Residence permit in Spain (cuenta propia): documents required
Residence permit in Spain (cuenta propia): documents required
A Spanish residence permit (cuenta propia ) is a work residence permit for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and those who want to establish their own independent business or operation in Spain. The procedure requires a well-prepared set of documents and a business justification.
Jurisprudential Consulting Group prepares a business plan, issues an autónomo or SL, opens a bank account, collects a package of documents, and supports the process until a residence permit is obtained.
1. A complete turnkey package of documents
2. Business plan and financial calculations
3. Registration autónomo / SL
4. Accompaniment at the consulate and upon arrival
Consultation cost from 250 euros
A Spanish residence permit (cuenta propia) is a key step in obtaining an entrepreneurial residence permit. Unlike the standard work permit (cuenta ajena ), this regime allows you to open your own business (autónomo) or company (SL) and work for yourself.
This type of residence permit is suitable for:
- entrepreneurs launching their project in Spain;
- freelancers with contracts abroad;
- IT specialists working remotely but planning to live in Spain;
- small business owners who may want to relocate their operations to Spain;
- those who want to obtain a residence permit without employment from an employer.

What documents are required?
The list of documents depends on whether the activity is carried out as an autónomo or through a Sociedad Limitada (SL) , but the basic set includes the following.
1. Business plan (required)
Spanish authorities estimate:
- project viability;
- potential for integration into the Spanish economy;
- financial forecasts and expected profits;
- resources required for launch;
- the applicant's competence.
The business plan must be professionally prepared, with a financial model and forecasts.
2. Evidence of qualifications
It can be:
- diplomas and certificates;
- portfolio of works (for IT specialists, designers, consultants);
- proven experience in the chosen field.
3. Contracts or preliminary agreements
Suitable for:
- foreign contracts (for freelancers);
- letters of intent from future clients;
- existing contracts confirming income.
The more evidence of readiness to work, the higher the chance of approval.
4. Financial resources
It is necessary to show that the applicant is able to:
- provide for yourself and your family (if the family applies);
- cover the operating expenses of the business;
- have a reserve for the first months.
Minimum benchmark:
- about €800–€1,000 per person per month, multiplied by 12 months;
- additional reserve for project launch.
5. Documents for registration of activities
Depending on the model:
- application for registration of autónomo,
- registration of a company (SL) and NIF of a legal entity,
- draft contract with gestoría,
- confirmation of hiring an accountant or service.
6. certificate of good conduct
Required for the last 5 years of residence and with an apostille.
7. Medical insurance
It must be private, without franchises, and operating throughout Spain.
8. Passport and photographs
The passport must be valid for at least one year.
9. Proof of residence in Spain
You can imagine:
- preliminary lease agreement,
- invitation from the host party,
- booking accommodation for the first time.
10. EX-07 application and payment of state fees
The form must be completed strictly according to the rules of the Spanish Immigration Service.
How is the procedure performed
1. Preparation of documents
Assembling a package, preparing a business plan, confirming experience, contracts and funds.
2. Submission to the consulate
The applicant submits documents to the Spanish consulate at the place of residence.
3. Review (1–3 months)
The Economic Commission evaluates the business plan, revenue sustainability and the expected benefits for the region.
4. Visa D and entry into Spain
Once approved, a 90-day visa is issued.
5. Obtaining a residence permit in Spain
- receipt NO;
- police report;
- biometric submission;
- TIE registration.
6. Launch of activities
- autonomo registration,
- opening a bank account
- execution of contracts,
- registration with Seguridad Social.
Why the cuenta propia regime is valued by relocators
- Allows you to move without an employer.
- It doesn’t require large investments – a viable business and stable income are enough.
- You can work for foreign clients.
- Spain is one of the best EU countries for entrepreneurs with remote projects.
- The temporary residence permit is extended for 2 years and then leads to permanent residence.
What does Jurisprudential Consulting Group do?
We provide full support throughout the process:
- analysis of the project and chances of approval;
- preparing a business plan according to Spanish requirements;
- collection of a complete package of documents;
- opening a bank account;
- registration of an autónomo or company (SL);
- registration and accompaniment at the consulate;
- registration of NIE, TIE, residence permit, tax registration;
- accounting and reporting after receiving a residence permit.
Сonclusion
Spanish residency (cuenta propia) is a reliable way to obtain a residence permit through entrepreneurial activity. A properly prepared set of documents, a detailed business plan, and proof of income are the three key elements of a successful application.
We will collect documents, prepare a business plan, register your business, and guide you through the process until you receive your residence permit.
