Setting up a business in Spain

Company registration in Spain consists of several clear steps: obtaining personal or corporate identification numbers (NIE/NIF), reserving the company name in the Central Commercial Registry, opening a business bank account and depositing the share capital, preparing and notarizing the Articles of Association, tax and social security registration, and final registration with the regional Commercial Registry. Afterward, you will receive the Spanish company registration number (CIF/NIF) and the business registration certificate.

Company registration in Spain typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish. Name reservation is often completed within 6 hours, and other stages, such as notarization and bank account opening, are processed efficiently. Using standard articles of association and digital registration tools can speed up the process.

The most popular options are Limited Liability Company (Sociedad Limitada, SL), Public Limited Company (Sociedad Anónima, SA), and sole proprietorship (Autónomo). Other options include joint ventures, branches, subsidiaries, cooperatives, and limited partnerships. Each structure suits different business sizes and types.

Yes, Spain allows 100% foreign ownership for both EU and non-EU citizens. Foreign individuals or legal entities can fully own a Spanish company and act as shareholders or directors, making Spain an attractive destination for international entrepreneurs.

Starting a Sociedad Limitada (SL) company in Spain now requires only 1 euro of minimum capital. For a Sociedad Anónima (SA), the minimum is 60,000 euros, of which at least 25% must be paid at the time of registration. This flexibility supports both new businesses and larger investments.

The standard corporate tax rate is 25%. New companies benefit from a reduced tax rate of 10% for the first two years of operation, making Spain a competitive option for startups and business expansion.

Required documents include copies of passports for all shareholders and directors, NIE/NIF numbers, proof of address, a bank certificate for the capital deposit, and the prepared Articles of Association. For foreign corporate shareholders, certified and translated good standing certificates are needed.

Yes, Spain supports remote company registration. You can register your business in Spain through a legal representative acting via a power of attorney, meaning you do not need to visit Spain in person. Many providers also offer virtual office addresses and digital document processing.

All registered companies must submit annual reports, maintain four accounting books, and fulfill quarterly and annual tax obligations, including VAT and corporate taxes. Companies must also meet social security requirements and, for large companies, undergo audits.

Your Spanish company registration number (CIF or NIF) is assigned during the registration process. This number serves as your official tax identification and is required for invoicing, entering contracts, and formal communication with Spanish authorities.