Spain has consolidated its position among Europe’s leading countries in fostering innovative entrepreneurship, achieving a 93% level of implementation of the Startup Nations Standards for 2025. This result represents an improvement over the previous year and places the country above the European average across all assessed areas, reinforcing its role as a benchmark for startup-oriented public policies.

The evaluation highlights full compliance in key areas such as access to finance and the promotion of inclusion, diversity and democratic values, which are essential to ensuring a competitive, balanced and socially responsible entrepreneurial ecosystem. This approach underpins a model that combines financial support with social cohesion and equal access to opportunities.

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Spain strengthens its European leadership in startup and innovative entrepreneurship support

In terms of administrative simplification, Spain remains one of the most agile environments in Europe for setting up a business. Company creation can be completed within a single day, at low cost and through fully digital procedures. The near-total digitalisation of administrative, tax and public procurement processes places the country among the highest performers in digital-first implementation.

Spain also stands out for its ability to attract and retain international talent. Visa procedures for entrepreneurs and highly qualified professionals are processed within short timeframes and are complemented by targeted programmes designed to encourage talent return and support priority groups, further strengthening the ecosystem’s competitiveness.

A regulatory framework that supports innovation is reflected in the application of small-business-friendly principles and the deployment of regulatory sandboxes in strategic sectors such as finance, artificial intelligence, energy and urban innovation. Looking ahead, initiatives aimed at enhancing the international visibility of the technology ecosystem and advancing emerging technologies are expected to further consolidate Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship.