Spanish Temporary Residence Permit | Bon
A Spanish temporary residence permit (Autorizacion de Residencia Temporal, followed by the TIE card) allows a non-EU national to live legally in Spain for a defined, renewable period. There are several routes to it, and the right one depends on your goals: setting up a new company in Spain, buying an established business, working as a self-employed professional, or joining an existing company as an employee.
The most common route for our clients is residence linked to a business activity. This means the company (new or existing) supports the residence application by showing a real economic project: a business plan, sufficient investment, and in most cases evidence that it will create local employment. Spain also runs an investor and entrepreneur track for applicants who bring capital or an innovative business project into the country, and a self-employed (autonomo) route for professionals who will work for their own account rather than through a company.
Whichever route applies, the residence application is judged as a package: the strength of the business case matters as much as the personal paperwork. A thin business plan is the most common reason applications get delayed with requests for extra evidence, which is why we review the commercial substance of a case before filing, not just the document checklist.
Our team handles the process end to end:
- Choosing the residence route that fits your situation (business, investor, entrepreneur or self-employed)
- Preparing the business plan and supporting company documents
- Collecting and legalising personal documents: criminal record certificate, medical certificate, proof of funds
- Submitting the application at the relevant consulate or, where the route allows it, directly in Spain
- Following up on the TIE card issuance once the permit is approved
Processing times and exact document lists change depending on the applicant's nationality and chosen route, so we review each case individually before quoting a timeline. Once you hold a temporary residence permit, we also help with the renewal when it comes due, since a permit lapsing unnoticed is one of the most avoidable problems clients run into.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Spanish temporary residence permit valid for?
Initial temporary permits are typically issued for one to two years, depending on the route, and can be renewed if the underlying conditions (business activity, income or investment) are still met.
Can I apply for residence without first setting up a company?
Yes. The self-employed and investor routes do not require a company structure, though a company is often still the most practical vehicle depending on the activity.
Does a temporary residence permit let me travel within the Schengen area?
Yes, once you hold a valid Spanish residence permit and TIE card, you can travel freely within the Schengen area under the same rules as other Schengen residence permit holders.