Start your business in Spain on solid foundations
Starting a business in Spain involves multiple legal and administrative steps across different institutions — notary, tax office, commercial registry, and more. The process varies depending on your chosen structure, and getting it wrong from the start is costly.
We guide you through the full registration process, from choosing the right business structure to coordinating with legal and tax professionals on your behalf. We make sure everything is set up correctly from the start so you can focus on building your activity rather than chasing paperwork.
1. Autónomo or SL?
The first decision is the right one to spend time on. Registering as an autónomo (self-employed) is faster and simpler, but comes with unlimited personal liability. Creating a Sociedad Limitada (SL) offers liability protection and can be more tax-efficient beyond a certain income level, but involves more setup steps and ongoing obligations. We help you understand which structure fits your situation before you commit to either.
2. Registration with the Tax Agency
Both autónomos and companies must register with the Agencia Tributaria to declare their activity and tax obligations. For autónomos this is done via form 036 or 037. For an SL, it follows incorporation. We prepare and submit the relevant forms correctly.
3. Social Security registration
Autónomos must register with the Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA) before starting to work. For companies, Social Security registration is required as soon as the first employee is hired, including the director if they receive a salary. We handle both and make sure the timing is right — late registration carries penalties.
4. Mercantile Registry (SL only)
If you’re creating an SL, the company must be registered with the provincial Registro Mercantil to have full legal existence. This involves a notary appointment, a signed deed of incorporation, and a capital deposit. We coordinate the full sequence.
5. Licences and sector requirements
Depending on your activity, additional licences or authorisations may be required before you can operate — particularly in food and beverage, healthcare, education, and financial services. We identify what applies to your situation early, so it doesn’t become a bottleneck later.
6. Connecting you with ongoing support
Registration is the beginning, not the end. Quarterly VAT filings, income tax payments, and annual declarations are all part of operating legally in Spain. We connect you with a local gestor or asesoría who handles the ongoing compliance, so nothing is missed once you’re up and running.
Looking for end-to-end business setup support? That’s covered in our Pro Pass.
