İspanviza

Start-Up Visa — Requirements [2026]

Last updated: April 2026

Spain's Start-Up Visa is designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. This visa allows you to establish, grow, and scale a company in Spain with access to the European market. The key requirement is approval of your business plan by ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovacion S.A.) — Spain's national innovation agency.

ENISA approval — the key requirement

ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovacion S.A.) is Spain's national innovation agency. To apply for the Start-Up visa, your business plan must first receive a positive assessment from ENISA.

ENISA evaluates based on the following criteria:

  • Innovativeness of the business idea
  • Potential contribution to the Spanish economy
  • Job creation potential
  • Professional profile and experience of the entrepreneur
  • Feasibility of the financial plan

Eligibility criteria

  • You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union
  • You have an innovative business idea or a ready business plan
  • The business can contribute to the Spanish economy
  • You must have sufficient financial resources (to cover living expenses)
  • You must provide a criminal record clearance certificate
  • You must have valid health insurance in Spain

Required documents

  1. Passport (valid for at least 12 months) and copy
  2. Business plan (innovation, market analysis, financial projections)
  3. ENISA positive assessment letter
  4. Proof of financial resources (bank statements, investment documents)
  5. Professional experience and qualification documents
  6. Criminal record clearance certificate
  7. Health insurance policy
  8. Passport-size photographs

The business plan must be prepared in Spanish or submitted with an official translation.

Financial requirements

There is no specific minimum income requirement for the Start-Up visa — however, you must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses in Spain.

General recommendation: Showing savings equivalent to at least 12 months of living expenses is sufficient for a strong application. This typically ranges from approximately 25,000 to 35,000 EUR (depending on location).

If you already have investors or a funding agreement, this is also accepted.

Application process and timeline

Business plan preparation

Structuring the innovative business idea, market analysis, financial projections — 2-6 weeks.

ENISA application

The business plan is submitted to ENISA. Assessment period varies — typically 4-8 weeks.

Visa document preparation

After receiving a positive ENISA response, the remaining documents are gathered and translated — 2-4 weeks.

Visa application

For Azerbaijani citizens, via the Spanish Embassy (Ankara) or Istanbul Consulate General, or from within Spain. Response time: 1-3 months.

Company registration in Spain

After receiving the visa, company registration and obtaining NIE (identification number) in Spain.

Benefits of the Start-Up visa

  • Establish an official company in Spain and access the European market
  • Include family members (spouse and children)
  • Free movement within the Schengen zone
  • Apply for permanent residency after 5 years
  • Join Spain's startup ecosystem (accelerators, investors, etc.)

Official sources

  • ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovacion) — official website
  • Spanish Embassy (Ankara) — For Azerbaijani citizens
  • Ley 28/2022 — Startups Act (BOE official text)

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