Residence permits under Spain’s Law 14/2013

Objective

The law seeks to attract talent and investment through a faster, more flexible residence system than the general regime in Organic Law 4/2000.

Types of permits:

• Entrepreneurs
• Highly qualified professionals
• Researchers
• Intra-company transfers
• Audiovisual and cultural sector workers
• International teleworkers (“digital nomads”)
• Family members.

Who can apply for the permit for entrepreneurs?

Non-EU citizens may apply if they start an innovative business of economic interest in Spain, and meet the legal, financial, and insurance requirements which must be maintained throughout the permit’s validity.

Entrepreneurs

Non-EU citizens who launch an innovative project of economic interest may apply provided they meet requirements on legality, financing, and insurance. Conditions must be maintained throughout the permit.

Highly qualified professionals

Open to non-EU professionals with a university degree or equivalent experience, and a job offer in Spain for managerial, technical or research roles.

Intra-company transfers

Authorises companies to move non-EU staff from a foreign branch to Spain within the same group. Applies to managers, specialists or trainees.

Audiovisual and cultural permits

For non-EU professionals engaged in artistic, technical, or production activities linked to film, culture, and creative industries.

International teleworkers

The digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies.

Researchers

Non-EU researchers hired by public or private institutions collaborating with universities or tech centres may obtain permits for R&D and innovation activities.

Family members

All categories enable family reunification at the same time as the main applicant.

Duration

• Visas: requested abroad; valid for 1 year or the same duration as the permit. No Foreigner Identity Card – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) required.
• Permits: requested in Spain; valid for 2 years, renewable for 5.

Processing

Handled by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE). Decisions made within 20 working days, with positive administrative silence if no reply.

Work rights

All permits include the right to work from day one, without further procedures.

Advantages

• Faster processing;
• Direct work authorisation;
• Family reunification allowed;
• Flexible system; and
• Positive administrative silence.

Conclusion

Law 14/2013 is a key tool to attract foreign investment and talent. Its agile framework, covering entrepreneurs, professionals, researchers, teleworkers and cultural workers, positions Spain as a leading destination for business and professional development in the global market.

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Mónica Álvarez de Sotomayor holds a bachelor’s degree in English Philology from the University of Córdoba. Since 2000 she has built her career as a paralegal in major law firms in Marbella, and spent 7 years working in New York. She has strong client-facing experience across the legal, real estate, and architecture sectors.