Company
registration
in Spain

Spain is an attractive location for business setup due to its developed economy and modern infrastructure. In 2022, country scored 60 out of 100 on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, ranking 35th out of 180 countries, indicating a moderate level of corruption. The government actively works to improve transparency & efficiency in public institutions. For IT companies, Spain offers several advantages: a skilled workforce, competitive business costs, and favorable environment for innovation.

Technology hubs in Madrid & Barcelona provide access to dynamic startup ecosystem and investors. Spain’s strategic position as a gateway between Europe, Africa, and Latin America offers extensive opportunities for market expansion.

Benefits of doing business in Spain with Finevolution

• Full company registration within agreed timeframes
• Assistance with opening a payment account
• Post-registration maintenance
• Accounting & legal support

Business structures in Spain

Entrepreneurs can choose from several types of business registration: SRL, SA, and SLNE. Based on our experience, SRL is the most frequently chosen form:

SRL (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada) is the most common type of business in Spain, favored by small & medium enterprises with a limited number of partners. The number of participants can range from 1 to 5, with a minimum share capital of 3,000 EUR, which must be fully paid at the time of registration. Depending on the business type, fast setup is possible through electronic services. Founders are liable for the company’s obligations within the limits of its assets.

During SRL registration, the following documents are required:

• Company name
• Main objectives and business activities
• Legal address for correspondence
• Date of commencement of operations
• Share capital amount
• Distribution of shares among board members
• Management structure

Requirements for establishing an SRL:

• At least one director of any residency
• Secretary (must be an individual, not a legal entity, regardless of residency)
• At least 1 shareholder must be a Spanish resident
• Bearer shares are not allowed
• Shares without nominal value are prohibited

Second business form is Sociedad Anónima (SA), which is suitable for large companies involved in trading shares or planning to change the composition of partners. Establishing an SA requires — 25% contribution to capital, with a total of 60,100 EUR:

• Minimum of 1 shareholder
• Liability limited to the company’s assets
• Key decisions are made at general shareholder meetings
• Shareholders can trade their shares on the open stock market
• Subject to corporate tax and additional tax on dividends
• Annual financial statements must be registered with the Commercial Registry

Third form is Sociedad Limitada Nueva Empresa (SLNE), designed for small and medium enterprises with up to 5 individual founders. SLNE offers a streamlined setup process:

• Registration can be completed within 2 business days
• Company name must include founder’s surname (alphabetically first) and SLNE abbreviation

Process of company registration in Spain (SRL)

1. Initial consultation with Finevolution specialists
2. Drafting the company’s Articles of Association
3. Legalization of the unique commercial name
4. Obtaining a company name certificate
5. Arranging the registration signing with Spanish notary
6. Submitting documents to the Commercial Register
7. Obtaining a tax identification number
8. Launch (tax & social security registration), and appointing the company’s administrator

Requirements for company registration in Spain

• Obtain NIE (personal identification numbers) for the administrator and all founders
• Collect personal information, copies of NIE, and passports for all participants
• If there are multiple founders, specify shareholding proportions and the capital contribution
• Deposit the minimum share capital of 3,000 EUR into the company’s bank account
• Description of business activities
• Legal address
• Five company name options
• Business contacts: phone numbers, email, fax
• An accountant and ongoing tax reporting

Business registration timeframe in Spain

Total company registration time is approximately one month. Within a week of starting the process, you will receive banking details, but full registration will be completed within a month.

What is included in the business registration package in Spain?

The registration package includes:

• Incorporation
• Document preparation
• Support in Barcelona
• Bank account opening
• VAT registration
• All government fees
• Notary services
• One year of free legal address if you subscribe to accounting support

Basic business taxation in Spain

• Corporate tax for the first three years: 15%, thereafter 25%
• Dividend tax: 19% (up to 6,000 EUR), 21% (6,000 to 50,000 EUR), 23% (50,000 to 200,000 EUR), 26% (above 200,000 EUR)
• VAT: 21%

A VAT number is required.

If you have questions and need consultation, our team is happy to provide consultations, prepare necessary documents, and help start your business in Spain. Send a request through the form below or a message on Telegram bot/Viber, WhatsApp chat, for consultations. Our working hours are 9:00-19:00 from Monday to Friday.