Fast Track Immigration to Spain
Law 14/2013 – The accelerated residence pathway for professionals, entrepreneurs, and companies.
The Entrepreneurial Support Act (Law 14/2013) offers a faster, predictable, and family-friendly route to Spanish residence for non-EU eligible professionals, entrepreneurs, and companies.
Designed to attract global talent, investment, and innovation, it is the preferred option for many who want a seamless move and clear settlement prospects.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa – officially known as the Residence Permit for International Teleworkers – is the newest addition to Spain’s immigration framework.
It allows remote employees and contractors to live and work legally in Spain for up to five years.
FAQs
Who is eligible?Serggi2025-08-26T00:07:10+02:00
You may qualify if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You work remotely as an employee for a company abroad, or you are self-employed with the majority of your clients based outside Spain.
- You have at least three months of professional experience with your current employer or client.
- Your employer or client has been in operation for more than one year.
- You hold a university degree or can demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience.
- You meet the minimum income criteria
What are the minimum income requirements?Serggi2025-08-13T11:26:12+02:00
You must earn at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (approx. €2,600/month in 2025).
If you apply with family members, the required income threshold increases accordingly.
Can I work for Spanish clients?Serggi2025-08-13T11:25:46+02:00
Yes, but no more than 20% of your total professional activity may be for Spanish clients.
Can my family join me in Spain?Serggi2025-08-13T11:26:59+02:00
- You may include your spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives.
- Spouses are also authorized to work in Spain, either for Spanish companies or foreign employers.
What is the difference between applying from Spain and applying from abroad?Serggi2025-08-13T11:27:29+02:00
- From Spain: You can enter on a tourist visa and apply for the Digital Nomad residence permit during your 90-day stay. The application is processed in 20 working days, and if approved, the permit is valid for up to three years.
- From abroad: You apply through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence. Unfortunately, processing can take up to 90 days, and the visa issued is initially valid for up to one year. Once in Spain, you can switch to a residence permit valid for up to three years.
Is this a pathway to permanent residence or Spanish citizenship?Serggi2025-08-13T11:29:28+02:00
- Nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea: Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residence.
- Nationals of other countries: Eligible to apply for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit after five years of continuous legal residence.
- In all cases, there is a clear and structured route to long-term settlement in Spain.
Entrepreneurs Permit
Designed for global citizens launching innovative, high-value businesses with potential for significant economic impact in Spain.
A favorable business plan report from the Ministry of Industry’s entrepreneurship agency – ENISA – is required
FAQs
Who is eligible?Serggi2025-08-13T11:36:14+02:00
You may qualify if:
- You are a non-EU national planning to establish a business in Spain.
- Your project is innovative and has a special economic interest for Spain.
- You have the financial resources to launch and sustain the project.
- You have the skills and experience needed to carry out the business plan.
What is considered an “innovative” business?Serggi2025-08-13T11:36:34+02:00
ENISA generally defines it as a project that:
- Introduces new products, services, or processes, or significantly improves existing ones.
- Operates in high-growth sectors such as technology, renewable energy, biotech, or advanced manufacturing.
- Has a scalable business model with potential to grow nationally and internationally.
Can my family join me in Spain?Serggi2025-08-25T22:25:56+02:00
- You may include your spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives.
- Spouses are also authorized to work in Spain, either for Spanish companies or foreign employers.
What are the minimum investment requirements?Serggi2025-08-13T11:37:39+02:00
There is no legal minimum investment required. However, the funding must be:
- Proportionate to the project’s needs.
- Realistic to achieve the objectives set out in the business plan.
When reviewing your application, ENISA will evaluate whether your financing structure supports the project’s viability.
Is this a pathway to permanent residence or Spanish citizenship?Serggi2025-08-13T11:38:13+02:00
- Nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea: Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residence.
- Nationals of other countries: Eligible to apply for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit after five years of continuous legal residence.
- In all cases, there is a clear and structured route to long-term settlement in Spain.
What are the main documents required for the application?Serggi2025-08-13T11:38:35+02:00
You will typically need to provide:
- Favorable ENISA report. The plan is evaluated by ENISA for innovation, economic viability, scalability, and job creation potential. It can take more than one month to get this approved.
- Proof of financial resources to fund the business and support yourself/family.
Highly Skilled Professionals
The Highly Skilled Professional Permit is the ideal pathway for Spanish companies hiring professionals for positions that require advanced qualifications or specialized expertise.
Very similar to the EU Blue Card work permit.
FAQs
Who is eligible?Serggi2025-08-13T11:48:26+02:00
You may qualify if:
- You hold a university degree or equivalent professional experience.
- You have an employment offer from a Spanish company for a role requiring high-level qualifications.
- The position matches your expertise and career background.
What are the sponsoring company requirements?Serggi2025-08-13T11:48:49+02:00
The hiring company must:
- Be legally registered and operating in Spain.
- Demonstrate that the position requires specialized skills or advanced qualifications.
- Offer a gross salary in line with Spanish market standards for highly qualified professionals, as set out in official statistics:
- Directors and managers: €54,142 per year.
- Other technical, scientific, and intellectual professionals: €40,077 per year.
- For applicants under 30 years old, the minimum salary requirement is 75% of the above amounts.
Can my family join me in Spain?Serggi2025-08-13T11:49:11+02:00
- You may include your spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives.
- Spouses are also authorized to work in Spain, either for Spanish companies or foreign employers.
What is the application process?Serggi2025-08-13T11:49:39+02:00
- From Spain: You can apply during your legal stay. The decision is issued within 20 working days. You may start working as soon as the permit is approved and the Spanish company completes your Social Security registration.
- From abroad: The decision is issued within 20 working days. Once the permit is approved, you will need a visa appointment. You can begin working as soon as you arrive in Spain and the Spanish company completes your Social Security registration.
Is this a pathway to permanent residence or Spanish citizenship?Serggi2025-08-13T11:50:00+02:00
- Nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea: Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residence.
- Nationals of other countries: Eligible to apply for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit after five years of continuous legal residence.
- In all cases, there is a clear and structured route to long-term settlement in Spain.
What are the main documents required for the application?Serggi2025-08-13T11:50:23+02:00
You will typically need to provide:
- Signed employment contract specifying the role, gross salary, and conditions, in compliance with Spanish labor law.
- Proof of university degree or equivalent professional experience.
Researchers
Allows professionals to carry out research, development, and innovation (R+D+i) activities in collaboration with accredited Spanish institutions.
FAQs
Who is eligible?Serggi2025-08-13T11:55:27+02:00
You may qualify if:
- You are engaged in a research, development, or innovation project in Spain.
- The work is carried out in collaboration with a recognized host entity in Spain.
- You have the necessary academic or professional background to undertake the project.
Which entities can sponsor a researcher residence permit?Serggi2025-08-13T11:56:15+02:00
Eligible sponsoring entities include:
- Spanish universities.
- Public or private research centers recognized by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, or equivalent bodies.
- Other institutions officially recognized for carrying out R+D+i projects in Spain.
Do I need a formal agreement with the sponsoring institution?Serggi2025-08-13T11:56:36+02:00
Yes. A hosting agreement or research contract with the sponsoring institution is mandatory. This document must clearly describe:
- The nature and objectives of the research project.
- The role and responsibilities of the researcher.
- The project duration and funding arrangements.
Can my family join me in Spain?Serggi2025-08-13T11:56:57+02:00
- You may include your spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives.
- Spouses are also authorized to work in Spain, either for Spanish companies or foreign employers.
Is there a minimum salary requirement?Serggi2025-08-13T11:57:18+02:00
There is no fixed legal minimum for this permit. However, remuneration must be in line with Spanish salary standards for the relevant sector and sufficient to cover living expenses in Spain.
What is the application process?Serggi2025-08-13T11:57:38+02:00
- From Spain: You can apply during your legal stay. The decision is issued within 20 working days. You may start working as soon as the permit is approved and the Spanish company completes your Social Security registration.
- From abroad: The decision is issued within 20 working days. Once the permit is approved, you will need a visa appointment. You can begin working as soon as you arrive in Spain and the Spanish company completes your Social Security registration.
Is this a pathway to permanent residence or Spanish citizenship?Serggi2025-08-25T13:32:58+02:00
- Nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea: Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residence.
- Nationals of other countries: Eligible to apply for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit after five years of continuous legal residence.
- In all cases, there is a clear and structured route to long-term settlement in Spain.
What are the main documents required for the application?Serggi2025-08-13T11:58:19+02:00
You will typically need to provide:
- Hosting agreement or research contract signed with the sponsoring institution.
- Proof of academic qualifications or professional background in the relevant field.
- Documentation proving the host entity’s official recognition as a research institution in Spain.
Intra-company transfer
The Intra-company Transfer permit allows multinational companies to relocate employees to their Spanish branches.
It can also be used when the transfer takes place under a service provision agreement between companies, provided the employment relationship with the original employer is maintained.
FAQs
Who is eligible?Serggi2025-08-13T12:06:02+02:00
You may qualify if:
- You are currently employed by a company or corporate group with operations in Spain and abroad.
- You are being transferred to a Spanish branch, subsidiary, or affiliated company.
- You have worked for the company abroad for at least 3 months before the transfer.
What types of transfers are eligible?Serggi2025-08-13T12:06:23+02:00
- Managers or executives responsible for directing the company or a department.
- Specialists with essential knowledge of the company’s services, products, or procedures.
- Trainees participating in a structured professional development program approved by the company.
Can my family join me in Spain?Serggi2025-08-13T12:06:49+02:00
- You may include your spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives.
- Spouses are also authorized to work in Spain, either for Spanish companies or foreign employers.
What is the application process?Serggi2025-08-13T12:07:10+02:00
- From Spain: You can apply during your legal stay. The decision is issued within 20 working days. You may start working as soon as the permit is approved and the Spanish company completes your Social Security registration.
- From abroad: The decision is issued within 20 working days. Once the permit is approved, you will need a visa appointment. You can begin working as soon as you arrive in Spain and the Spanish company completes your Social Security registration.
Is this a pathway to permanent residence or Spanish citizenship?Serggi2025-08-13T12:07:29+02:00
- Nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea: Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residence.
- Nationals of other countries: Eligible to apply for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit after five years of continuous legal residence.
- In all cases, there is a clear and structured route to long-term settlement in Spain.
What are the main documents required for the application?Serggi2025-08-13T12:07:53+02:00
You will typically need to provide:
- Letter from the employer confirming the transfer details and duration.
- Proof of employment with the company abroad for the required period.
Documentation showing the corporate relationship between the sending and receiving companies.
