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Date Published: 18/08/2025

Spain simplifies life for self-employed workers: Combined visa and residency now available

Self-employed professionals can now apply for their visa and work authorisation together, with Heniam making the process simple

If you’re self-employed and planning to move to Spain, you’ll be pleased to hear the Spanish government introduced a new policy in June 2025 that is an absolute game-changer: you can now apply for your residency and your self-employed visa at the same time.

This simplifies the process, allowing you to get settled and start your business right away.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Who can apply?

Anyone aged 16 or over who wants to engage in self-employed activity in Spain.
Applicants must meet general requirements for visas, as well as additional requirements for self-employed work.

Documents you’ll need

Basic visa documents

Visa application form – fill out all sections and sign. Minors must have a parent sign.
Passport photo – recent, passport-size, facing forward, against a light background.
Valid passport – at least 1 year remaining, issued in the last 10 years, with two blank pages.
Criminal record check – from all countries where you’ve lived in the last 5 years, legalised/apostilled and translated into Spanish. UK applicants submit the ACRO certificate.
Medical certificate – issued by a registered doctor, confirming you don’t have diseases that could seriously affect public health. Must be legalised/apostilled and translated if not in Spanish.
Proof of residence in the consular district where you are applying.
Proof of parent/guardian identity (if you are a minor).
Visa fee payment – varies by country, check the consulate’s website.

Self-employment documents

EX-07 Form – your application for self-employed work authorisation (residency).
Activity permits and licenses – required for your business; include certification of applications if they haven’t been granted yet.
Professional qualifications – diplomas or certificates required for your profession, legalised/apostilled and translated if needed.
Business plan – detailing your planned investment, expected income and potential jobs created.
Proof of financial means – bank statements or commitments showing you have enough funds to support your business.
Work authorisation fees – forms 790-052 and 790-062, completed and paid. Some exemptions apply here.

How to apply

Submit in person at the Spanish Visa Application Centre in your country (e.g., BLS London for UK applicants).
The consulate may request extra documents or a personal interview.
Decision timeline: usually up to 4 months, but can be extended if additional info or interviews are required.
Visa collection: once approved, collect in person (or via representative if a minor) within 1 month of notification.

What happens if your visa is refused?

Refusals are provided in writing, with reasons stated.
You can appeal within 1 month to the consulate.
Judicial review in Madrid is possible within 2 months of refusal or appeal dismissal.

What happens if your visa is approved?

Visa validity: 1 year.
Once in Spain:
Register with Social Security within 3 months.
Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of Social Security registration.

Sworn translations & legalisations

All foreign documents must be legalised/apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Medical certificates and criminal records must be legalised, but the Hague Apostille does not need translation if already in Spanish.

Make it easier with Heniam & Associates

Applying for a visa and residency in Spain can be complex, but the experts at Heniam specialise in making it simple.

They provide an initial consultation to assess your eligibility.
Help you gather and prepare all necessary documentation.
Submit the application on your behalf and monitor its progress.
Address any additional requirements that arise.
Assist after approval, such as registering family members with local authorities.

Heniam also advise on other types of visas, including the Digital Nomad Visa and the Job Seeker’s Visa, which is newly available since May 2025.

Beyond immigration, Heniam offer full legal support for relocating to Spain: property transactions, last wills, employment contracts, community administration and more.

Reach out to Heniam for a personalised consultation and discover how they can help make Spain your new professional home:

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Heniam & Associates for Conveyancing, paperwork, legal advice and immigration throughout the Region of Murcia

Catering for the needs of expats living all over Spain, and particularly in the Costa Cálida and the Costa Blanca, Heniam & Associates offer a wide range of services including conveyancing, legal and administrative advice.

At the same time, their team of dedicated professionals appreciate the need to assist you in an easy and reliable manner, allowing you as much time as possible to enjoy your freedom, relax and make the most out of life in Spain. Without sacrificing efficiency, they offer personalised services to each and every client, listening to their needs in order to provide exactly the right service and desired outcome.

In the all-important field of Legal and Administrative Services, Heniam & Associates provide help in a wide range of matters including (but not limited to):

Conveyancing
Legal and professional communication assistance
NIE and TIE Applications
Commercial and company set-up and licensing
Spanish health and administrative services
Support and assistance with regulatory bodies
Professional will writing services and advice on intestate inheritance laws (both in the UK and in Spain)
Contract drafting (for businesses and individuals)
Dispute resolution
Digital signatures and certificates

Whether taking advantage of our conveyancing services or any other legal matter Heniam & Associates’ business partner HeniamLegal will represent you in the best possible way, excelling especially in their conveyancing service.

When buying a property in a foreign country it can be challenging to understand all of the
steps that have to be taken. Heniam knows that buying a home can be stressful and
they want to ensure that you have the resources that you need to make sure that the
transaction is as smooth as possible so that you can start to enjoy your new home without worrying about the details and any purchase pitfalls.

HeniamLegal will be on hand to assist you with every part of the process. They have
dedicated professionals on hand to assist you every step of the way ensuring that all
of the relevant checks and investigations are carried out and, of course, negotiating on your behalf and protecting your interests. You will always have the support you need with HeniamLegal and Heniam & Associates.

Heniam & Associates In addition, translation services are provided either for written documents or for occasions such as visits to the doctor or to administrative offices, and assistance is provided in finding the best deal on foreign currency transfers.