, past startups, skills, track record.
4.4. Financial Capacity
Personal savings + business projections.
4.5. Additional Requirements
Criminal record certificate, passport, health insurance.
5. WHAT TYPES OF BUSINESSES GET APPROVED
- AI, automation, ML tools
- SaaS platforms & apps
- Marketplaces
- Fintech, cybersecurity
- Healthtech / biotech
- Sustainability / ESG tech
- Tourism innovation
Rejected categories include:
- Basic consulting
- Hospitality
- Non-tech trading
- Low-innovation services
6. DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
Personal:
- Passport
- Criminal background certificate
- Health insurance
- Bank statements
Business:
- Full business plan (25–40 pages)
- Market research
- Technology explanation
- Competitive analysis
- 3-year financial forecast
- Company docs (if exists)
- CVs of founders
Supporting evidence:
- MVP screenshots
- Pitch deck
- Prototypes
- Website
- Traction metrics
7. DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
- Step 1: Prepare the business plan
- Step 2: Submit to ENISA
- Step 3: Apply for residency
- Step 4: Receive approval
- Step 5: Travel to Spain and get your TIE
- Step 6: Bring your family
8. COSTS & TIMELINE
Government fees: €70–€100
Translations/legalisation: €200–€800
Business plan consulting: €1,200–€2,500
Overall: 6–10 weeks
9. HOW TO BUILD A BUSINESS PLAN THAT GETS APPROVED
Include:
- Innovation narrative
- Market analysis
- Technology stack
- Business model
- Financials
- Hiring plan
- Product roadmap
- Spain market relevance
10. TAXES & COMPANY SETUP IN SPAIN
Company types:
- SL (recommended)
- Autónomo (not ideal for startups)
Corporate tax:
- 25% (15% for new companies)
- VAT: 21%
Banks:
- Sabadell
- Caixa
- Santander
- BBVA
- Revolut Business
- Wise Business
11. BEST CITIES IN SPAIN FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Barcelona: Tech capital
Valencia: Fast-growing startup hub
Madrid: Corporate center
Alicante: Lifestyle + emerging startup scene
Malaga: Google cybersecurity hub
12. RENEWAL & LONG-TERM RESIDENCY
Renew based on:
- Business progress
- Financial stability
- Operational activity
- Hiring / economic contribution
Permanent residency after 5 years
Citizenship after 10 years (or 2 for certain nationalities)
13. CASE STUDIES
Case 1 (Approved): AI automation startup with MVP
Case 2 (Approved): Tourism marketplace with Spain relevance
Case 3 (Rejected): Consulting business without innovation
14. HOW ACTIVITIES INTERNATIONAL HELPS
- Full visa strategy
- Innovation-driven business plan creation
- Document preparation
- Company formation
- Family relocation services
- NIE, TIE, Padron, housing
- Integration with local community
- Relocation ecosystem support
15. FAQ
Yes, as long as Spain expansion is innovative.
No, but financial stability helps.
Yes.
Yes.
Conclusion:
The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa is one of the most powerful pathways for founders seeking EU residency. If prepared properly, approval is straightforward. Activities International provides full end-to-end support, business planning, and relocation assistance to make the move seamless.
