Becoming a resident in another country to run a business or work independently is an increasingly sought-after option.
The active self-employed residency allows you to start a business abroad with all the legal and fiscal guarantees.
This type of residency allows a freelancer or entrepreneur to operate in a country without having to rely on an employment contract. It is ideal for those who want to manage their own business, invest, or develop a professional activity without being subject to a local employer.
Andorra offers an active residency for those who want to become entrepreneurs. Requirements include:
Tax attractiveness is key: corporate tax is 10%, and personal income tax does not exceed this percentage.
Spain offers the entrepreneur visa for foreigners who want to start a business. The main requirements are:
This visa allows the holder to reside and work in Spain with the possibility of renewal and access to permanent residency after five years.
The D2 visa is designed for entrepreneurs and investors. To obtain it, it is necessary:
The D2 visa allows legal residence and, after five years, Portuguese nationality.
Italy offers the visa for self-employed workers. Requirements include:
This visa is renewed annually and allows access to permanent residence after five years.
Obtaining an active residency offers multiple advantages:
Possibility of managing a business without labor restrictions.
Access to favorable tax regimes in some countries.
Legal residence with the option of nationality in the future.
Access to international markets from a country with better regulatory positioning.
If you are interested in obtaining an active residency in any of these countries, Loyal offers advice to manage the process and optimize the tax strategy.
Before applying for an active residency, it is essential to evaluate several key aspects. First, it is important to know the taxes that will be applied to economic activity in the country of destination, as they can vary greatly between jurisdictions and affect the profitability of the business. It is also necessary to review the minimum investment or capital requirements, as some countries require an initial investment to grant residency.
Another relevant factor is the application processing time, which can vary from a few months to more than a year, depending on the country and the required documentation. It is crucial to take into account the effective residency requirements, since many jurisdictions require spending a minimum number of days in the country to maintain active resident status and comply with tax obligations.
Active residence allows economic activities in the country, while passive residence is for those who only reside without generating local income.
It depends on the country. In some countries, such as Spain or Portugal, it is sufficient to demonstrate autonomous activity. In others, such as Andorra, it is mandatory to create a company and become an administrator.
Most countries require a minimum of 183 days per year to maintain residency and comply with tax obligations.
In some countries, such as Spain or Portugal, it is possible to apply for citizenship after a period of continuous residence, usually five to ten years.
It depends on the country. In Andorra, corporate income tax and personal income tax do not exceed 10%. In Spain and Italy, income taxes may be higher, depending on income.
