Immigration lawyers in Spain

Self-Employed Visa Spain

Start your own business or practice in Spain. No employer, no job offer — your project is what gets approved. We handle the whole application — from the business plan to your TIE card in your hand.

Self-Employed Visa Spain

Which route is yours?

Which route is yours?

Three permits let you work for yourself in Spain, and they are judged on completely different things. Picking the right one is most of the work.

RouteFor whomWhat is assessedFiled at
Self-EmployedGeneral regime · autónomoAny business or professional practice of your own in SpainThat the project is viable and that you can run itSpanish consulate
EntrepreneurStartup · Ley 14/2013Innovative, scalable projects of economic interest for SpainInnovation and scalability, through a favourable ENISA reportUGE — online
Digital NomadFreelance routeFreelancers whose clients are outside SpainYour existing clients, income and professional recordUGE or consulate

The short version

If your clients are already outside Spain, the Digital Nomad route is usually faster and easier than building a business plan from scratch. If your customers will be in Spain, it is the self-employed permit. The entrepreneur route is only for genuinely innovative projects — ENISA rejects ordinary businesses, however profitable.

Key advantages

Key advantages

You are the project

No employer, no job offer, no need for a sponsoring company.

Family included

Spouse, children and dependent parents can join you.

Now compatible with a job

The 2024 reform allows self-employment together with part-time employment.

Schengen mobility

Free movement across the Schengen area.

Counts for citizenship

The time of residence adds up.

Renewable

The authorisation can be renewed while your project keeps going.

One thing about this permit that catches people out

The permit is tied to where and to what. The initial authorisation is limited to one autonomous community and to the business sector you applied for. Moving your business to another region, or changing what it does, is not automatic.

Requirements

Requirements

Applicant — every route
Criminal recordClean record in every country of residence over the last 5 years
Legal statusNo irregular stay in Spain, and no entry ban in Spain or in the Schengen area
QualificationsThe training, experience or professional registration your activity requires in Spain
LicencesAny licence or permit the activity needs — applied for, at least, before you file
Means to live onRequired on the Digital Nomad and Entrepreneur routes. The self-employed permit does not ask for separate living costs — what it assesses is the capital to launch the project.
FeeAdministrative fee paid before filing

What changes by route

RouteSpecific requirementDurationResolution
Self-EmployedA business plan showing the project is economically viable, and evidence that your planned investment is enough to launch it. There is no fixed minimum investment — it has to be sufficient for your particular project.1 year · One region, one sector3 months · negative administrative silence
EntrepreneurA project that is genuinely innovative and of economic interest for Spain, supported by a favourable ENISA report, plus the funding to launch it.3 years, renewable20 working days* · positive administrative silence
Digital NomadClients based outside Spain, a professional relationship of at least 3 months, a degree or 3 years of experience, and income at or above the legal threshold.Up to 3 years20 working days* · positive administrative silence

The business plan

The business plan

On the self-employed route this is the document the whole application turns on. It is judged as evidence that the project is viable and that you are the person who can run it.

What it should show

  • The activity, and where and how you will carry it out
  • Your training and experience in that sector
  • The investment needed and where the money comes from
  • Realistic projected income and costs
  • Licences, premises and permits the activity requires
  • Jobs you expect to create, if any

What tends to sink it

  • Projections with no basis in the sector’s real figures
  • Investment that does not match what the activity actually needs
  • No evidence that you can carry out the activity yourself
  • Licences left until after the permit is granted
  • A generic plan that could describe any business

Nodisea tip

A viability report from a recognised self-employed workers’ association carries real weight with the authorities. It is one of the few things that can turn a borderline file into an approval, and it is worth arranging before you file, not after a refusal.

Required documents

Required documents

Core file — every applicant

  • Application form, completed and signed
  • Passport, full copy of all pages
  • Criminal record certificate from every country of residence in the last 5 years — apostilled and sworn-translated
  • Proof of qualifications, training or professional experience — apostilled and sworn-translated
  • Professional registration or licences the activity requires, or proof they have been applied for
  • Business plan and evidence of the investment
  • Proof of funds to support yourself while the business starts up
  • Proof of fee payment

Per family member

  • Passport
  • Marriage certificate, birth certificate or proof of dependency — apostilled and sworn-translated
  • Criminal record certificate (from age 18)
  • Health insurance, if not covered by Spanish Social Security
  • Proof that your means cover the household

Add to the core file, by route

  • Self-Employed: bank certificates or funding evidence for the investment, quotes or contracts for premises and equipment, and — where you can get one — a viability report from a self-employed workers’ association
  • Entrepreneur: the ENISA questionnaire and favourable report, evidence of funding, and any traction the project already has
  • Digital Nomad: client agreements dated 3+ months back, invoices and bank statements, and proof the clients have been trading for over a year

The documents listed here are indicative. Every case has to be assessed individually: depending on your circumstances, your nationality and the office handling the file, the authority may ask for more. Tell us your situation and we will send you the list that actually applies to you.

The application process

The application process

Self-employed — consulateEntrepreneur & Digital Nomad — UGE
Where it is filedAt the Spanish consulate of your place of residenceOnline, to the UGE
Who filesYou, in personWe file on your behalf
ResolutionUp to 3 months20 working days*
If they do not answerNegative administrative silencePositive administrative silence
ScopeLimited to one autonomous community and one sectorValid across Spain
FamilyApplied for with youFiled together with you

Step by step

From the first call to your TIE card

1

Assessment

Free 15-min call. We confirm which route fits your project.

Day 0

2

Business plan

We build the plan and the investment evidence with you.

3–6 weeks

3

Documents

Shared Drive folder. We review every document before filing.

2–4 weeks

4

Filing

At the consulate, or online to the UGE depending on your route.

5

Resolution

We follow up and answer any request for further documents.

Up to 3 months*

6

TIE card

Padrón, Social Security registration, fingerprints and your residence card.

30–40 days after

*Timeframes are indicative and depend on the authority handling the file. The business plan is usually the longest step, and the one worth starting first.

Our service

What we do for you

Included

  • Eligibility assessment and choice of route
  • Review of your business plan against what the authority actually looks for
  • Personalised document checklist
  • Shared Drive folder and full document review
  • Drafting and filing of the application
  • Communication with the authorities
  • Requests for further documents (requerimientos)
  • Consular appointment booking and briefing
  • Padrón registration support, fingerprint appointment and TIE application
  • Family members’ applications prepared together
  • Direct contact with your case manager throughout

Not included

  • Administrative fees (tasas) and consular visa fees
  • Apostilles and sworn translations
  • Writing the business plan from scratch
  • The viability report from a self-employed workers’ association
  • Health insurance policy
  • Social Security registration as autónomo, and accounting
  • Company incorporation, if your project needs a company

Fees

Fees and payment options

Up-front Payment

€850 + VAT

Main applicant

  • When you payAt the start of the assignment
  • Each dependant€350 + VAT
  • Formalised withUpon payment
  • Best ifYou want the lower fee

Pay For Success

€1,275 + VAT

Main applicant

  • When you payOnly after the visa approval
  • Each dependant€525 + VAT
  • Formalised withSigned Service Sheet
  • Best ifYou want to transfer the risk

In one line: we start working without payment; you only pay if the permit is granted, and the fee reflects the risk we take on.

Administrative fees (tasas), consular visa fees, apostilles and sworn translations are not included.

Get the full document checklist

The complete list of documents for you and your family, and what your business plan needs to cover. Tell us your project and we will send you the version that applies to you.

Request the checklist

Let our clients do the talking

What do our clients say?

Maricar de Dios profile picture
Maricar de Dios
2 months ago
Nodisea just made my family’s dream of living in Madrid a reality! They helped build the strongest possible case for my DNV application, and because of that the whole process felt smooth and manageable.

From our very first consultation, they answered everything thoroughly, even the small questions I probably asked too many times. As an overthinker, I brought them a lot of concerns, and Miquel went above and beyond every time. He never gave false reassurance, but he also never let uncertainty sit unanswered.

When we needed help proving our financials to a landlord to secure our lease, they did more than I expected from a legal team and walked us through that too. After approval, they continued guiding us every step of the way.

Thorough, responsive, and genuinely caring. Thank you Miquel and Francisco!
Gerard Estacio profile picture
Gerard Estacio
2 months ago
My wife recently received her digital nomad visa, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome! The biggest part of our success was thanks to Nodisea. They are extremely professional, diligent, and thorough. Kudos to Miquel for taking such great care of us!
Amin profile picture
Amin
2 months ago
I had an excellent experience working with them on my Spanish Digital Nomad residency application. They were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about the success of my case from start to finish. Every question was answered quickly, they followed up on every detail, and their dedication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I always felt supported and confident that my application was in the best hands. I’m truly grateful for their hard work and would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and dedicated immigration lawyer in Spain.
Marina R. profile picture
Marina R.
2 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had an excellent experience working with Nodisea throughout our HQP immigration process in Spain.

From the very beginning, the entire team was incredibly professional, responsive, and supportive. Every email was answered very quickly—usually within 24 hours—and no question ever felt too small. They guided us through every step of the process and made what could have been a very stressful experience feel straightforward and well organized.

We signed the service agreement around **20 May**, our HQP application for **our family of five** was submitted on **16 June**, and we received the positive resolution on **3 August valid 3 years**. We were very impressed with both the preparation of the application and the efficiency of the entire process.

Even after the approval, their support didn’t stop. They are helping us with the TIE process, including securing fingerprint appointments in Valencia, which anyone familiar with the current situation knows is a huge help.

A special thank you to **Francisco, Miquel, and Ramón** for their professionalism, patience, and outstanding communication throughout the entire process.

I wholeheartedly recommend Nodisea to anyone looking for reliable immigration lawyers in Spain. Thank you for making our family’s relocation so much easier!
charmaine Smith profile picture
charmaine Smith
4 months ago
When we decided to relocate to Spain, we needed legal professionals to help us sort out the details and prioritize the tasks. When we began working with Miguel and Francisco, we found them to be professional, polite, concise and clear about our steps along the way. They were helpful and informative and provided the counsel we needed to continue moving forward. We were able to secure our NIE and our visas with their help. It’s not complicated but as one seeking residency in another country, you can’t miss any details and our legal team were good at helping us anticipate next steps. So they do get a high recommendation from us and we for you we wish you good luck.
Dina Emera profile picture
Dina Emera
2 years ago
Francesco I am fortunate that I have dealt with your wonderful company. Since the first time, you have provided me with free consultation more than once. You communicate with the utmost professionalism and patience and provide assistance to all parties. I did not feel afraid at all. You follow up with me from the beginning and are not bothered by questions. I wish you more success.
You are the best
Lailing Him profile picture
Lailing Him
2 years ago
100% recommended. I processed my digital nomad residency with Javier, and his attention to detail was incredible every step of the way. Kept up to date with the latest trends in CGU requirements, anticipating and including them in my dossier. Thanks to their work, my residency was approved in just 9 business days (i.e. two weeks). Without a doubt, it is very worth hiring their services.
Phyllis Webb profile picture
Phyllis Webb
2 years ago
We highly recommend Francisco for any international assistence. He was extremely fair with prices and was very quick and easy to work with. We are very happy!
Omar Abunasra profile picture
Omar Abunasra
2 years ago
I can’t thank Francisco enough for his incredible help with my student visa application. From start to finish, he was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. He guided me through every step of the process, making what seemed like a stressful situation so much easier. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, my application was successful! I highly recommend Francisco to anyone needing legal assistance—he truly goes above and beyond for his clients. Muchas gracias, Francisco!
Emiliano saá profile picture
Emiliano saá
2 years ago
They have been attentive to my process the entire time and have clarified all my doubts!
aria fatourehchi profile picture
aria fatourehchi
2 years ago
Francisco was a great help with my student visa renewal. He made everything easy to understand and was always there to answer my questions. I especially appreciated how he helped me gather all the necessary documents. I’m really happy I chose him!
Youye Song profile picture
Youye Song
2 years ago
I highly recommend Francisco as immigration lawyer. We got the visa after 30 days of submission. We are so happy! Francisco is very structured and competent. He offered very clear consultation from the very beginning. We were informed very clearly what documents were needed and in what format- this detail level really helped with the preparation, as it can be a big headache to navigate the Spanish system. Moving to Spain was a big decision, and having Francisco to guide us through with empathy and patience eased the nerve. Thank you for the service, Francisco and team! We are grateful.
Tom Himsworth profile picture
Tom Himsworth
2 years ago
I spoke to many different companies all charging ridiculous amounts, until I came across Nodisea and Francisco. The pay for success is a great incentive for both parties and Francisco was at my disposal for anything I needed. Would highly recommend their services if you are looking to move to Spain!
Mr. Garcia profile picture
Mr. Garcia
2 years ago
Nikola Kostic profile picture
Nikola Kostic
2 years ago
It has been an amazing experience and I can’t recommend Francisco and his team enough!

Great attention to details, timely communication, availability, cost, everything in one place!

Thank you Nodisea, you have been a reliable and friendly partner through this immense change in our lives!
Jorge Pineda profile picture
Jorge Pineda
2 years ago
I recently had the pleasure of working with Nodisea Immigration Lawyers to obtain my Digital Nomad Visa, and they were amazing! From the beginning, the team was very patient and understanding, making the whole process much easier. Nodisea made a complicated process feel simple and easy to follow.

They guided me through every step and explained everything clearly. The lawyer I worked with was super careful with my documents, making sure all the information was correct. This really made me feel confident about my application.

I also appreciated how professional and quick they were to respond to my questions. Because of their hard work, I got my visa approval in just 15 business days!

If you need help with immigration, I highly recommend Nodisea. They truly made a big difference in my experience!
Haider Ali profile picture
Haider Ali
2 years ago
It took us over a year to plan our move to Spain, and with Francisco and his team’s help, we received approval in just 15 days. Being referred to him was a true blessing. Fran is an absolute pleasure to work with—a real gem who treats all his clients with the utmost care and attention. Highly recommended for all your immigration needs!!!! Thank you once again Francisco for all your help.
Arturo Berra profile picture
Arturo Berra
2 years ago
An exceptional experience from start to finish. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, efficiency and courtesy at all times. I felt cared for every step of the process, which made everything easy and seamless. In terms of time, they exceeded my expectations, since I obtained my authorization in just 20 days. I definitely highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, quality service.

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An outstanding experience from start to finish. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy throughout the entire process. I felt supported every step of the way, making everything smooth and hassle-free. In terms of timing, they exceeded my expectations, as I received my authorization in just 20 days. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality service.
Sam Capps profile picture
Sam Capps
2 years ago
Francisco was incredibly helpful and made my application so smooth and stress free. Having had multiple consultations with various different immigration lawyers, I came across Francisco and was really impressed with the service and ultimately led to a successful application with zero issues. I could not recommend Francisco highly enough. Thank you!
Excellent immigration advisors. They helped me and my partner obtain Digital Nomad residency in Spain. Throughout the entire process Francisco was very attentive and diligent.

Super happy with the results, 100% recommended.
The team is super good, they guide you through everything and are also super friendly, I recommend them 100%
I consulted with Nodisea regarding my digital nomad visa application. It has been a fabulous experience working with the team specially Francisco. He filed my application and has always been very proactive in communicating the updates and also helped me get the positive resolution based on administrative silence.

Also Dahianna assisted me in getting my application prepared for TIE appointment on a very short notice. I highly recommend the team for your immigration processes.
Sarah Hays profile picture
Sarah Hays
2 years ago
Francisco with Nodisea was extremely helpful in guiding us through the immigration process. We truly wouldn’t have been able to do it without his help! Francisco was able to work directly with my company to obtain a work permit and help facilitate the process all the way up until we arrive to Spain. He answered all of our questions along the way, including my husband’s visa requirements as well. We can’t recommend Nodisea enough!
salvador moreno profile picture
salvador moreno
2 years ago
Very formal and competent. I recommend them 100×100
Manuela Oliver profile picture
Manuela Oliver
2 years ago
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Nodisea Immigration Lawyers! In less than 30 days, my Digital Nomad residence was approved, and shortly after, my husband and son also received their approvals. If you follow the step-by-step guidance they provide, your case will likely be just as successful!

A special thanks to Francisco, who took over our case with such professionalism and care, and to Dahiana, who was always ready to assist even before we became clients. Her attention to detail and dedication made the entire process so much smoother.

As a Digital Nomad family, our dream of moving from the USA to Spain became a reality, and it was made so much easier with the help of the amazing team at Nodisea. We appreciate all of you—thank you so much! 🙏🏽
Ace Abe profile picture
Ace Abe
2 years ago
Lawyers were helpful and knowledgeable
Daniela Ferreira profile picture
Daniela Ferreira
2 years ago
Best lawyer! A serious company and the best professionals!
Thank you for existing!🙏
Jas K profile picture
Jas K
2 years ago
I am so grateful to have come across Francisco (Nodisea) at the time when me and my family’s renewal visa application got rejected. I was not at all clear of the future roadmap and at that time, Francisco stepped in.
As a foreigner, immigration rules can be very confusing and daunting. Francisco provided very valuable inputs at the time of consultation and made things seem so easy. He was very thorough and explained everything very nicely. One thing which makes him stand out is that he will not try to reel you in with money motive. So many immigration lawyers appear to be just money minting. Francisco is definitely my advisor for all future immigration related needs. He is a Stellar and I would definitely recommend him to everyone out there who are looking to hire a reliable and competent immigration lawyer.
Jason George profile picture
Jason George
2 years ago
Thank you to the team at Nodisea, especially Francisco and Dahianna. We are from Canada and applied in Spain for our Digital Nomad Visa. Our application was submitted May 31, and we received approval June 26; there was only one clarification, for sworn translation of the relevant documents. That is approximately 18 business days.

I highly recommend this team as they have a very structured process for collaboration via Drive, email, and WhatsApp. They maintained organization throughout the process but were also readily available for questions and clarifications. This structure and organization gave us confidence and I believe contributed to the timely resolution of our application.

This collaboration and availability also helped us work through several potential issues such as differences with incorporation documents from Canada, the introduction of the apostille process in Canada, and getting certain documents apostilled at the Embassy in Madrid.
Abdelali Fagroud profile picture
Abdelali Fagroud
2 years ago
Good team and good service thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏
Ashley Copp profile picture
Ashley Copp
2 years ago
Working with Francisco is hands down the best decision I’ve made since coming to Spain. He’s taken one of the most complicated visa situations I’ve ever experienced and made every step clear and actionable. He’s incredibly responsive to messages, always very clear in his awnser and provides honest and clear guidance. Every blog I read or other lawyer I spoke to got confusing and often contradictory awnsers, but speaking to Francisco was a breath of fresh air. From day 1 I knew what my options were and what I needed to do to pursue each path. If you’re looking for help with your Spanish visa – student, digital nomad or otherwise this is who you need to work with. 5 out of 5.
Tj Davis profile picture
Tj Davis
2 years ago
This Lawyer group was extremely helpful in getting me my visa for Spain. Francisco and Dahianna are my dream team right now. I will continue to work with them for future immigration needs I was so impressed. They really know their stuff 🙂
Chris Berliner profile picture
Chris Berliner
2 years ago
We have had the great pleasure of working with Francisco at Nodisea for the last month. He has been very helpful and responsive to all our questions through the process of obtaining our Spanish citizenship and passports. We are all so grateful, my sons and I, to have Francisco’s knowledge and guidance and would not hesitate to recommend him (and Nodisea) for others seeking the same journey.
Becky Smith profile picture
Becky Smith
2 years ago
I couldn’t recommend Nodisea enough! My experience renewing my Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) with Francisco and Dahianna has been nothing but positive. Today, I have received a favourable resolution for a 2-year DNV renewal which I, and multiple other lawyers I contacted, never thought would be possible in my situation! In this process, there have been no additional or hidden costs from Nodisea which I am very grateful for. Francisco has always replied to my emails within a matter of hours and has never made me feel like a burden with any questions I’ve had. He explained the process clearly from the outset, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his patience and proactiveness. Thank you thank you thank you!
Gala Ladišić profile picture
Gala Ladišić
3 years ago
We stumbled upon Francisco (Nodiesa) after being rejected for our first application attempt for the remote workers’ residency in Spain. And I have to say that we were very fortunate to make contact with him as he would later become our main and only advisor throughout our second application (which ended up being successful!).

We have only positive words about our experience. From the start, Francisco was professional but also friendly. He was always eager to assist and ready to dig for answers and provide clear, insightful guidance, showing a genuine concern for our progress and investing his time to help us navigate the complexities of the process.

Navigating the Spanish bureaucracy is very tough and patience-testing, especially for a foreigner, and each interaction with Francisco was both informative and reassuring, especially during challenging moments, which made the process immensely easier.

Even after we have successfully secured our residencies, we are grateful to have learned about Nodisea and look forward to maintaining our relationship with them and using their services during our residency, as they have proven to be a reliable and trustworthy source of support.

P.S. All the communication was in perfect English. 🙂
Hamza Hati profile picture
Hamza Hati
3 years ago
A great team will solve any questions or procedures quickly, keep up the good work.
Med Moha12 profile picture
Med Moha12
3 years ago
Great team, good luck guys
Brett Arthur profile picture
Brett Arthur
3 years ago
I recently had the pleasure of working with the team at Nodisea. As someone who is not fluent in Spanish, navigating the Spanish bureaucracy is a daunting task. However, the team at Nodisea, especially Dahianna, went above and beyond to take care of every aspect of the application. I really appreciated her thoroughness, professionalism and dedication to helping me through the process. She turned what could have been a stressful experience into an easy and straightforward one. I cannot recommend her services enough to anyone in need of legal assistance in Spain. A truly 5-star experience!
lloydfider profile picture
lloydfider
3 years ago
I highly recommend the team at Nodisea, specially my lawyer Francisco. He has been a great help to me during the process of getting my Digital Nomad Visa. He answered all my questions, was very patient, explained things well, and was very collaborative.
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ali alsaraaf
3 years ago
Highly recommended!
A great law firm and even better lawyers!
Don’t hesitate to contact them
Ossama Youssef profile picture
Ossama Youssef
3 years ago
I turned to them to apply for arraigo social and everything went well.
Youssef Chibou profile picture
Youssef Chibou
3 years ago
I have contracted two services with Nodisea and both times I have had a very good experience. First to rectify that my TIE erroneously stated that I could not work in Spain and later for a renewal of my residence permit. On both occasions they have been efficient and informed me of everything.👍

Consultations

Still have questions?

Our immigration specialists in Spain are happy to answer them.

15 min

Quick eligibility check — free

45 min

Case review

60 min

Full strategy session

Consultation fees are deducted from our fees if you go ahead.

Contact us

Request your document checklist

Tell us about your case and we will get back to you within 24 hours with the next steps and the documents that apply to you.

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