That's right. The Expat webpage is another good resource and I had almost forgotten about it--a little tonto on my part considering it is on my links page.

Remember Ryan, if you have a sound business idea it is more than likely that you will eventually acquire your papers. But remember, because of high unemployment and a more relaxed working mentality Spain is not the easiest place to set up shop. Fortunately for us, we have had success in our first year, but not everyone has been so lucky.

By no means do I mean to discourage you though. In fact, while other business do not move very fast, it creates an opportunity for you. I am sure it will all turn out great.

Eric

P.S. Madridman, did you ever get that email I sent to you a while back?

Hey Descurbe

Thanks a lot for the name of the lawyer. I had come accross their website before but I did not know anything about them.

Actaully, since I first posted this post I have decided to change the location of the business to Sevilla, so this will make it even easier with Pura. Are you in Sevilla now? How's Feria?

I did not get any email from you, but I would be interested in talking with you a little more. Send it to me again.... I checked out your website, very nice, exactly what is it that your company does? Are you affiliated with Boss club?

A few questions about the visa process:

-Did you set-up your company before applying for the "residency and work permits?"

-How long did it take you from start to finish to get all the approvals?

-How detailed was the "plan de proyecto" that you submitted with the application?

-Did the lawyer firm help you write these documents or did you do it on your own? What do they want to see/hear?

Thanks for your help,
Ryan

ryannouveau@aol.com

Ryan,

What type of bar are you opening? Traditional Spanish bar de copas y tapas, or some other?

I would like to offer you some information regarding your endeavors too, but only if you ask me by email as I would like to keep some names and business entities private. You could private message me as well.

Here's what I have to offer, provided they agree to me offering their information:
1. An excellent lawyer who is also my business partner and a lifelong friend
2. A bank manager that can help you with setting up accounts in Madrid and is also a lifelong friend

My own business may require a registered Spanish office in the next year, so I understand your desire to get the information figured out.

Also, I would be very interested in knowing how this all works out for you, and also if this does work out, if you may interested in expansion ideas in Spain.

andrew

Hello,

Thanks to all of you for the insight and help, I only wish this process was a little easier especially for people with extraordinary circumstances:

I am a US citizen and while living in Spain I had a child with a Spanish citizen and now I am trying to find a way to be with them. I know that getting married would resolve all of the complications but I do not feel I am ready for this step.

The mother of my child and my child recently applied for a Visa to visit the US, but were denied because officials at the Embassy said that they believed she would try to stay in the US as an illegal immigrant. As a result, she has been red-flagged and can no longer travel to the US, even though this was never her intention; she only wanted to come and visit. Now in order for me to see my son and for his grandparents to see him, we have to travel to Spain…because the mother is banned and he is too young to travel alone!

I have talked with many lawyers and they have said there isn’t much we can do except to try to change her personal circumstances in Spain (i.e.: establish a connection with Spain) and then appeal at the Embassy. Does anyone know anything about this?

So in the meantime, I am trying to be able to move there and provide for my family by opening a small business in Sevilla. I have one other business partner, a Spanish citizen, and we will be opening a modernized cocktail/tapas lounge during the day and a bar with music at night. The problem is that I am still unclear of exactly what process must be taken in order to realize this venture, and what the likelihood is that it will be approved. I will be traveling to Spain in June to begin the workings of this project, but I am sure I will have to return several times to submit the Investors Visa application at the Spanish Consulate in the US, and then once again to pick it up once approved.

Has anyone completed this process that could give me some insight about exactly what steps must be taken. As a part of this process I will have to apply for the “Investors Visa” from the Spanish Consulate, and included in this application must be “Application of residency and work permit (cuenta propia).” In the requirements section it says that this application has to be requested and stamped by the Ministry of Labor. What does this mean-just stamped or must get approved first? I have received mixed information regarding this step, and was wondering if anyone could clear it up.

-Do you first establish the company in Spain, then apply for the “Permiso de Trabajo por Cuenta Propia” directly from Ministry of Labor—or do have to submit this form with the Investors Visa Application (Spanish Consulate) before the company is started?

To Megia…. I would greatly appreciate any advice you have to offer and the numbers to your lawyer and bank contacts. ryannouveau@aol.com
-Does this lawyer have experience working with Visas?
-Do you have a business in Spain? What is it?

Thanks again.

Ryan,

I have sent you a private message. Check it out when you get a chance.

As far as lawyers specializing in matters regarding Visa's, I regretfully report that I have no suggestions. That is pitifully outside my realm of knowledge.

On the business end, your plan sounds exciting. The more unique and special your bar can be, the better chance you'll have. You know what Madrid is like!

andrew

Hi, good luck in your venture. When it is up and running (Madrid or Sevilla?) let us all know so we can patronise your bar on our travels.
When it comes to actually running the bar (as opposed to the legal matters such as work-permits etc) it may be worthwhile to speak to other ex-pats already working in this way. For example last year a guy from Nottingham (my home city) opened a cafeteria-bar in Valencia. Despite having a Spanish wife he found it v. difficult the first few months. He has now gained invaluable experience eg If you register for IVA you can claim money back on your purchases. He has also now established contacts that allows him to buy British food and beer (thus maintaining the novelty aspect of the bar). I'll give the address of his bar in case you get the opportunity to goto Valencia:
Cafeteria-Bar Nottingham
C/. Libereros 3
Valencia
96 3942296
Best of luck