Spain National (Type D) Self-Employed Work Visa: Eligibility Criteria Explained

Key Takeaways

• Spain’s Type D Self-Employed visa requires a detailed business plan, proof of funds, and criminal record certificate.
• Typical total costs range from €400–€600, with processing times from 15 days to three months, depending on nationality.
• Visa is valid for one year, renewable for two, with permanent residency possible after five continuous years in Spain.

If you are interested in starting a freelance or self-employed business in Spain 🇪🇸 and you are not a citizen of the European Union or European Economic Area, the Spain National (Type D) Self-Employed Work Visa is a practical way to legally live and work there. This visa is sometimes called the “autónomo” or self-employed visa. It lets you build your own business or work as a freelancer in almost any field, as long as you meet the rules set by the Spanish government.

This guide will show you, step by step, how to check if you qualify, prepare your application, collect the required documentation, and follow through each stage until you are legally allowed to stay in Spain 🇪🇸 as a self-employed person. It will also help you understand the costs, how long the process may take, how long your visa lasts, and what happens after you arrive. As reported by VisaVerge.com, careful planning and attention to detail are key, so let’s break down every part of the process in simple, clear steps.

Checklist of Required Documents and Steps (Quick Reference)

Before beginning, here’s a summary checklist to help you organize what you’ll need:

• Completed national visa application form (Type D)
• Completed EX–07 Form (Residence and self-employed work permit application)
• Passport (valid for at least 4 extra months, copies of all pages)
• Passport photo (recent)
• Business plan (detailed; explain what you will do, potential profits & impact)
• Qualification or training certificates in your work field
• Proof of applying for any required local licenses or permits
• Proof you have enough money (bank statements, loan letters, investment agreements)
• Official police record certificate(s) covering past five years (translated and apostilled/legalized)
• Medical certificate (recent, proving no serious contagious illnesses)
• Proof you live in the area where you are applying
• Any other documents required by your local Spanish consulate
• Fee payments (as required)
• After arrival: Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month

Step 1: Confirm the Eligibility Criteria

Before you do anything else, make sure you meet every rule for the Spain National (Type D) Self-Employed Work Visa.

You must:
1. Not hold citizenship from any EU/EEA country: Only non-EU/EEA citizens are eligible.
2. Be at least 18 years old: (If you are planning a special type of business, you might be allowed at 16—ask your consulate to check.)
3. Have a clean criminal record: You must not have been convicted of any serious crime in Spain 🇪🇸 or in the country you have lived in during the past five years.
4. Have a solid business plan: Your idea must show that it will work and benefit the local area. Your background and work experience should fit your proposal.
5. Prove your financial security: Show you can support yourself and your plans with your own money, not relying just on work income.
6. Have not broken any immigration laws: You cannot have entered or stayed in Spain 🇪🇸 (or the Schengen Area) without proper documents.

Important: These rules can change slightly depending on which country you are from. Always double-check with the Spanish consulate in your home country in case there are extra requirements.

Step 2: Collect and Prepare the Required Documentation

You’ll need to file both original and photocopies of every important paper. Anything you submit that is not in Spanish must be officially translated, and some documents must be legalized or “apostilled” to prove they are real.

Main Documents Required

• National Visa Application Form (Type D): The main visa application; collect it from the consulate.
• EX–07 Form: This is for the residence and initial self-employed work permit. You can find it at the official Spanish Ministry of Inclusion’s website.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least four more months after your arrival; copies of every page needed.
• Photo: Recent, passport-size.
• Business Plan: Very detailed; include how much you will invest, how you expect to make money, and if you plan to hire anyone.
• Professional Certificates or Qualifications: Degrees, diplomas, or proof of your training.
• Activity Permits/Licenses: If you need any license (for example, to run a shop), include proof you have applied or started the process.
• Proof of Funds: Recent bank statements, loan agreements, or investment papers. Show you can pay for where you will live and set up your business.
• Criminal Record Certificate: Covers the last five years. Must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish. This includes any country you have lived in.
• Medical Certificate: Recent (not more than three months old), showing you do not have any serious or infectious diseases.
• Proof of Residence: You must show you live in the area covered by the consulate where you are applying.

Tips:
– Start gathering paperwork several months before you plan to apply.
– Make sure translations and legalizations are from approved offices.
– If a document cannot be legalized in your country, ask the consulate what to do.

Step 3: Calculate and Save for Fees & Expected Costs

Visa fees depend on your nationality. You may pay them at two different points in the process. Be ready to also pay for document legalization, translations, medical exams, and insurance.

Current typical fees:

Note: Actual costs for all paperwork (including police and medical certificates, health insurance) usually range from €400 to €600, but they may be higher if you come from certain countries or need extra legal steps.

Caution: You may lose your fee if you withdraw your application or are denied, so be sure all your paperwork is complete.

Step 4: Submit Your Application—A Step-by-Step Process

Stage One: Apply for Residence and Self-Employed Work Permit

A. Prepare all required documentation (see list above).
– Double check all translations and copies.
– Fill out the EX–07 Form.

B. Submit your application at the right Spanish consulate.
– You must apply in the country where you are legally living, at the consulate that covers your area.
– Some consulates allow online bookings. Others require you to submit in person or ship by mail.
– Always ask the consulate first how they want applications delivered.

C. Wait for notification.
– The Spanish authority (Oficina de Extranjeros) will review your business plan and documents.
– They may ask for an interview or more information. Respond as quickly as possible.

Stage Two: Apply for the National (Type D) Visa

D. Once you have permission for your work plan, apply for the visa itself.
– Fill out the national Type D visa form.
– Give the consulate all your paperwork again.
– Be ready to pay the second application fee using payment forms (Form790 code052 for temporary residence and Form790 code062 for self-employment). The consulate can help you with this step.

After Approval, Before You Travel

E. Get your visa and plan your entry to Spain 🇪🇸
– The consulate keeps your passport while making the decision.
– Once approved, you will receive your visa stuck in your passport. You must travel within the entry window shown, usually three months.

Step 5: After Arrival in Spain 🇪🇸

It is not enough just to enter Spain 🇪🇸 on your visa. You must complete a few tasks to receive your Foreigner Identity Card (also called TIE).

Within the first month:

1. Register your address (Empadronamiento):
   • Visit the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and sign up as a resident at your new home address.
2. Apply in person for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE):
   • Go to the local police station or immigration office.
   • Bring your passport, visa, local registration, and other paperwork.
   • Make appointments ahead of time if required.
3. Keep your TIE with you: This card shows the police or any official that you are legally in Spain 🇪🇸 and allowed to live and work there.

Note: If you skip these steps, your new visa can be cancelled.

Step 6: Know the Validity Period and Renewal Rules

• Your first self-employed visa is usually good for one year.
• When it expires, you can renew for two years more each time, as long as you keep meeting the requirements (your business is running, taxes are paid, you have money to live).
• After you have legally stayed for five years, you can apply for permanent residency in Spain 🇪🇸.

Best practices:
– Keep all business, tax, and address records up to date.
– Prepare for renewal applications at least 60 days before your permit ends.

Step 7: Understand Processing Times and What Happens if Denied

• Most consulates take 15 to 45 working days to process, but up to three months is allowed by law.
• It is smart to apply up to three months before you travel.
• If extra documents or information are needed, this can delay your permit.

If denied:
– You have the right to an administrative appeal within one month.
– You can also start a judicial review (lawsuit) within two months.
– Keep copies of all applications and proof of mailing and payments.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Double-check all documents for spelling, expired dates, or missing items.
• Make sure every translation and legalization is done as required by the Spanish government.
• Bring copies of everything, as the consulate will not return some originals.
• Provide proof (paperwork or letters) if you have applied for, but are waiting on, any needed licenses or permits.
• If you are unsure of anything, ask the consulate for help—never guess or submit without checking.

Where to Get Official Information and Help

Before applying, it’s smart to check the official Spanish government consulate websites for the latest updates on forms or rules. Each consulate may have its own special instructions or checklist, so read carefully.

What Happens Next and Final Points

After receiving your TIE card, you are legally able to operate your business, offer freelance services, and live in Spain 🇪🇸. Follow all local tax and business rules. If you employ people or open a shop, you must follow extra Spanish employment and safety laws.

If you want to bring family members later, other visa options may be possible once you are settled.

Always keep original copies and digital scans of everything—even after approval—as you may need them for renewals.

Key Points Recap

• The Spain National (Type D) Self-Employed Work Visa is open to non-EU/EEA citizens who meet set age, background, and financial rules.
• Eligibility criteria require you to have a clean record, a practical business plan, enough money, and professional skills.
• Required documentation includes visa and permit forms, passport, paperwork showing your skills and funds, and proof of applying for licenses.
• Processing times run from two weeks to three months.
• Fees vary by country but expect to spend at least €400–€600 for the full process.
• The visa is valid for one year and renewable for two years at a time.
• After five continuous years, permanent residency is possible.
• Pay close attention to deadlines, document rules, and instructions from your Spanish consulate.

For further, region-specific advice and updates, check in regularly with official government resources and detailed guidance from leading immigration websites such as VisaVerge.com.

Taking each step with care means you can look forward to starting your life and business in Spain 🇪🇸 smoothly and legally.

Learn Today

Type D Self-Employed Work Visa → A visa allowing non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work in Spain as freelancers or business owners.
EX–07 Form → A required application for residence and initial self-employed work permit in Spain.
Apostille → An official certification making a document legally recognized in Spain for international use.
Business Plan → A formal document outlining your intended business activities, investment, and expected impact in Spain.
Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) → An official Spanish identification card for foreign residents, confirming their legal stay and work authorization.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Spain National (Type D) Self-Employed Work Visa lets non-EU/EEA citizens legally start businesses or freelance in Spain. Applicants need a strong business plan, proper documents, and proof of funds. After approval, follow all steps—like registering your address—to secure your TIE and permanent residency path.
— By VisaVerge.com

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