We invite you to explore this page and get in touch with our local specialists if you would like to start your business in Spain in 2026.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies | – limited liability company, – public company, – branch office – liaison office – civil companies |
Minimum share capital for LTD Company | EUR3,000 |
Minimum number of shareholders for a limited company | 1 |
| Time frame for the incorporation | – Newco Shareholder Individual – 3-4 weeks – Subsidiary – 3-5 weeks – Branch – 3-6 weeks |
| Corporate tax rate | CIT rate = 25%. Other tax rates may apply, depending on the type of company that is taxed and its type of business. |
| Dividend tax rate | – 19% tax rate up to the first EUR 6,000 of income, – 21% tax rate for the following EUR 6,000 to EUR 50,000 of income, – 23% tax rate for the following EUR 50,000 to EUR 200,000, – 26% tax rate on any remaining income. |
| VAT Rate | – 21% Normal Rate – 10% Reduced Rate – 4% Super Reduced Rate |
| Are Shelf Companies Available? | No |
| Do you supply a Registered Address/Virtual Office? | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No, Directors must not be resident. |
| Annual Meeting Required | Yes, it can be held online. |
| Redomiciliation Permitted | Yes |
| Electronic Signature | Yes |
| Is Accounting/Annual Return Required? | Yes |
| Foreign-Ownership Allowed | Yes |
We invite you to watch a short video about opening a company in Spain:
Are there restrictions on foreigners doing business in Spain?
No, you can set up your company in Spain in 2026, no matter where you are from.
What types of companies/entities are available in Spain?
- limited liability company;
- stock corporation (sociedad anonima);
- branch office;
- subsidiary;
- sole proprietorship.
What is the most popular business structure in Spain?
The Spanish S.L. (Sociedad Limitada) is the most common business structure for international clients, equivalent to a private limited company.
Here is an infographic with info about the advantages of doing business in Spain:
What is the minimum share capital for an LLC in Spain?
EUR 3,000 is the minimum share capital for opening an LLC in Spain.
What are the requirements for registering a company in Spain?
- a registered address in Spain. A virtual office is also permitted (we can provide various packages),
- company shareholders and directors must have NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is the Spanish ID for foreign citizens,
- a business name previously verified and reserved with the Spanish Commercial Registry/Registro Mercantil,
- Articles and Memorandum of Association,
- company tax ID (NIF),
- digital Certificate,
- local bank account,
- power of attorney for a company representative (who can be one of our Spanish agents),
- completed standard form with company details.
IMPORTANT! Please bear in mind that if the business owner lives in Spain and holds more than 25% of the company shares, he/she must register with the Spanish Social Security as “autónomo societario”. Plus, signing the deed of incorporation before a notary, via our POA, is mandatory.
What are the costs for company formation in Spain?
We enlist some of the costs to consider when opening a company in Spain:
- For standard company registration – around EUR 425 as a government fee. 1.5–3 months processing time,
- For urgent company formation – around EUR 600 as a government fee, and ready in one week,
- Legal fees – around EUR 3,900,
- Virtual office package – Starting from EUR 25/month for basic virtual office services,
- Accounting services – Starting from EUR 150/month for small companies.
What are the main advantages of setting up a limited liability company in Spain?
- the company may be set up in Spain with 100% foreign capital;
- the liability of its shareholders is limited to their contribution to the company’s capital;
- although numerous investors can associate in a limited liability company, the business form can also be registered by a single shareholder.
How can you open a general partnership in Spain?
This type of business entity is made up of at least two members with equal responsibilities and rights, since they are all considered general partners. Read more about this structure here.
Who can set up a sole trader in Spain?
If a natural person decides to open an entity in Spain on his/her own, an option would be the sole trader, which is the simplest form of company formation in Spain. No minimum share capital is required for this type of entity in 2026.
What does opening a branch in Spain entail?
You can read full info here.
Can subsidiaries be established in Spain?
Yes, access information here.
How fast can you start a company in Spain?
It takes around 5 weeks to incorporate a company in Spain in 2026, such as a limited liability company. On the other hand, subsidiaries can be set up in about 7 weeks.
What types of company formation services do you offer in Spain?
- support for obtaining a Spanish NIE, the first step in company formation,
- preparing the Power of Attorney for which online signing is available,
- name reservation and verification,
- preparation of all company formation documents,
- notary representation,
- Commercial Registry filing,
- assistance in getting the company NIF and digital certificate,
- business activity registration with the Tax Office/Agencia Tributaria in Spain,
- support in opening a bank account in Spain,
- accounting services & tax compliance, etc.
For more details related to the registration procedure of a company in Spain, you may contact our Spanish specialists.