Residence for entrepreneurs (Ley 14/2013)
Spain's Law 14/2013 created a residence authorisation for entrepreneurs developing an innovative activity of special economic interest for Spain. Project assessment is typically carried out with ENISA involvement, and processing runs through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE). Unlike France's Talent Passport création route, there is no fixed statutory capital minimum equivalent to €30,000 in the entrepreneur category — viability and economic interest drive the assessment. Always verify current procedures on official ministry / inclusion.gob.es / one.gob.es pages.
Min. capital
No fixed statutory capital minimum
Best for: Founders with an innovative, scalable project that can demonstrate economic interest for Spain.
No France-style €30,000 statutory floor is stated for this entrepreneur authorisation. You still need a credible plan and resources. Confirm current ENISA / UGE-CE documentary expectations on official sites.
Investment options
- Resources sized to the innovative project and business plan
- Evidence of economic interest / innovation for ENISA assessment
- Company setup and operational runway in Spain
Eligibility
- Innovative entrepreneurial activity of special economic interest for Spain
- Favourable project assessment (ENISA process as applicable)
- UGE-CE processing under Ley 14/2013 framework
- General entry/residence conditions (passport, insurance, means, etc.)
- Non-EU national meeting Spanish immigration formalities
Process timeline
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1
Prepare the innovative project file
Business plan, innovation narrative, team, and financial runway.
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2
ENISA / project assessment
Submit for the official entrepreneurial project evaluation.
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3
UGE-CE residence authorisation
File for residence under Ley 14/2013 entrepreneurs provisions.
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4
Visa / TIE card
If abroad, obtain visa then collect TIE; register company activity in Spain.
Family
Ley 14/2013 pathways often contemplate family accompaniment — confirm current official rules for spouses and dependent children.
Work rights
Authorised to carry out the entrepreneurial activity. Confirm any parallel employment with immigration counsel.
Route to PR
Continuous legal residence may lead to long-term residence after statutory periods if conditions are met. Verify extranjería guidance.
Route to citizenship
Spanish nationality generally requires longer residence (shorter for some Ibero-American nationals — not typically Pakistan). Confirm dual nationality rules.
Pros
- No fixed statutory capital floor like France's €30,000 création rule
- National fast-track unit (UGE-CE) for strategic profiles
- ENISA assessment gives a structured innovation review
- Strong EU market access from Spain
Watch-outs
- “Innovative / economic interest” is substantive — generic shops rarely fit
- You still need real financial capacity even without a published euro floor
- Procedures and portals evolve — use current official forms only
- Investor amounts under the same law are a different category — do not mix