Entrepreneurship?
Law 14/2013: The smart path for talented foreigners,
ideas and vision for the future.
The Entrepreneurs Law 14/2013 is a great entry point for foreigners who wish to live, invest or start a business in Spain.
This regulation offers an agile way to obtain legal residence through innovative projects, investment or professional activities, without the need to comply with the traditional requirements of other authorisations.
- It also allows you to include your family from the start, facilitating stability and rootedness in the country.
- With fast turnaround times and preferential conditions, it is an ideal opportunity for those looking to grow professionally in a secure European environment.
This law provides for several residence authorisations designed to attract talent, investment and innovation to Spain. These residences are designed for non-EU foreigners who want to develop their professional activity in the country.
Here are the main ones:
RESIDENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL WORKERS (DIGITAL NOMAD)
WHAT IS IT?
Authorisation for third country nationals to travel to Spain in order to working remotely for companies located outside the national territory.
REQUIREMENTS
- Work or professional activity carried out at a distance by means of technological means.
- Contractual relationship with a company outside Spain.
BENEFITS
- It allows legal residence in Spain without the need for a local contract.
- Ideal option for digital professionals and remote workers.
RESIDENCE FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS (PAC)
WHAT IS IT?
Authorisation for foreign professionals with a job offer in Spain for a managerial or highly qualified position.
REQUIREMENTS
- Job offer in a company in Spain.
- Higher university degree or professional experience of at least 3 years in the sector.
BENEFITS
- Fast and flexible option for qualified professionals.
- The national employment situation does not apply.
RESIDENCE FOR ENTREPRENEURS
WHAT IS IT?
Authorisation for foreigners wishing to start a innovative business with economic impact in Spain.
REQUIREMENTS
- No minimum investment or job creation required.
- A favourable report from ENISA to assess:
- Professional profile of the applicant and his/her involvement in the project.
- Business plan, including investment and sources of finance.
- Elements that generate added value for the Spanish economy.
BENEFITS
- Possibility of obtaining residency without the need for a large initial investment.
- Facilities for developing innovative projects in Spain.
IMPORTANT!
If you are a foreigner, you wish to exercise your profession andn Spain and you have obtained a official university degree or Master's degree abroadit is essential that you know whether your area of expertise is requires official approval, registration or recognition.
Homologation is the procedure whereby the Spanish state officially recognise your foreign qualification as equivalent to a Spanish one. Without this recognition, you will not be allowed to practice certain professionseven if you have experience or training in your home country.
According to the Code of Regulated Professions in Spain (BOE updated as at 19 February 2025), the degrees linked to the following areas of knowledge must be officially registered to be able to practise in Spanish territory:
Areas of knowledge with compulsory registration:
- Physical activity and sports science
- Architecture, construction, building and urban planning, and civil engineering
- Biology and genetics
- Biochemistry and biotechnology
- Agricultural sciences and food technology
- Biomedical sciences
- Behavioural sciences and psychology
- Economics, business administration and management, marketing, commerce, accountancy and tourism
- Education sciences
- Environmental sciences and ecology
- Social sciences, social work, labour relations and human resources, sociology, political science and international relations
- Earth sciences
- Law and legal specialities
- Nursing
- Gender studies and feminist studies
- Pharmacy
- Philology, Classical Studies, Translation and Linguistics
- Physics and astronomy
- Physiotherapy, podiatry, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, optics and optometry, and speech therapy.
- History of Art and Artistic Expression and Fine Arts
- History, archaeology, geography, philosophy and the humanities
- Cultural industries: design, animation, cinematography and audiovisual production
- Electrical engineering, electronic engineering and telecommunication engineering
- Industrial, mechanical, mechanical, automatic, industrial organisation and navigation engineering
- Computer and systems engineering
- Chemical, materials and environmental engineering
- Mathematics and statistics
- Medicine and dentistry
- Journalism, communication, advertising and public relations
- Veterinary
- Interdisciplinary
Do you have a business idea and want to make it a reality in Spain? Have you received a qualified job offer or are you working remotely for a foreign company? Then Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs may be the best way for you and your family to obtain legal residence in Spain.
We advise you on the preparation of the business plan with the requirements.
We manage the application to the Large Enterprises Unit (UGE-CE).
We help you to demonstrate the economic interest of the project and its viability.
We include your family to start this stage with you.
From Echeverría Farriols Lawyers & Associates we offer you legal security, legal strategy and professional support throughout the whole process: from the analysis of your case to the application for authorisation and residence for you and your family members.
Contact us and build your life project in Spain with the legal support you need.
