Updated 14 October 2026: the non-EU route, ENISA criteria and the entrepreneur residence procedure.
Spain’s entrepreneur procedure is a route for non-European Union founders pursuing an innovative activity or one of particular economic interest. It requires an assessment of the project and the applicant’s personal file.
Are you a French or other EU citizen? You benefit from freedom of movement, with residence formalities appropriate to your circumstances. Start with the Barcelona relocation guide, Your Europe information and EU citizen registration in Spain.
Does your project qualify for the entrepreneur procedure?
The activity must be innovative or of particular economic interest to Spain, with a favourable ENISA report. Criteria include the applicant’s profile and involvement, the business plan and its funding, and the project’s added value. Source: article 70 of Law 14/2013.
The UGE specifies that there is no minimum investment or job creation requirement. However, the application must explain the project and its funding. Source: UGE, entrepreneurs.
What project information should you prepare?
Prepare a description of the activity, offering, funding and your role. Gather evidence explaining the project’s added value and viability. Consult the UGE instructions for the application contents and expected supporting documents.
Personal requirements, documents, any translations and the financial resources to demonstrate must also be checked for your situation. Source: UGE, authorisations and requirements.
How should you organise the procedure?
| Preparation point | Action to plan |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Check the appropriate route for your nationality, project and immigration status |
| Project | Prepare the business plan elements and funding |
| Personal application | Consult the requirements and supporting documents published by the UGE |
| Application | Follow the UGE’s online instructions and the route applicable from Spain or abroad |
| After the decision | Organise the formalities and deadlines specified for your authorisation |
Article 69 provides for a three-year residence authorisation and an application for a two-year renewal. The authorisation application is handled by the UGE; from abroad, the route includes authorisation and a visa. Source: article 69 of Law 14/2013.
To plan your timetable and budget, confirm fees, applicable processing times and any professional services with the relevant offices and advisers. Being granted a residence permit does not automatically give access to a particular tax regime.
Who can help you prepare your move to Barcelona?
For legal and administrative needs, identify contacts in the directory of French-speaking service providers. Our guide to starting a business in Barcelona distinguishes choosing a legal structure from the first steps related to business activity.
To discover the local network, browse ecosystem organisations, the events calendar or the French Tech Barcelona membership application.