Hola! We help launch startups in Europe, and we often face the question: what is the best way to get a residence permit in Spain - through studies or through business?
Business analyst Andrei from our team The Octo Studio was happy to share his experience. Andrei himself moved to Spain on a startup visa and has never regretted it. Let's compare both options, backing up the information with actual data for 2024.
Why is a startup visa is top?
The main advantage of a startup visa is flexibility and freedom. You are not tied to your study schedule and can fully focus on the development of your project, travel freely in Spain and the European Union, as well as attract investment and build an international business. A student visa, on the other hand, has a number of restrictions that can hinder the realization of ambitious plans.
Residence permit through a Startup (2024)
🔷 What it is: a residence permit granted to foreign entrepreneurs who wish to launch an innovative startup in Spain.
🔷 Validity period: 3 years with the possibility of extension for another 2 years. After 5 years it is possible to obtain a residence permit.
🔷 Requirements:
Innovative business project with growth potential and positive impact on the Spanish economy
A business plan with a detailed project description, market analysis, financial model and development forecast
Positive opinion from an accredited organization (e.g. ENISA or ICEX)
Financial security (at least €32000 to be shown by any means)
No criminal record
🔷 Receiving Process:
Developing a business plan and preparing documents
Obtaining approval from an accredited organization
Submission of documents to the Spanish Consulate
Processing time - from 1 to 3 months
🔷 Cost:
State duty - €80
Expert services - from €3000 (optional)
✅ Pros:
Freedom of action and flexibility
Opportunity to attract investment
Fast track to permanent residence and citizenship
Access to the European market
Understandable taxation
Opportunity to develop business in the EU with the support of grants, foundations and gas pedals
⛔ Minuses:
More complicated process to obtain compared to a student visa
Student Visa (2024)
🔷 What it is: a residence permit issued to foreign nationals to study in Spanish educational institutions
🔷 Validity period: issued for the duration of training + 3 months
🔷 Requirements:
Enrollment in an accredited institution
Financial support (check with the institution)
Health insurance
Attend classes
🔷 Receiving Process:
Obtaining an invitation from an educational institution
Submission of documents to the Spanish Consulate
Processing time - from 1 to 2 months
🔷 Cost:
State fee - about €80
Tuition - from €3000 per year (depending on university and program)
✅ Pros:
Opportunity to receive European education
Legal stay in the country
⛔ Minuses:
Work restrictions (no more than 20 hours per week)
Binding to the educational institution and schedule
Difficulties in obtaining a residence permit after graduation (need to find a job or start a business)
Criterion | Startup residence permit | Student Visa |
Goal | Business startup | Education |
Validity period | 3 years + 2 year extension | For term of study + 3 months |
Residence Permit | After 5 years | Difficult process |
Work | No limits | No more than 20 hours per week |
Travel | Freedom of movement in the EU | Freedom of movement in the EU |
Cost | High | Low |
Difficulty of obtaining | High | Low |
Flexibility | High | Low |
Personal experience:
Andrei developed a business plan for a startup in the field of Psychology, got approval from ENISA and applied for a residence permit. The whole process took about 2 months. Now he is actively developing his project, has already attracted 150k euros of investment from European funds and plans to expand his team.
Instead of a conclusion:
The choice between a startup visa and a student visa depends on your goals and priorities. If you are ambitious, ready to take risks and dream of owning your own business in Europe, a residence permit through a startup is your choice. If your goal is to get a European education, choose a student visa.
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