Eligibility Criteria

1. Employment or Self-Employment:
   · The applicant must be employed by a company outside Spain or be self-employed.
   · If self-employed, work for a Spanish company is allowed if it constitutes no more than 20% of the total activity.
   
2. Professional Qualifications:
   · A university degree or equivalent from a recognized institution, or at least 3 years of professional experience in the relevant field.

Family Members Who Can Also Apply

1. Spouse or Unmarried Partner: Must provide proof of relationship.
   
2. Dependent Children and Relatives: Dependent children and ascendants can apply if they are part of the family unit and financially dependent on the applicant.

Essential Steps Before Applying

NIE Number: The applicant must obtain a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE) before applying for the visa.
Instructions for obtaining the NIE are available on the consular website.

Required Documents for Application

1. Visa Application Form: Must be completed and signed by the applicant or their representative.
   
2. Photograph: A recent passport-size color photo with a light background.
3. Valid Passport: Original and photocopy, with at least one year of validity and two blank pages.
4. Residence Permit: For non-British nationals residing in the UK, proof of a valid residence permit is required.
5. Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by the applicant’s country of residence for the past 2 years, not older than 6 months.
6. Proof of Residence: Legal proof of residence in the consular district.
7. Representative’s Documents: If applying through a representative, proof of identity and a power of attorney are required.
8. Visa Fee: Must be paid in local currency at the time of application submission.
9. Health Insurance: Proof of private or public health insurance covering the same risks as Spain’s public health system.

Specific Requirements for International Workers

1. Work Certification:
   · Proof of employment for at least 3 months before the visa application.
   · Certification from the employer allowing remote work from Spain.
   · If self-employed, a contract detailing the terms and conditions for remote work.
   
2. Company Registration Proof:
   · For self-employed applicants, a certificate from Companies House confirming the company’s creation date and business type.
3. Social Security Compliance:
   · If registered with British National Social Security, a responsible declaration and A1 form from HMRC.
   · If registered with Spanish National Social Security, a certificate of registration with RETA and a responsible declaration.
4. Proof of Financial Means:
   · The applicant must show financial resources at least 200% of the Spanish national minimum wage.
   · Additional financial proof is required for family members (75% for the first family member and 25% for each additional one).
5. Educational/Professional Proof:
   · A university degree or a professional certificate confirming at least 3 years of experience. UK employment history can also be used.

Specific Requirements for Family Members

1. Family Relationship Proof: Documents proving the relationship, legalized or apostilled, and translated into Spanish if necessary.
   
2. Dependent Children: Proof of financial dependence and civil status.
3. Dependent Ascendants: Proof that they are under the applicant’s care.

Visa Application Procedure

1. Submission: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or by a representative. The application can be submitted at the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre in London.
   
2. Proof of Submission: Applicants will receive a receipt with a code to track their application status online.
3. Additional Documentation: The Consulate may request additional documents or a personal interview.
4. Decision Deadline: The visa decision is usually made within 10 days, but this may be extended if further information is needed.
5. Visa Collection: The visa must be collected in person or by a representative within one month after notification.
6. Visa Refusal: If the visa is refused, the applicant will be notified in writing and can appeal the decision.

Appeals

1. Reconsideration Appeal: Can be submitted within one month of notification.
   
2. Legal Appeal: Can be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months of visa refusal or dismissal of reconsideration appeal.

Visa Validity

1. Duration: Valid for up to one year or the duration of the work authorization.
   
2. Residence Permit: Optional to apply for a Residence Permit Card once in Spain.

Translation and Legalization

Sworn Translations: Required for foreign documents, which must be legalized or apostilled, except for documents from EU Member States

Required Documents for the Entrepreneur

1. Visa Application Form: Each applicant, or their representative, must complete and sign a visa application form, filling out each section.
   
2. Photograph: A recent, passport-size, color photograph with a light background. The photo should show the applicant facing forward, without dark glasses or anything covering the face.
   
3. Passport: A valid passport with at least 1 year of validity and two blank pages. Both the original and a photocopy of the biometric data pages are required. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.
   
4. Favorable Report by ENISA: This report, which supports the viability and economic impact of the business project, must be obtained from the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit.
   
5. Financial Proof: Documentation proving that the entrepreneur has sufficient financial resources for themselves and any accompanying family members. The required amount must be at least 100% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), with an additional 50% for each family member. All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish if necessary.
   
6. Criminal Record Certificate: Applicants of legal age must submit both the original and a copy of a criminal record check certificate from their country or countries of residence for the past 5 years. These documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish if needed. The certificate must be no older than 6 months, unless it specifies a longer expiration.
   
7. Health Insurance: Proof of public or private health insurance from an authorized entity in Spain. Both the original and a copy are required.
   
8. Proof of Residence in the Consular District: Documentation showing the applicant’s legal residence or student status in the consular district.
   
9. Proof of the Representative’s Identity and Capacity: If the application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the representative’s identity document and proof of their legal authority must be submitted, along with the originals for verification. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish if needed.
   
10. Visa Fee Payment: The visa fee must be paid at the time of application, in local currency, and is subject to change based on currency fluctuations.
    

Required Documents for Family Members

For each accompanying family member, the following must be submitted:

1. All required documents from sections 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 10 listed for the entrepreneur.
   
2. Documents proving the family relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificates, or registration as an unmarried couple). These must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish if necessary.
3. For adult children, proof of financial dependence and civil status. For dependent parents, documents showing they are in the entrepreneur’s care. These documents must also be legalized or apostilled and translated if needed.

Application Process

1. Submission: Applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or their representative at the Spain Visa Application Centre.
   
2. Proof of Receipt: The Consulate will provide proof of receipt with a code that allows applicants to check their application status online.
3. Additional Documents/Interviews: The Consulate may request additional documents or schedule an interview if necessary.
4. Decision Period: The decision is usually made within 10 days after submission, but this period may be extended if more information is needed.
5. Visa Collection: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or their representative within 1 month of notification of approval. The Consulate will provide details on how to collect the passport and any original documentation.
6. Visa Refusal: If the visa is refused, the applicant will be notified in writing with an explanation. Appeals can be submitted within 1 month, or a judicial review can be filed within 2 months.

Visa Validity

The visa is valid for 1 year and allows the entrepreneur to reside in Spain. It also makes it unnecessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card, although one can be applied for at the Foreign Nationals' Office or Police Station.

Process

1. Arrival in Spain: You can apply for asylum immediately upon entering Spain, for example, at the airport, or within 30 days after arriving in the country.
   
2. Submitting an asylum application: The application can be submitted at any police station that accepts such applications or at offices responsible for immigration matters (Oficina de Asilo y Refugio). It's important to do this as soon as possible.
   
3. Interview: After submitting your application, you will be invited for an interview where you will need to explain the reasons why you are seeking asylum. This may include evidence of threats, violence, or persecution you have experienced in your country. It's important to describe your situation as thoroughly and sincerely as possible.
   
4. Submission of documents: You must provide all available documents confirming your history of persecution and your personal situation. These may include witness statements, photographs, medical reports, police reports, and other evidence.
   
5. Waiting for a decision: The consideration of your case may take several months. During this time, you will be provided with a temporary document allowing you to stay legally in Spain. In some cases, you may be granted temporary permission to work.
   
6. Decision: If your application is approved, you will be granted refugee status and permission to reside in Spain. If the application is rejected, you can appeal the decision or seek other ways to legalize your stay in the country.
   
7. Support and protection: In Spain, there are various organizations such as CEAR (Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid) and other LGBTQ+ organizations that can provide legal, social, and psychological assistance in the process of obtaining asylum.
   

Choosing a University and Study Program

1. Exploring Options: Start by researching universities and programs available in Spain. Universities may offer programs in Spanish, English, or other languages. Choose a program that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.
   
2. Admission Requirements: Pay attention to admission requirements for international students, which may include academic qualifications, language proficiency, and other criteria. Ensure that your qualifications are recognized in Spain.
   

Preparing and Submitting Documents

1. Required Documents List:
   · Diploma or Degree: A document showing your secondary education or a bachelor’s/master’s degree.
   · Grade Transcripts: An academic transcript showing your achievements in school or university.
   · Language Exam Results: For programs in Spanish, DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) or similar exams are required. For English programs, IELTS, TOEFL, or other international exams are needed.
   · Motivation Letter: A letter explaining why you chose this program and university, your goals, and how the studies will help you achieve them.
   · Resume (CV): A document detailing your academic and professional achievements.
   · Recommendation Letters: Typically 1-2 letters from teachers or employers.
   · Passport: Copies of your passport and other identification documents.
   · Translation and Certification: All documents must be translated into Spanish (or English if the program is in English) and notarized.
2. Application Submission: Applications can be submitted through the university’s online portal or a centralized system (e.g., UNED). Keep track of submission deadlines.

Receiving an Acceptance Letter

1. Review Process: After applying, the university reviews your documents and makes an admission decision, which may take several weeks or months.
   
2. Acceptance Letter: If selected, the university will send an acceptance letter. This document confirms your enrollment in the program and is required for your visa application.

Applying for a Student Visa

1. Visa Document Preparation:
   · Acceptance Letter: The original or certified copy of the letter from the university.
   · Proof of Financial Means: Documents proving you have sufficient funds to live in Spain (e.g., bank statements, scholarships).
   · Health Insurance: A policy covering your stay in Spain.
   · Police Clearance Certificate: Document confirming no criminal record (an apostille may be required).
   · Visa Application Form: Completed form for a student visa.
   · Photographs: Photos that meet consulate requirements.
   · Passport: Original and copies of all pages with stamps.
2. Consulate Application Submission: Submit your application at the Spanish consulate or visa center in your country. Processing can take from several weeks to two months.
3. Visa Approval: If all documents are in order, you’ll be issued a student visa (type D) allowing entry to Spain and stay for the duration of your studies.

Arrival in Spain and Registration

1. Country Registration:
   · Obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): After arriving in Spain, register with the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) and obtain a temporary residence card (TIE), which is an ID for foreigners and must be carried with you.
   · University Registration: Upon arrival, complete your university registration and possibly additional requirements such as language tests or orientation.

Student Visa Renewal

1. Visa Renewal: If your program lasts more than one year, you’ll need to renew your visa annually. Provide documents proving academic progress, housing, and living funds.
   

Obtaining Work Authorization

1. Student Work Options: Students may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. A special work permit from Spanish authorities may be required, based on student status and compatible with your schedule.
   

Post-Study Opportunities

1. Stay Extension: After graduation, you can apply to extend your stay to look for work (job search visa) or obtain a work visa if you receive a job offer in Spain.
2. Immigration Pathways: Graduates of Spanish universities may be eligible for programs allowing them to stay in Spain for work and later apply for long-term residency or citizenship.