SERVICES

Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain

Your entrepreneurial vision has a place in Spain. The Self-Employed Work Permit is the key to legally establishing and developing your own business or freelance activity. We turn your project into reality, guiding you through every step to ensure a successful launch in the Spanish market.

online scheduling

Book your Appointment Now

The best way to start solving your doubts is to schedule a call with one of our professionals.

All prices are final and include VAT. We have interpreters from French, Portuguese, Arabic (Moroccan variant), Russian and Ukrainian. Other languages may be available on request

€80

30’

video call

Immigration Consultation

Unsure of the requirements to immigrate to Spain? We provide a clear path forward and manage the entire process for you.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€185

45’

video call

Tax Consultation

Perfect for individuals and companies in Spain who require expert guidance on complex tax matters.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€250

60’

video call

Immigration and Tax Planning

A comprehensive session to make informed decisions before moving to Spain. We analyse your legal residence, the potential tax impact of your relocation and the obligations you should anticipate.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

About the service

What is the Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain?

The Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain (autorización de trabajo por cuenta propia) is the visa that allows non-EU citizens to move to Spain to start and run their own business. It is the ideal route for freelancers, independent professionals, and entrepreneurs with a clear vision for their project.

This process is fundamentally about you and your business idea.

The single most important element of your application is a solid and convincing business plan. You must demonstrate that your project is viable, will generate sufficient economic activity, and has the potential to create employment in Spain.

Your business plan must be professionally structured, detailing the activity, market analysis, marketing strategy, and, crucially, a three-year financial projection.

Unlike other permits, the application for the autónomo visa must be initiated from your home country at the corresponding Spanish Consulate. You cannot apply for it while in Spain on a tourist visa.

The process involves two main stages. First, the consulate reviews and approves your initial application. Once you receive your visa, you can travel to Spain.

Upon arrival, you will have three months to formally register as a self-employed worker (autónomo) with the Tax Agency and Social Security, and finally, obtain your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

Our expertise is in helping you craft a business plan that convinces the Spanish authorities. We guide you in structuring your project, developing realistic financial forecasts, and obtaining the crucial viability report. We manage the entire consular process, ensuring your entrepreneurial dream in Spain starts on a solid and successful foundation.

Enjoy all the Benefits it has to offer

The benefits of Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain

Be Your Own Boss in Spain

Legally develop your business or freelance activity.

Full Control of Your Project

You are the owner and manager of your professional future.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

This permit counts toward long-term residency and Spanish citizenship.

Access to the European Market

Your Spanish-based business can operate across the entire EU.

Are you eligible?

Requirements to apply for a Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain

These are requirements for Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain applicants:

Professional Qualification or Experience

You need to prove you have the necessary training or relevant professional experience to carry out your proposed business project.

Sufficient Financial Investment

You must demonstrate you have enough funds for the initial investment in your business and to support yourself.

No Criminal Record

You must provide a clean criminal record certificate from the countries where you have lived for the past 5 years.

Application from Your Home Country

The entire initial process must be started at the Spanish Consulate in your country of legal residence, not from within Spain.

Do you have any questions about the immigration process to Spain?

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Necessary documentation for the Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain

This is the necessary documentation for the Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain

Application Form EX-07: The official application model for a self-employed work authorization.
Valid Full Passport: A complete copy of your current passport, which must be valid.
Professional Qualifications: Your degrees or certificates proving your capacity for the professional activity.
Business Plan: The complete project document, detailing every aspect of your future business.

Proof of Financial Means: Bank certificates showing you have the funds for the investment and support.
Criminal Record Certificate: Legalized or apostilled document, and officially translated where it is required.
Official Medical Certificate: A certificate proving your good health, which is a consular requirement.

Our numbers speak for themselves

Our track record

On average, we tell good news about their immigration cases to 9-10 people each day. A real perk of the job.

Refusals overrulled in appeals

+ 0

Immigration cases solved and in process

+ 0

Appeals efficiency

0 %

Join a Community of Satisfied Customers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 501 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Givago Dias Mendes 
 27/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy educado, eficientes, organizados. También rápidos. Mejor experiencia posible!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasia Danilova 
 26/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank Marc and Soundous for all the support they gave me and my mom in obtaining our residence. You are an amazing team, and I feel very lucky to have found your company to guide us through this process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Camryn Jones 
 25/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience working with Dario and his team throughout my visa process. They made everything completely stress-free and were incredibly helpful every step of the way. Dario speaks excellent English, which made communication easy and comfortable, and he was always responsive, patient, and clear in explaining everything. He and his colleagues handled every detail with care, efficiency, and in a very timely manner, which gave me a lot of confidence and truly made my life so much easier throughout the entire process. By far the best lawyer I’ve worked with in Barcelona. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend Dario and his team to anyone needing help with visas or immigration.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marc Ovalle 
 22/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Marc and his team and the experience has been truly remarkable! From day one, their professionalism has been outstanding. The depth and breadth of knowledge across the entire team have consistently impressed us and given us complete confidence in our partnership. They are reliable, insightful, and truly committed. Thank you Marc!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Oelrich 
 20/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. He tenido una muy buena experiencia, nos ayudaron en la resolución de dudas y consultas desde el primer contacto. El proceso fue muy rápido, claro y expedito.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abs Ka 
 19/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A friend recommended Illay Legal  to help obtain my permanent residency in Spain. Exceptional service! Marc explained every part of the process clearly and precisely. Once I provided all the necessary details, the team did all the work: pre-completed the necessary paperwork, helped retrieve padron and digital tax certificate, secured appointments in my preferred neighbourhood and checked in with me before and after both appointments. I subsequently switched both my tax and business accountancy contracts to Marc's firm and have enjoyed the same very high level of service. Communication via email and WhatsApp, and extremely responsive to answering any small or large questions/concerns. A huge endorsement to the whole team - I would highly reccomend. Regards Ismail
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dean 
 11/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome service, got my permanent residency quickly and without any issues
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasiia Sizova 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lawyers I truly trust and genuinely enjoy working with. Huge thanks to Marc and Soundous for guiding me through a very stressful documentation process over the past few years. Together we managed to resolve a complicated situation I ended up in because of a bureaucratic issue with my previous paperwork. They have well-organized processes and a lot of experience with different kinds of cases — even the tricky ones. Whenever I was stressed or freaking out, they were always there to reassure and support me. That human approach means a lot. With them, you are in very good hands 💚
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   MRI. Emran 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ILLAY Legal handled my immigration case in Spain very professionally and completed it on time. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adriana Garzon 
 09/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente asesoría y muy oportunos los tiempos. El acompañamiento en todo el proceso es de gran calidad.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Self-Employed Work Permit in Spain

Can I apply for this visa if I am already in Spain as a tourist?

No. This is a critical point. The self-employed work permit is one of the few that must be initiated from your country of origin or legal residence through a Spanish Consulate. You cannot change from a tourist status to this permit from within Spain.

How much money do I need to prove for the investment?

There is no fixed minimum amount required by law. The amount must be coherent with the needs outlined in your business plan. You must prove you can cover the initial setup costs and have enough left for your living expenses.

Can I hire employees with this permit?

The business plan should include your projections for job creation. Hiring local employees is viewed very positively by the Spanish authorities and strengthens your application and future renewals.

Is this visa the same as the Entrepreneur's Visa?

No. The Entrepreneur’s Visa is for projects that are considered innovative and of special economic interest to Spain, often with a technological base. The Self-Employed visa is for more “traditional” business models (e.g., opening a shop, a restaurant, or being a freelance consultant).

Guiding you in every step to your bright future.
Ready to start?