Entrepreneur/Startup Visa · Atlantic Islands · Atlantic Ocean
Cost
~$2,000
Presence Required
None required
Citizenship Timeline
10 years (EU)
Overview
The Canary Islands are Spanish (EU) territory in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. They enjoy year-round warm weather (average 23°C) and a special economic zone (ZEC) with a 4% corporate tax rate. Spain's Entrepreneur Visa provides residency with no minimum stay requirement. EU citizenship is available after 10 years.
Advantages
EU territory — immediate Schengen access
ZEC: 4% corporate tax rate for qualifying businesses
Year-round warm climate — average 23°C
No minimum stay requirement for Entrepreneur Visa
Spanish passport: visa-free to 190+ countries
Well-developed infrastructure and services
Considerations
10-year citizenship timeline
Spanish language required for citizenship (A2 level)
Cost of living higher than mainland Spain
ZEC requires meeting employment and investment criteria
Canary Islands are geographically isolated from mainland Europe
Requirements
Viable business or startup plan with economic impact on Spain
Sufficient financial resources (€27,000+ for first year)
Health insurance
Clean criminal record
No prior immigration violations in Spain
A2 Spanish for citizenship after 10 years
Step-by-Step Process
Prepare business plan: Document your startup or business concept. The Entrepreneur Visa requires demonstrating economic interest for Spain — innovation, job creation, or significant investment.
Apply for Entrepreneur Visa: Apply at a Spanish consulate. Processing takes 20 business days. The visa is valid for 1 year.
Arrive and apply for residence authorization: Within the first year, apply for the Entrepreneur Residence Authorization at the Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).
Consider ZEC registration: If your business qualifies, register with the Canary Islands Special Economic Zone for the 4% corporate tax rate. Requirements include minimum investment and job creation.
Renew residence permit: Renew every 2 years. Demonstrate ongoing business activity and economic contribution.
Apply for citizenship after 10 years: After 10 years of legal residency, apply for Spanish citizenship. Pass the DELE A2 Spanish language test and the CCSE civic knowledge test.
Tax Considerations
Spain taxes worldwide income for tax residents (183+ days/year). The Beckham Law offers a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-sourced income for the first 6 years for qualifying new residents. The ZEC 4% corporate tax applies to qualifying businesses registered in the Canary Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ZEC and who qualifies?
The Canary Islands Special Economic Zone (ZEC) offers a 4% corporate tax rate. To qualify, companies must create at least 3 jobs (5 on Gran Canaria or Tenerife), invest €100,000 minimum, and have their main activity in eligible sectors.
Which Canary Island is best for nomads?
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the most popular for digital nomads — good infrastructure, co-working spaces, and a large expat community. Tenerife (Santa Cruz) is also popular. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are more relaxed.
Is the climate really year-round warm?
Yes — the Canary Islands have a subtropical climate with average temperatures of 18–26°C year-round. They're known as the 'Islands of Eternal Spring'.
Can I travel to mainland Spain on my Canary Islands residency?
Yes — the Canary Islands are Spanish territory. Your Spanish residence permit is valid throughout Spain and the Schengen Area.