Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 9:09pm
That is correct. As you are now Third Country Nationals, you may not work in Spain without first obtaining a work permit.
For self-employed / open own business, to get a work permit, over and above the financial and health requirements for Non Lucrative Visa (does not allow work), you will need to show sufficient startup capital to get the business up and running, you will need a comprehensive business plan indicating your research into area if chosen business and figures to support expected growth, it’s benefit to Spanish economy AND ... (I’m not 100% sure but ...) you may need to demonstrate an ability and intention to hire Spanish staff. If that IS a requirement then that puts starting a business out of reach for most (unless you are a multi-millionaire) because retaining Spanish staff means giving them a contract and payment of their Autónomo as well as your own....
if you REALLY want a business, it’ll be cheaper to come over on a Non Lucrative Visa, do your 5 years to become permanent resident, THEN after that 5 years start a business as the “no work” restriction falls away on permanent residency being obtained