Set up your company in Spain with the right structure from the start
Creating a company in Spain is a serious commitment — and the decisions you make at incorporation stage have lasting consequences on your taxes, liability, and ability to operate. Getting the structure right from day one is far easier than fixing it later.
We guide you through the full company creation process in Spain, from choosing the right legal structure to coordinating with notaries, the Mercantile Registry, and tax advisors. Whether you’re a freelancer ready to formalise your activity or a foreign company opening a Spanish entity, we make sure the setup matches your situation.
1. Choosing your legal structure
The most common option for both individuals and foreign companies is the Sociedad Limitada (SL) — Spain’s equivalent of a private limited company. It offers limited liability, a relatively straightforward incorporation process, and a minimum share capital of €3,000. For foreign companies, a branch (sucursal) is sometimes the better fit depending on tax and liability considerations. We explain the differences and help you choose based on your actual situation, not a generic template.
2. Company name reservation
Before incorporation, your chosen company name must be approved and reserved with the Central Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil Central). We handle this step and check availability upfront to avoid wasted time.
3. Opening a capital deposit account
To incorporate an SL, you need to deposit the minimum share capital (€3,000) in a Spanish bank account and obtain a certificate confirming the deposit. This is required before the notary appointment. We guide you through this step, which can be one of the more frustrating ones for non-residents without an existing Spanish account.
4. Notary and deed of incorporation
Incorporation requires a notary appointment to sign the escritura de constitución — the founding deed of the company. The notary also certifies the company’s statutes, which define how the company operates. We coordinate the appointment and review the statutes with you beforehand.
5. Tax identification number (NIF)
Once the deed is signed, the company needs a provisional NIF from the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) before it can operate, followed by a definitive NIF once registration with the Mercantile Registry is complete. We handle both steps.
6. Registration with the Mercantile Registry
The signed deed must be registered with the provincial Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil) to give the company full legal existence. This typically takes one to two weeks. We submit the documentation and follow up on the registration.
7. Tax and Social Security registrations
Once incorporated, the company must register for the relevant taxes — VAT (IVA), corporate tax (Impuesto de Sociedades) — and, if hiring, with Social Security. We coordinate these registrations and connect you with a local asesoría fiscal for ongoing compliance.
8. Ongoing obligations
A Spanish company has quarterly and annual filing obligations from the moment it is active. We connect you with a trusted local gestor or tax advisor who handles the ongoing side, so the company stays compliant without that burden falling on you.
Looking for end-to-end support across company creation, banking, and operational setup? Explore our Pro Pass.
