The Entrepreneurs Law and business visas constitute one of the fundamental pillars of corporate immigration to Spain. This legal framework was designed with a clear objective: to facilitate the entry, residence, and mobility of talent, executives, investors, and strategic professionals who contribute to the country’s economic development. Unlike the general immigration regime, the Entrepreneurs Law follows a business-oriented logic, prioritizing agility, predictability, and alignment with value-driven projects.
In a context of globalized talent, many companies need to relocate key professionals quickly, whether to open a subsidiary, strengthen local teams, lead technological projects, or support investment processes. However, a lack of understanding of how the Entrepreneurs Law business visas operate can result in delays, refusals, or poorly designed migration strategies. This article explains in a structured way how the Entrepreneurs Law facilitates corporate immigration, which visas it includes, what its real advantages are, and how Orience supports companies in leveraging this framework from now on with legal certainty and a strategic vision.
What is the Entrepreneurs Law and why it is key for companies
Objective and scope of the Entrepreneurs Law
The Entrepreneurs Law is a Spanish regulation aimed at fostering economic activity, innovation, and international competitiveness. In the migration field, it establishes a special regime of visas and authorizations intended for individuals and companies whose activity is considered to be of interest to the Spanish economy.
This regime is not intended to regulate immigration broadly, but rather to facilitate the mobility of strategic profiles. For this reason, the assessment criteria focus on the value of the project, the professional’s qualifications, and the coherence between the company, the position, and the relocation.
Differences from the general immigration regime
The essential difference between the Entrepreneurs Law and the general immigration regime lies in the approach. While the general regime applies more rigid criteria and decentralized procedures, the Entrepreneurs Law introduces centralized processing, shorter timelines, and a more consistent interpretation of requirements.
It is important to emphasize that the Entrepreneurs Law does not replace the general regime. Both coexist, but the special regime is more suitable for corporate immigration strategies that require speed, flexibility, and legal certainty.
Legal framework of corporate migration under the Entrepreneurs Law
Applicable regulations and competent authorities
The authorizations provided for under the Entrepreneurs Law are processed by specialized administrative bodies, allowing for a more technical handling of applications. This institutional design seeks to reduce uncertainty and provide companies with a more predictable framework.
From a legal standpoint, this system is designed to adapt to international business dynamics, where timing and planning are critical factors.
Which companies and profiles it applies to
Not all companies can automatically benefit from this regime. The Entrepreneurs Law is aimed at companies with real activity, specific projects, and an objective need to relocate talent. The most common profiles include executives, technical specialists, highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The key lies in demonstrating that the relocation responds to a clear and verifiable business rationale.
Types of visas and authorizations for companies
Visa and authorization for highly qualified professionals
This authorization allows companies to hire or transfer professionals with high qualifications, relevant experience, or strategic roles. It is particularly used in technological, industrial, and advanced services sectors.
Intra-company transfer
Intra-company transfer facilitates the mobility of employees within the same corporate group. It is an essential tool in processes of international expansion, corporate reorganization, or knowledge transfer between subsidiaries.
Entrepreneurs and business projects
The Entrepreneurs Law also provides for authorizations for individuals developing business projects considered to be of economic or innovative interest. This pathway is key when corporate migration is linked to the creation of new companies or business lines.
Investors and executives
Authorizations linked to investment or executive positions make it possible to align the corporate structure with the mobility of those who make strategic decisions within the company.
Corporate and professional requirements
Requirements for the sponsoring company
The company must demonstrate real economic activity, solvency, and coherence between the project presented and the requested profile. This is not an automatic procedure, but one based on objective criteria.
Requirements for the relocated professional
The professional must demonstrate education, experience, and a clear relationship with the company. The alignment between the profile and the functions to be performed is one of the most closely analyzed elements.
Methodological framework for corporate migration under the Entrepreneurs Law
- Define the corporate objective of the relocation.
- Identify the visa or authorization best aligned with that objective.
- Assess corporate and personal requirements.
- Analyze tax and compliance implications.
- Plan timelines, renewals, and future scenarios.
Procedure and processing timelines
Stages of the procedure
The procedure under the Entrepreneurs Law includes a prior feasibility analysis, preparation of corporate and personal documentation, submission of the application, and administrative resolution. Each stage must be integrated into the company’s overall strategy.
Indicative timelines and resolution
One of the main attractions of this regime is administrative agility. Although timelines may vary depending on the type of authorization and administrative workload, they are generally significantly shorter than under the general regime.
Advantages of the Entrepreneurs Law for corporate migration
Administrative agility and flexibility
Shorter timelines and centralized criteria allow companies to respond more quickly to market opportunities or operational needs.
Legal certainty and predictability
Consistency in the interpretation of requirements provides greater legal certainty, facilitating medium- and long-term workforce planning.
Use cases of the Entrepreneurs Law for companies
International expansion of foreign companies
Many companies use this regime to initiate operations in Spain, relocating key teams to ensure proper business establishment.
Relocation of strategic talent
Multinational groups rely on these authorizations to transfer executives or specialists without disrupting operational continuity.
Common mistakes and risks when applying the Entrepreneurs Law
- Starting the process without a prior strategic analysis.
- Choosing a visa that is not suitable for the professional’s profile.
- Failing to anticipate tax or renewal implications.
How Orience supports corporate migration under the Entrepreneurs Law
Orience acts as a strategic partner for companies in corporate migration processes. Its approach integrates legal, immigration, and business analysis to design solutions aligned with business objectives, minimizing risks and optimizing timelines.
The support provided by Orience is not limited to administrative processing, but also includes strategic planning, coordination with other legal aspects, and continuous monitoring of the process.
Frequently asked questions about the Entrepreneurs Law and business visas
Does the Entrepreneurs Law replace the general immigration regime?
No. It is a complementary special regime, applicable only to certain cases.
Can SMEs benefit from the Entrepreneurs Law?
Yes, provided that the profile and the project justify it.
Are the visas granted renewable?
Yes, as long as the conditions that led to the authorization are maintained.
Is it necessary to apply for the visa from the country of origin?
It depends on the type of authorization and the professional’s situation.
Does Orience manage complex corporate migration processes?
Yes. Orience specializes in comprehensive corporate migration.
Summary of the Entrepreneurs Law and business visas
The Entrepreneurs Law and business visas are a strategic tool to facilitate corporate immigration to Spain. They offer greater agility, flexibility, and legal certainty than the general regime, but require planning and expert knowledge. Understanding its visas, requirements, and procedures allows companies to relocate talent and develop projects more efficiently. With the support of Orience, companies can leverage this legal framework from now on to drive growth and consolidate their presence in Spain.