When preparing a business plan to obtain Self-Employed Residence permit in Spain, it is important not only to describe the business idea but also to prove its viability. One of the key tools for this is letters of intent from clients (Cartas de intención). They demonstrate that after starting operations you will actually have clients, and the business is not a theoretical "paper" project.
In this article, we will examine what letters of intent are, what format is best for preparing them, and what nuances are important to consider in order to avoid additional requests from immigration authorities.
What are letters of intent and when are they needed
Letters of intent are documents in which potential clients confirm their interest in your services and willingness to cooperate after the business launch. They do not impose legal obligations on the client but serve as proof of demand.
The format of the letter depends on whom you plan to provide services to:
If services are oriented toward individuals, the classic letter of intent format is acceptable.
If clients according to business logic are organizations or sole proprietors, it is better to use a pre-contract form. Essentially, it differs little from a letter of intent and also does not create real obligations, but looks more convincing to reviewing authorities.
Important practical point: we recommend attaching 1–2 letters or pre-contracts specifically from a legal entity (SL) or autónomo, if such an opportunity exists.
Sometimes this is not always logical from the perspective of a specific business model, however practice shows: the immigration service and professional associations often expect to see such clients. In their absence, additional document requests are possible, which delays the review process.
Main recommendations for preparing letters
For letters of intent to truly strengthen the business plan, it is important to follow several rules:
Correspondence of services to the business plan
Services specified in the letters must completely match the list of services you plan to show in the business plan. Therefore, letters should be requested only after approval of the final list of services.
Price matching
If it is possible to indicate the cost of services, the price in the letters must match the price included in the business plan.
Number of letters
Ideally — 5 or more letters. Acceptable but undesirable — 3–4 letters.
Total amount
Ideally, the total income indicated in the letters should be higher than the projected monthly income according to the business plan (if possible).
Letters of intent are not a formality but an important element of proving the reality and sustainability of your project. Properly prepared documents, coordinated with the business plan and supported by clients (including legal entities), significantly increase the chances of a positive decision and reduce the risk of additional requests. If you approach this stage strategically, letters of intent will become a strong argument in favor of your business even before its launch.
