Renewing a self-employed or entrepreneur permit

Key rules

• Income test: Renewal checks viability, taxes and income together, so a weak point in one can sink the file.
• Income drop: If your income fell, gather proof of other resources and of future work before you file.
• No gaps: Continuous RETA contributions and no tax debt are expected at renewal.
• Refusal: A refusal can be appealed.

What the renewal re-tests

Renewal is not a formality. The immigration office checks again that your business is viable, that your taxes and social security are in order, and that your income is enough to support you and your family.

The usual benchmark is income at or above the national minimum wage (SMI) for the current year. You also need continuous contributions to the RETA and no tax debt. The office also looks at whether the business really operates, using invoices, accounts and tax returns. Criteria are applied case by case, and the SMI changes every year, so check the current figure before you compare.

If your income fell, deal with it before you file

A drop in income does not automatically mean refusal. Sort it out before you submit, not after. Your options:

• Show other resources. Family income or savings can make up the gap.
• Explain a temporary drop. Give a clear, documented reason it was temporary.
• Prove the business is viable. Add signed contracts and future work that show earnings will recover.
• Consider a different route. If you have a job offer or qualify for a long-term or arraigo permit, one of those may suit you better than renewing as self-employed.

Offices vary in practice, so ask the office handling your file what they expect to see. If you are refused, you can appeal.

Where and when to file

You file with the Oficina de Extranjería or through the online procedure. The renewal window opens 60 days before your permit expires and runs for 90 days after it. While your application is pending, your stay is extended. Do not wait for the end of the window. The timeline below shows your exact first and last days.

Documents

The usual papers are proof of RETA registration and of being up to date with social security and tax, your tax filings, evidence the business operates, and proof of income or viability. A tax-office certificate of no debt is normally part of the file. The documents list below has the full set. Exact lists vary by province, so confirm yours with your local office.

Use the checklist below to work through these steps in order.

Timeline and deadlines

• Gather proof of viability, contracts and other resources if your income fell: before you file

• Last day to file your renewal: up to 90 days after your permit expires, and you stay in lawful status while it is pending

Check the renewal dates and how your office treats a drop in income with your Oficina de Extranjería.

Documents you need

• Application form and fee payment, filed with the Oficina de Extranjería or through the online procedure.

• Proof of registration in the RETA, the social security regime for the self-employed, and proof that you are up to date with social security.

• A certificate from the tax office showing you have no tax debt.

• Your tax filings: quarterly IVA (VAT) and IRPF (income tax) returns, and the annual return.

• Evidence that the business is operating, such as invoices, contracts, any licences or professional registration.

• Proof of income or viability of the business, such as accounts and tax returns.

Checklist

• Compare your income over the permit period with the national minimum wage (SMI) for the current year.

• Check that you paid your RETA contributions without gaps.

• Check that your tax returns are filed and that you have no tax debt.

• Gather invoices, accounts and tax returns that show the business really operates.

• If your income fell below the required level, gather proof of other resources, such as family income or savings, or an explanation of a temporary drop.

• If your income fell, add contracts and future work that show the business is viable, before you file.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still renew my self-employed permit if my income fell below the required level?

Yes, renewal can still be granted if you show other resources, such as family income or savings, or a justified temporary drop in income. You can also send contracts and a pipeline of future work as proof that the business is viable. Offices vary in practice.

What can I do if my self-employed renewal is refused?

You can appeal a refusal: you may also look at a different permit, such as an employment permit, or at long-term or arraigo routes if you qualify for them.

What income level do I need to show for a self-employed renewal?

The usual test is income at or above the national minimum wage (SMI), which changes every year. You also need continuous RETA contributions (the self-employed social security regime) and tax compliance.