A founder’s guide to Spain’s Startup Visa under the Startup Law — what it is, how it relates to the entrepreneur route, the innovative-project test, business-plan evidence, applying from Spain or abroad, family and social-security timing — with healthcare and the insurance step explained. We help with the Sanitas cover only.
What it is
Spain’s Startup Visa, under the Startup Law, is for founders launching an innovative, scalable business. It is closely related to the entrepreneur route and turns on the innovation and viability of the project. Private health insurance is often needed before your company and social-security status are active. This guide explains the route; we help with the Sanitas cover only.
The Startup Visa is the residence route, introduced under Spain’s Startup Law, for founders establishing an innovative and scalable business in Spain. Applications are assessed largely on the strength and innovation of the business project rather than ordinary self-employment, and the route is designed to attract entrepreneurs and growth-stage companies.
This is the route guide. For the cover founders often need at the visa stage, see our commercial page, entrepreneur visa health insurance. We help with the insurance only; we do not handle the application, or give immigration, legal, tax or business advice.
Vs entrepreneur
The terms overlap heavily. Spain’s entrepreneur route and the Startup Visa (under the Startup Law) both target innovative business projects, and in practice the names are often used interchangeably. The right framing for your project depends on its nature and stage — a qualified immigration specialist will confirm which applies. See the broader entrepreneur visa guide.
Who it suits
Traditional self-employment without an innovation angle is usually the ordinary autónomo route instead.
Who it doesn't suit
Innovative
The route hinges on the project being genuinely innovative and scalable, often in technology or scalable services. Assessors look at the novelty of the idea, the market opportunity, the team’s capability and the potential to create value and jobs. A favourable report from a recognised assessment body may form part of the process. This is the heart of the application — and where specialist advice matters most.
Business plan
Because the assessment centres on innovation and viability, a clear, evidenced business plan is central — explaining the product, market, scalability, team and funding. Build this carefully with qualified business and immigration advisers; it shapes both the decision and your timeline. We do not advise on the business case; we handle the health-insurance part.
Founders & team
The route is built around the founder(s) and the project. Where there is a team, each person’s status and role needs to be considered, and each individual relocating needs their own health cover. We can arrange founder-and-team cover with a named certificate for each person.
Where to apply
The Startup Visa can often be processed from inside Spain after a legal entry, as well as from abroad. The in-Spain route can be quicker for founders already here. Confirm the current procedure with a specialist.
Family
Founders can usually be accompanied by a spouse/partner and dependent children, with their own cover. We can arrange founder-and-family cover with a named certificate for each person.
Timing
A key practical point is timing. At the visa stage — before your company, autónomo registration and Spanish social-security position are active — you typically need private health insurance as your healthcare proof. Once the business is trading and you are contributing to social security, your position may change, with private cover becoming a supplement.
Healthcare
Before activation, private cover is your healthcare proof. After the company is established and you register and contribute to social security (often as autónomo or via the company), you generally gain public access, with private cover acting as a supplement. We review and adjust the policy as your status evolves — see health insurance for autónomos.
Health insurance
This is the part we handle. See entrepreneur visa health insurance, compare Sanitas Residents and Residents Platinum, or get a quote.
Mistakes
How we help
We arrange suitable Sanitas private cover for the founder (and team/family) for the early stage and beyond, with the right certificate, in plain English. We do not handle the application, advise on the business or tax structure, or give immigration advice. Get a quote.
Important information
Tell us your stage and we will arrange suitable private cover for the founder and any team or family. We help with the health-insurance part of your application. Acceptance and exact policy terms depend on the insurer’s rules; visa decisions rest with the Spanish authorities.
English-speaking Sanitas specialists can help with the health-insurance part of your visa or residency application.
FAQs
Common questions about this Spanish visa route and the health-insurance requirement. Always confirm current rules with the official authorities or a qualified immigration specialist.