The authorization to dwell in Spain for a period of one year while working as a self-employed individual or rendering services as an independent professional is known as a freelance visa.
The work permit as a self-employed worker, also known as a “autonomo” in Spanish, is the legal term used to refer to this residency when taking into account Spanish immigration law.
If you are thinking about working as a freelancer in Spain, you will be joining 3 million other workers that hold this occupation. An overview of the application process and moving to Spain is provided in this article.
Who Is Eligible for a Spain Freelance Visa?
You are eligible for a freelance visa for Spain if:
- You are a non-EU, non-EEA citizen, and not a Swiss citizen.
- You are over 18.
- You have a clear criminal record.
- You are qualified to run the firm and have a suitable business plan.
- You have never held an irregular immigration status in Spain.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Spain Freelance Visa?
The documents you need to apply for a Spain freelance visa include the following:
- Your valid passport and its copy. Make sure your passport is issued within ten years and has at least one blank page.
- Completed Model EX-07 application form, two copies, and signed.
- A copy of the document that certifies the professional qualifications or training required to carry out your job.
- Proof of sufficient funds and income. To prove your living resources, you can use your salary payment to show your net worth or bank statements for the last six months. You need to have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain.
- A medical certificate. Proving you pose no threats to the public. You can get your medical certificate from an authorized doctor in your country of residence.
- Health insurance. Your health insurance needs to have coverage in the entire territory of Spain.
- Business plan. A business plan is a document that contains everything related to your business idea or project, with information like:
- Marketing Plan
- Where will you receive financing, and how much
- Expected revenue and costs
- When will you start your activity
- Information about the operation
How to Apply for a Spain Freelance Visa?
Complete these steps in order to get a freelance visa for Spain:
- Make an appointment with a Spanish embassy in your home country. Make an appointment with the Spanish embassy in your home country that is nearest to you. Try to get all the required information about applying for a freelance visa to Spain.
- Gather all the necessary documentation. After booking an appointment, collect all the documents you need to submit at the embassy. You can find the list of the documents in the section “What Documents Are Required to Apply For a Spain Freelance Visa?”.
- Go to the embassy on the appointment day. On the appointment day, submit all the essential documentation, including the application form. You might also have to attend an interview where you will be asked questions regarding your trip to Spain.
- Complete the payment. You have to pay the fees within ten days after you have submitted the required documents. The fee for each applicant is €80; however, it might change depending on your nationality. Different rates are imposed for citizens of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom due to reciprocity.
- Wait for a response from the Embassy. You will be notified by the embassy if your application is accepted. Oftentimes, you might have to submit additional documents. The embassy will then get in touch with you so you may pick up your passport and Spain visa there. This whole process might take three to six months.
- Travel to Spain. After getting your freelance visa, you are ready to travel to Spain.
- Get a National Insurance Number (NIE) in Spain. Every foreigner in Spain is assigned an NIE, which is used to track legal actions and finances. At the local immigration office, you need to submit the EX-07 form and your passport, and then you will get your NIE right away.
- Register yourself with the tax authorities (IAE). You need to register at the local Tax Agency office. There you will fill out model 036 or model 037, and bring your NIE number, passport and a copy of it, and your bank account number.
- Registering on the social security. After registering for taxes, your next step is to register for social security. You will need to visit any of Social Security’s offices within the first 30 days of registering with the tax agency. There you will register for a special regime for self-employed (autónomo) called RETA (“régimen especial para trabajadores autónomos”).
- Open a bank account. A bank account is required to register with social security. Your bank account is automatically debited for contributions. Creating a bank account requires proof of identification and address, as well as your NIE number and proof of employment.
- Apply for a resident permit. Within 30 days of registering for social security, you need to apply for a resident permit. You need to apply for a residence card if you are spending between 3 and 6 months in the country and for a Foreign Identity Card (TIE) if you are spending more than 6 months in the country.
- Get a license called “Licencia de Apertura”. You’ll need a “Licencia de Apertura” if your business is located on public property. The town hall can provide it to you. The local town officials will examine you for verification. In addition, the town hall will require you to pay fees and provide proof of documents as part of the process of operating your business.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Freelance Visa for Spain?
The whole process of getting a freelance visa for Spain takes three to six months.
How Much Does a Freelance Visa for Spain Cost?
The visa fee is of an amount equivalent to €80.
Different rates are imposed for citizens of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom due to reciprocity.
In these cases, the Consular Office must be consulted regarding the fee amount.
How Long Can You Stay With a Spain Freelance Visa?
The validity of a Spain freelance visa is one year.
Can I Extend the Spain Freelance Visa?
Yes, you can extend your Spain freelance visa. The visa can be extended for an additional two years, and so on, up to a maximum of five years.
Can I Bring My Family Members to Spain With a Freelance Visa?
Yes, you can bring your family members to Spain with a freelance visa.
Some Freelancing Jobs in Spain
Some of the most popular jobs for freelancers in Spain include the following:
- English teacher
- Business, marketing, or communication consultant.
- Translation services.
- Bar or restaurant owner.
- IT or engineering consultants.
- Web designers.
- Personal assistants.
- Construction workers.
How Do You End Becoming an Autónomo in Spain?
If you believe that you are not earning enough or you need to stop being an autónomo, you can de-register as an autónomo quickly and easily. What you need to do is:
- Fill out model 036 or model 037 for the tax authorities.
- Terminate your social security as a self-employed person.
- File your annual tax returns and VAT.