Conversion from non-lucrative residence to self-employed residence

 Holders of non-lucrative residence who wish to convert to self-employed residence and open a business must generally have held non-lucrative residence for one year. When the first-year authorization is approaching expiry (within 60 days before expiry), they may apply directly for conversion to self-employed residence. A sound business plan and professional qualifications should be provided, together with evidence of sufficient financial capacity to invest in the proposed project. Renewal of self-employed residence is normally possible where continuous self-employed social security contributions and tax filing records can be demonstrated.

 Can holders of self-employed residence work for others?

The answer is yes, but the relationship with the client is a service relationship rather than an employment relationship. In other words, you issue invoices to the client, and the client does not pay social security contributions for you. Unlike employment residence, self-employed residence allows you to provide services to multiple companies, including companies within the EU.

 Applicants must also prove that, after deducting business investment and operating expenses, they still have sufficient resources to support themselves and their family. In short, beyond demonstrating the financial capacity to start the business, they must also show adequate assets for family living expenses.

 For doing business in the EU，Non-Lucrative Residenceconversion to self-employed/business-owner residence is a good option，freelancers and skilled professionals may conduct business within the EU。 Germany/work residence in France can be very expensive，and social security contributions are also very high，Spain’s residence costs are relatively low within the EU，very cost-effective。

 Spanish non-lucrative residence means the holder may not engage in gainful activities, including employment, entrepreneurship or operating a shop. Under the Spanish Immigration Regulations, conversion may be requested without waiting for a two-year renewal period, provided the applicant maintains a clean criminal record in Spain.

Before obtaining self-employed residence, opening and operating a shop independently is not permitted, nor is working in the shop. Breach of this rule may trigger labor inspections and substantial fines.

 Documents required to convert non-lucrative residence to self-employed residence:

 1. Official application form（EX-07） 

2. Proof of address/municipal registration 

3. Copy of the residence authorization 

4. full copy of the passport 

5. business license（registration and filings handled by us） 

Business activities may include home-office services, online services, catering, retail and other lawful activities.