If you currently hold a residence and work permit as an employee in Spain but wish to start your own business as a self-employed worker, you can apply for the modification of your residence and work authorization. Below, we explain the requirements, the procedure, and the best way to manage your application simply and without complications.

Requirements to Modify Your Residence to Self-Employment

To apply for this modification, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have been in legal residence status for at least one year. Exceptionally, the modification may be requested before completing one year if you can prove an urgent need to work due to unforeseen circumstances that affect your livelihood, such as the termination of your employment contract for reasons beyond your control.
• Not be a citizen of an EU Member State, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, nor a family member of these individuals to whom the Union citizen regime applies.
• Not be in an irregular situation in Spain.
• Have no criminal record in Spain and in your previous countries of residence in the last five years.
• Not be prohibited from entering Spain nor be listed as inadmissible under international agreements.
• Not be subject to a commitment of non-return to Spain.
• Meet the legal requirements to start and operate a business.
• Possess the necessary qualifications or professional experience for the activity, including mandatory professional registration if required.
• Demonstrate that the investment is sufficient and that it can generate employment, including self-employment.
• Pay the administrative fees for the residence and self-employment work authorization.

Required Documentation

The following documents must be submitted:

• Official form (EX-07), duly completed.
• A complete copy of a valid passport or travel document.
• For commercial and service activities, a responsible declaration or prior notification in accordance with Law 39/2015.
• For other professional activities, the necessary authorizations or licenses to operate.
• Certificates proving professional qualifications and, if applicable, homologation or professional registration.
• Proof of sufficient investment and its impact on employment.
• Valuation report: Business project or activity plan indicating the planned investment, expected profitability, and, if applicable, the number of jobs expected to be created. These requirements may be accredited through a valuation report issued by one of the following organizations:
  • Federación Nacional de Asociaciones de Empresarios y Trabajadores Autónomos (ATA)
  • Unión de Profesionales y Trabajadores Autónomos (UPTA)
  • Confederación Intersectorial de Autónomos del Estado Español (CIAE)
  • Organización de Profesionales y Autónomos (OPA)
  • Unión de Asociaciones de Trabajadores Autónomos y Emprendedores (UATAE)

Important:

Documents from other countries must be translated into Spanish and/or apostilled as required.

Application Procedure

1. Submit the application in person at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office in your place of residence.
2. Pay the administrative fees:
   • Form 790, Code 052: Initial authorization for temporary residence.
   • Form 790, Code 062: Authorization for self-employment work.
3. Wait for the resolution, which may take up to three months.
4. If the application is approved, apply for the visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate by submitting:
   • Passport with a minimum validity of four months.
   • Criminal record certificate from the last five years.
   • Medical certificate.
5. Collect the visa within one month and enter Spain within its three-month validity period.
6. Register with the Social Security system within three months after entering Spain.
7. Apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE or FIC) at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or Police Station (Comisaría de Policía) within one month after registering with Social Security.

To obtain the TIE, you will need:

• Form EX-17.
• Proof of payment of the fee.
• Proof of registration with Social Security.
• A passport-sized photo.

How Can Galilea Abogados Help You?

We understand that immigration procedures can be complex and tedious. At Galilea Abogados, we specialize in making this process fast, simple, and 100% online, without the need for you to leave your home.

✅ We manage the entire process remotely, so you don’t need to visit any offices.
✅ Expert and personalized advice: We ensure that your application meets all legal requirements, minimizing the risk of denial.
✅ Continuous monitoring and communication, so you are always informed about your application status.

📩 Contact us today and let experts handle your application. Avoid unnecessary complications – we take care of everything for you!