Company registration in Spain
Direct access to the EU and Schengen market with over 450 million consumers
- 100% foreign business ownership
- Flexible tax system
- European bank account opened within 48 hours
- Turnkey company setup
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
About the program
Opening a company in Spain provides a strategic tool for entering European markets and optimizing international business. Foreign entrepreneurs are offered opportunities to establish enterprises or open corporate branches for effective asset management.
The Spanish jurisdiction ensures direct access to the EU Single Market, double taxation treaties with 94 countries, and a modern banking infrastructure. Minimal share capital requirements (from EUR 1) and no restrictions for non-residents make Spain a reliable platform for international business.
- Tax on dividends, profits, and capital gains: 19–30%
- Corporate tax: 15–25%
- Company registration time: from 1 week
- Office requirements: virtual or physical office
- Currency restrictions: none
Types of companies and key features
Company registration in Spain — establish a legal entity with a strong European reputation to conduct business within the EU and beyond.
Sociedad Limitada (SL)
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The most popular form for small and medium-sized enterprises. Limited liability of shareholders within their contributions. Suitable for operational activities and holding structures.
- 100% foreign ownership
Full control without local partners since 2021.
- Minimum capital EUR 1
Reduced requirements for new companies as of 2025.
- Tax incentives
15% corporate tax for the first two profitable years.
- Simplified reporting
Minimal requirements for companies with turnover up to EUR 10 million.
Sociedad Anónima (SA)
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A joint-stock company for large businesses and investment projects. Allows public listing of shares and access to stock markets.
- Capital EUR 60,000
Minimum share capital required.
- Free transfer of shares
No restrictions on share sales.
- Corporate governance
Board of directors with at least 3 members.
- Access to financing
Capital raising through bond issuance.
Branch Office
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A representative office of a foreign company without creating a separate legal entity. Operates directly under the parent company.
- No capital requirements
No share capital contribution needed.
- Unified structure
Operate under the parent company’s brand.
- Full control
Direct management from headquarters.
- Tax optimization
Application of Spain’s double taxation treaties.
Holding Company
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A structure for managing international assets and optimizing group taxation.
- Tax exemptions
No tax on dividends and capital gains.
- Asset protection
Separation of operational risks across entities.
- International planning
Use of Spain’s tax treaty network.
- Confidentiality
Protection of ultimate beneficial owner information.
How to choose a corporate structure for business in Spain: SL, SA, Branch Office
- Which business entity in Spain is right for you
- Documents required to start a company in Spain
- Updated business registration rules for 2025
How to choose a corporate structure for business in Spain: SL, SA, Branch Office
Step-by-step process to company registration
Step-by-step process to company registration
Andris Kaushelis
General Manager
Initial planning and structure selection
To open a company in Spain, corporate lawyers Mirsatori conduct a thorough analysis of your business priorities, select the most suitable legal form (e.g., SL, SA, or Branch Office), and create an effective tax model tailored to your international operations.
Get a consultationObtaining NIE for founders and directors
Obtaining a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) is a mandatory requirement for all non-residents. The procedure is carried out at the Spanish consulate or police station.
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Reserving a unique company name
Verification and registration of the company name in the Central Commercial Registry (Registro Mercantil Central). The certificate is valid for 6 months to complete the registration process.
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Opening a corporate bank account and depositing capital
Lawyers Mirsatori arrange the opening of an account in a Spanish bank (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank) and the deposit of the minimum capital. A bank certificate is required for notarization of the company.
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Notarization and registration
With the support of specialists Mirsatori, the articles of association are signed before a notary and registered in the Commercial Registry, the final CIF (company tax number) is obtained and business activities commence.
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A Spanish company is your gateway to global expansion
Registering a business in Spain provides access to the European Single Market and banking systems. With the license, you also receive:
- Personal and corporate residency visas
- Opportunities to optimize your tax structure
- A reliable system for protecting and growing capital
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Spanish market
A Mirsatori specialist will prepare a tailored company registration plan based on your goals, business scale, and ownership type. The strategy will include:
- Selection of the optimal business form
- Capital requirements and types of activity
- Timelines and costs at each stage
- Opportunities for obtaining residency
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Spanish market
Advantages of registering a company in Spain
Access to the European market
A Spanish company provides seamless access to the EU Single Market with 450 million consumers, as well as the free movement of goods, services, and capital.
Tax efficiency for new companies
Preferential corporate tax rate of 15% for new companies during the first two profitable years, with progressive reduction for SMEs to 20% by 2029.
International banking infrastructure
Access to a developed banking system, SEPA payments, unrestricted international transfers, and corporate credit facilities.
Investment and asset protection
Spain has investment protection agreements with 70 countries, offering legal guarantees and safeguarding capital from confiscation.
Reputation of a developed jurisdiction
Spain is not classified as a high-tax-risk jurisdiction, complies with OECD standards, and ensures transparency for international business.
Access to skilled workforce
Highly educated labor force, English proficiency in business environments, and competitive personnel costs compared to Northern Europe.
Strategic location
A link between Europe, Latin America, and North Africa, with advanced logistics infrastructure and the largest ports in the Mediterranean.
Digitalization and innovation
Government support for startups, R&D tax incentives up to 42%, advanced IT infrastructure, and technology hubs in Barcelona and Madrid.
Company registration: comparative analysis
Category
Spain
France
The UAE
Montenegro
Minimum share capital
EUR 1
EUR 1
USD 0
EUR 1
VAT
from 4%
from 5%
5%
21%
100% foreign ownership
yes
yes
yes
yes
Audit
yes
yes
yes
yes
Corporate tax
from 15%
from 15%
from 0%
9%
Personal income tax
from 0%
from 0%
0%
from 9%
Dividend tax
from 19%
30%
0%
15%
Double tax treaties countries
110+
110+
130+
50
Currency control
no
no
no
yes
Company registration: alternative programs
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
France
Cost
from EUR 20,000
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Access to the European Union market
- Protection of intellectual property rights
- Eligibility for residency
The UAE
Cost
from USD 10,000
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Tax optimization and access to new markets
- Residency for family members
- Full business ownership in a free zone
Montenegro
Cost
from EUR 2,000
Processing time
from 2 weeks
Benefits
Learn more
- Low share capital requirements
- Tax optimization benefits
- Access to the European Union market
FAQ
What is the minimum capital required to register a company in Spain?
Starting from 2025, the minimum share capital for an SL is EUR 1, and for an SA, it is EUR 60,000. Branch offices do not require share capital. For SLs with capital under EUR 3,000, additional reserve requirements apply (at least 20% of net profit annually).
Can foreigners own 100% of a Spanish company?
Yes, since 2021 full foreign ownership is allowed for most sectors. Restrictions remain only for strategic industries: defense, telecommunications, and aviation.
How long does company registration take?
An SL can be registered in as little as 7 days with all documents ready, while an SA takes 10–15 days. Opening a bank account requires an additional 2–5 days.
What taxes do companies pay in Spain in 2025?
The standard corporate tax rate is 25%. New companies benefit from a 15% rate for the first two profitable years. Small and medium-sized enterprises with turnover up to EUR 10 million pay 24%.
Is physical presence required to manage the company?
Physical presence is not required. Management can be conducted remotely through authorized representatives. For tax residency, presence in Spain for more than 183 days per year is required.
What documents are needed to open a corporate bank account?
Founders’ NIE, company articles of association, registry certificate, company CIF, and proof of address. Large banks may also request a business plan and source of funds.
Can you obtain residency through company registration?
Registering a company or sole proprietorship does not automatically grant residency. An entrepreneur visa or investor visa is required. The Golden Visa program via real estate has been closed since April 2025.
What are the requirements for accounting and reporting?
Annual accounts must be filed within 3 months after the end of the financial year. Companies with turnover over EUR 6 million require an audit. Quarterly VAT and corporate tax prepayments are mandatory.
Get expert guidance on your case
Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals.
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