Embarking on entrepreneurship, innovation, work, and life in Spain for non-EU citizens.

If you are a citizen of a country not belonging to the EU, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), or Switzerland, and you wish to come to Spain to undertake, invest, or work, you must be aware of the immigration procedures and Spain's specific legislation aimed at attracting international talent to the country. In Spain, there are two specific laws for this purpose:

• Law 14/2013, of September 27, on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalization.
• Law 28/2022, of December 21, on the promotion of the startup ecosystem.

Both Law 14/2013, known as the Entrepreneur Support Law, and Law 28/2022, hereinafter referred to as the Startup Law, establish a favorable regulatory framework to facilitate the entry and residence in Spain for non-EU citizens, thus fostering innovation and economic growth in the country.

Both regulations have paved the way for the arrival of international talent and investment that find significant advantages in Spain and a conducive environment for launching their innovation projects, making investments, or developing their professional careers.

The profiles to which these laws refer are as follows:

• Investor individuals: Non-EU nationals who make a significant capital investment in real estate, financial assets, and/or a business project in Spain.
• Entrepreneurial individuals: Non-EU nationals intending to develop an entrepreneurial activity or initiate, develop, or manage an economic venture in Spain.
• Highly qualified professionals: Non-EU nationals who are graduates or postgraduates from prestigious universities and business schools, holders of higher vocational training qualifications, or specialists with a professional experience level comparable to at least 3 years.
• Research personnel: Non-EU nationals wishing to carry out training, research, development, and innovation activities in public or private entities established in Spain and who have an offer to carry out such activities.
• Intra-company transfer workers: Non-EU nationals temporarily moving to Spain within the framework of an employment, professional, or vocational training relationship, from an external company to a company or group of companies established in Spain.
• International teleworking individuals: Non-EU nationals who want to perform remote work or professional activities for companies located outside the national territory, exclusively using computer, telematics, and telecommunication systems.

Both laws represent a milestone in the evolution of the business ecosystem in Spain from the perspective of attracting international talent. In this special monograph, you will have the opportunity to learn about the various pathways for entry into Spain, the conditions that allow non-EU citizens to establish themselves in our country, the advantages for individuals who choose to invest, undertake, or develop their careers in Spain, as well as the socio-economic impact of both laws.

Do you want to invest, start a business, or telework in Spain? Explore all the necessary procedures in our "invest" and "entrepreneurship" sections. You can also contact our support service if you have any doubts.