Start with your immigration status
The ordinary initial route is for a non-resident applying through the competent Spanish consulate. If you already hold residence or student status, check the specific modification rules and any work rights you already have. The EU free-movement regime is different. Opening a business does not regularise an irregular stay. Do not confuse ordinary self-employment with a separate entrepreneur or digital-nomad route.
A real project, with evidence
Explain your activity, customers, prices, costs, investment and funding. The investment must fit the actual project; there is no universal €30,000 requirement. Check professional qualifications and recognition, professional registration where required, and the licences or permitted declarations of compliance needed for the activity. A business plan must match the supporting evidence.
Documents to prepare
Depending on the route and stage: passport, the applicable application form such as EX-07, qualifications, available investment, funding evidence, premises or equipment quotations and realistic forecasts. Separate business expenses from personal living costs. Address the criminal-record and other consular requirements for your case. Foreign documents may need sworn translation and legalisation or an apostille, subject to the applicable exemptions.
Consular procedure, decision and starting work
Article 85 provides a consular visa application and a residence-authorisation decision. The ordinary three-month decision period runs from receipt of the consulate’s communication by the competent body; silence is negative, not approval. Check any suspension before calculating a deadline. Effectiveness depends on the visa and Social Security registration within three months of lawful entry. Apply personally for the TIE within one month after that registration. The initial authorisation normally lasts one year and is limited by region and activity sector. We identify the competent channel and the personal steps; we do not promise an entirely online consular procedure.