Company formation in Spain
Your limited company (SL), registered at a real office in Marbella. We handle the NIE, notary, tax and bank steps.
As of October 2026. The 15% rate applies in the first tax period with a taxable profit and the next one. Group companies, asset-holding companies and businesses continuing a related party's activity do not qualify.
Why Spain
Open to foreign owners
Foreign owners can hold 100% of an SL and be its directors. Each needs an NIE or NIF, not Spanish residence.
A reduced rate for new companies
Qualifying new companies pay 15% in their first profitable tax period and the next one, instead of the general 25%.
An EU company in euros
Spain uses the euro. An SL can apply for a VIES VAT number to trade with businesses in other EU countries.
A real registered office
Your SL is registered at a physical office in Marbella that we arrange. We receive, scan and forward its mail.
Company types
SL (Sociedad Limitada)
The usual choice for foreign founders. Owners' liability is limited to their contributions, and share transfers are restricted.
Minimum capital: EUR 1, fully paid, with reserve and liability rules below EUR 3,000
SLU (single-member SL)
One owner, a person or a company. Single-member status must be registered within six months, or the owner is personally liable for its debts.
Minimum capital: EUR 1, same rules as an SL
SA (Sociedad Anónima)
For larger or capital-raising businesses. Shares transfer freely by default, but formalities are stricter, including expert valuation of most non-cash contributions.
Minimum capital: EUR 60,000, at least 25% paid in at signing
Branch (sucursal)
Lets an existing foreign company trade in Spain. It has no separate legal personality, so the parent is liable for its debts.
Minimum capital: None (not a separate company)
From first call to a working company
ICEX, Spain's investment agency, says the ordinary procedure generally takes 6 to 8 weeks, and NIE appointments at consulates can add time. Opening an account at a traditional bank commonly takes 4 to 8 weeks for a foreign-owned company, by industry estimates rather than official figures.
ID numbers
Foreign owners and directors get an NIE, at a consulate or through a representative; companies get an NIF.
Name and capital
We reserve the name. You pay the capital into a Spanish bank, or declare it in the deed.
Notary deed
The deed and bylaws are signed before a Spanish notary, in person, under power of attorney or online.
Registration
With partner lawyers, we register the company at the Mercantile Registry and request its final tax number.
Tax and bank
We complete tax and VAT registration, file the D-1A foreign investment form and support the bank application.
What we will ask you for
Most items are needed for each owner, director and beneficial owner. Foreign official documents need an apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish. We arrange the sworn translations, and our team and partner lawyers file under your power of attorney.
- Passport for each owner, director and beneficial owner
- NIE for each foreign individual owner and director, or NIF for a corporate owner, if already issued
- Notarised and apostilled power of attorney, if a representative will sign for you
- A description of the business activity, for the bylaws and activity code (CNAE)
- Details of each beneficial owner: anyone who owns or controls more than 25%, or otherwise controls the company
- For a corporate owner: a registry certificate with an apostille under six months old, and the resolution approving the investment
- For the bank: recent proof of address, evidence of source of funds and an ownership chart
Spain questions
Can a foreigner open a company in Spain?
Yes. Company formation in Spain is open to foreign individuals and companies. They can own 100% of an SL and be its directors without living in Spain. Each foreign individual needs an NIE, and each foreign company needs an NIF. Investors from outside the EU and EFTA need prior government approval to take 10% or more of a company in a strategic sector, or control of it.
Do I need to travel to Spain to set up an SL?
Usually not. Each NIE can be requested at a Spanish consulate where you live, or in Spain by a representative holding your apostilled power of attorney. The deed can be signed under that power of attorney or online, although the notary may ask for one in-person appearance. Some banks ask the account signatory to visit a branch, so we plan for one short trip if needed.
What is the minimum share capital for an SL in Spain?
EUR 1, fully paid, since Law 18/2022 (Crea y Crece). While capital is below EUR 3,000, at least 20% of each year's profit must go to a legal reserve until reserve and capital reach EUR 3,000. If the company is liquidated and cannot pay its debts, shareholders are jointly liable for the difference between its capital and EUR 3,000. An SA needs EUR 60,000.
What corporate tax does a new company pay in Spain?
15%, if it qualifies, instead of the general 25%. A new company pays 15% in its first profitable tax period and the next one. Group and asset-holding companies, and businesses continuing a related party's activity, are excluded. Other companies with prior-year turnover under EUR 1 million, except asset-holding ones, pay 19% on the first EUR 50,000 and 21% on the rest in 2026, then 17% and 20% from 2027.
Is there a VAT registration threshold in Spain?
No. Spain does not use the optional EU small-business VAT exemption, so a company charges VAT (IVA) from its first taxable sale: 21% standard, or 10% or 4% reduced. To trade with businesses in other EU countries, it applies to join the intra-EU operators register (ROI) for a VIES-listed VAT number. The Canary Islands use IGIC, and Ceuta and Melilla use IPSI, instead.
How long does it take to set up a company in Spain?
About 6 to 8 weeks by the ordinary procedure, according to ICEX, Spain's investment agency. Getting NIEs through a consulate can add time. Once the deed is filed, the registry normally has 15 days to register the company, or 6 business hours on the online route with standard bylaws. Opening an account at a traditional bank commonly takes 4 to 8 weeks for a foreign-owned company, by industry estimates.
Can you help me move to Spain as an entrepreneur?
Yes. We help non-EU founders apply for Spain's entrepreneur residence permit alongside the company formation. The application needs a favourable report from ENISA on your business plan, so we prepare the plan and documents with you. If you work remotely for companies outside Spain, the digital nomad visa may suit you better, and we check which route fits on the first call.
Can I still get a golden visa in Spain?
No. Spain abolished its investor (golden) visa from 3 April 2025. Applications filed before that date are processed under the old rules, and existing permits can still be renewed. Non-EU founders who want to live in Spain need another permit, such as the entrepreneur residence permit, which needs a favourable ENISA report on your business plan. We help with that application. For residence by investment elsewhere in the EU, we help with options such as the Greek golden visa.
Sources: Agencia Tributaria: corporate tax rates, including the 15% for new companies (in Spanish), BOE: Spanish Companies Act (Ley de Sociedades de Capital, in Spanish), ICEX-Invest in Spain: Guide to Business in Spain 2026, chapter 2, Spanish government (ONE): abolition of the investor visa.
Open a company in Spain with us
Book a call. We will confirm how to get your NIEs, plan the notary and bank steps and send a written quote.