Spain Self-employed Visa: The Complete Guide for UK Applicants

Thinking about running your business from sunny Spain? You’re probably already drowning in information on Spain and freelance visas, self-employed worker visas, and autónomo visas. Fear not - we’re here so you spend less time on paperwork and more time on your business and a la playa.

This guide untangles the terminology and answers key questions you might have about applying for and obtaining a self-employed visa to live and work in Spain. We’ve also included a rundown of how to manage your multi-currency earnings using Wise Business after trading grey skies for the Mediterranean.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

Table of contents
Key facts How to apply for the Spain autónomo (self-employed) visa Step 1: Check your visa eligibility Step 2: Gather the required documents Step 3: Prepare your business plan Step 4: Pay the visa fees and submit your application Step 5: Book and attend an appointment at your consulate Step 6: Collect your visa when it’s ready Manage your earnings while in Spain like a pro with Wise Business FAQs

Key facts

Topic	Notes
Visa Exemption 🛂	If you’re based in the UK but from Switzerland, an EU or an EEA country, you don’t need to apply for a self-employed worker visa1 but instead register with the local authorities and meet local tax and social security rules.
Autónomo Visa 🗺️	This is the classic self-employed visa in Spain, and what this article will focus on.
Digital Nomad Visa 💻	The Spanish government introduced this in 2023, and it is focused on freelancers or employees who work remotely2,3.
Entrepreneur Visa 💡	For foreigners moving to Spain to carry out the procedures necessary to undertake an innovative, entrepreneurial activity of particular economic interest for Spain.
Visa Duration & Residency 📅	For all the above options, you’ll be initially granted a year’s residency with the opportunity to extend up to 5 years, at which point you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residency4.
Application Time ⏳	Spain’s freelance visa application process normally takes 3 to 6 months to be approved5.

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⚠️ Are you specifically interested in the digital nomad visa? If so, we've covered it in great detail in our guide to the Spain Digital Nomad Visa.

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How to apply for the Spain autónomo (self-employed) visa

1. Check your visa eligibility
2. Gather your required documents
3. Prepare your business plan
4. Pay the visa fees and submit your application
5. Book and attend an appointment at the consulate
6. Collect your visa when it’s ready
7. Apply for a Residence Card once you’re in Spain

Step 1: Check your visa eligibility

Who can apply for the Spain autónomo (self-employed) visa?

You can apply for the autónomo visa if you are 18 years old or older, not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, and free of any criminal record⁶.

When checking your visa eligibility, make sure this is the right visa to apply for. As a UK freelancer, the only exceptions will be if you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

If you’re based in the UK, you’ll apply to the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre that corresponds to your consular district (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh).

Step 2: Gather the required documents

1. Completed National Visa Application and EX-07 forms^7,8
2. A recent passport photograph⁹
3. A valid passport with a minimum validity period of at least 1 year⁹
4. Criminal check⁹ from the countries you’ve lived in for the past 5 years
5. Medical certificate issued within 3 months and officially translated to show you don’t have a disease that would have an impact on public health⁹
6. Proof of residence in the UK⁹
7. Evidence that you’ve paid the visa fees⁹
8. Proof of your professional qualifications (if required)⁹
9. Your complete business plan⁹
10. Proof of financial means⁹ to support yourself

For all of the above documents, any translations you require will need to be sworn, and the translator must be registered in Spain¹⁰. The Spanish Government provides a database of translators who meet these requirements, so make sure that you hire one from this list. 

The visa fees include the cost of the initial temporary residence permit (related to form 790 code 052) and the self-employed work permit (related to form 790 code 062)⁹.

Regarding your proof of financial means, while the exact amount can vary, you must prove you have sufficient funds for your business and for your living expenses.

The amount for living expenses is typically equivalent to 100% of Spain's monthly IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). As of 2025, this is approximately €600 per month (€7,200 per year).

In the UK, the required criminal check is known as the ACRO and will need to be apostilled and officially translated. This can also take some time to process, so make sure you request it in advance.

Step 3: Prepare your business plan

Your business plan must contain:

• A clear description of your business and its purpose.
• Details of your academic background and professional experience, demonstrating you have the skills to succeed.
• A description of your product or service, your target audience, and your competitive advantages.
• The actions you will take to sell your services or product.
• Your projected investment, financing methods, and expected sales and profitability

Step 4: Pay the visa fees and submit your application

How much does the Spain autónomo (self-employed) visa cost?
The total cost is around £540 as of October 2025 (based on the current exchange rate).

The fees consist of the visa application fee (€80), self-employment authorisation (around £178), residence permit (around £14), standard ACRO criminal check certificate (£65 for the check, £45 for apostolising plus courier fees, £90 for sworn translation) and around £80 for the medical check.

Step 5: Book and attend an appointment at your consulate

When booking and attending your consulate appointment, make sure you take both the original documents and copies, proof of fee payments, and any official translations of documents.

Step 6: Collect your visa when it’s ready

When your visa is ready, you must collect it from your consulate within 1 month of the approval notice⁹. At this point, you’re officially on your way and can get packing.

How long does it take to get the Spain autónomo (self-employed) visa?
It can take between 3 and 6 months to obtain your autónoma visa¹¹.

The consulate will process your application for residency and work simultaneously over 3 to 6 months. You should also consider the fact that you’ll have to take time to gather your documents, complete your forms, get a criminal check, obtain a medical certificate, and book an appointment at the consulate.

What taxes do I pay as a self-employed freelancer on the Spanish autónomo visa?

Social security payments (known as RETA)¹⁶ - this is based on your real income and paid monthly. The Spanish Government provides a contribution calculator to help you accurately calculate what you’ll pay.

VAT (known as IVA in Spanish) - this is paid quarterly and varies by industry. However, the typical rate is 21%¹⁷.

Income tax (known as IRPF)¹⁸ - this is paid quarterly and ranges from 19% of income to 47%, depending on your earnings.

As you’re registering as a Spanish resident, you’ll be subject to the Spanish tax system. The tax system for the self-employed in Spain is significantly different from the UK so it’s important to spend time understanding it and seeking legal advice as needed.

Manage your earnings while in Spain like a pro with Wise Business

Taking your business abroad is an exciting step that allows you to explore new cultures and maybe even some better weather - but paperwork can oten cast a cloud over things.

To overcome this and set your business up for success, make sure you take the time to understand the system, follow each step of the process carefully, and seek legal advice when needed.

That starts with opening a Wise Business account, which lets you avoid being at the mercy of traditional banks and their higher-than-average fees for cross-currency transactions. 

With Wise Business, you can hold balances in 40+ currencies and send money to 150+ countries with transparent pricing. 

You can also get local account details for 8+ currencies, making it easy to receive payments like a local from clients around the world without any hidden fees.

Open a Wise Business account today and set your Spanish freelance venture up for financial success.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

FAQs

How do I find a translator for my self-employed visa application?

You’ll need to use a sworn translator registered with the Spanish government to translate all the documents for your self-employed visa application¹³.

How early can I apply for a Spanish freelance visa?

You can apply for a self-employed visa up to 90 days before travel. Remember that the process can take up to 6 months, so give yourself plenty of time.

Do I have to go to my visa appointment in person?

Yes, you will have to physically attend your appointment so that the Spanish consulate can take your biometric information¹⁴.

Does a Spain freelance visa also allow my family to come with me?

Yes, the Spain freelance visa allows you to also apply for a visa for your spouse, dependent children, and dependent relatives¹⁵. 

However, you’ll have to apply for a residency visa for each family member, meaning they cannot initially work.

Sources:

1. Visa Guide World, Spain Freelancer Visa Requirements and Application Process
2. Spanish Government, Digital Nomad Visa
3. Spanish Government, Digital Nomad Visa
4. Citizen Remote, Spain Freelance Visa
5. Spanish Government, Self-employed work visa
6. Immigration Advice Services, Spain Self-Employed Visa: Work as an Autónomo (Freelance)
7. Spanish Government, National Visa Application Form
8. Entretramites, Form EX07: Application for temporary residence and work permit as a self-employed
9. Spanish Government, Self-employed work visa
10. Spanish Government, Sworn Translators and Interpreters
11. Expatica, How to become an autónomo: freelancing in Spain
12. Santander What is the RETA Special Regime for Self-Employed?
13. Immigration Spain, Taxes for Freelancers and Self-Employed in Spain
14. BLS Spain Visa Application Centre, FAQs
15. Relocate Me, Spain Self-Employed Work Visa
16. Santander, What is the RETA Special Regime for Self-Employed?
17. Immigration Spain, Taxes for Freelancers and Self-Employed in Spain
18. Immigration Spain, Taxes for Freelancers and Self-Employed in Spain

Sources last checked on October 3rd, 2025.