Company incorporation for foreigners in Spain
Entrepreneurship without Borders: Guide to Starting a Business in Spain as a Foreigner
- Get the necessary documentation for registration in the Mercantile Registry.
- Advice on obtaining licenses, complying with labor and safety regulations.
- Receive tax support for the taxes you are required to file.
We would be happy to help you with all your procedures
Discover the benefits of hiring our services
Personalized
Advice
You can contact your agent at any time to solve any doubts related to your procedures.
Everything is
Online
You don't even need to leave your home to successfully complete the procedures you want.
No more
confusion
We remove the need to deal with all the complicated paperwork and guide you through every step of the process.
All-inclusive
pricing
There will be no surprises. The prices you see are the final prices.
How to start a business in Spain as a foreigner?
This is a step-by-step process of everything you need to do to start a business in Spain as a foreigner.
Tax Residency
Determining the tax residency of the foreign investor is the initial step, for example, if a foreigner resides in Spain for more than 183 days a year, they will be considered as tax resident and will be taxed on their global income. This directly affects the taxation of the company, since Spanish tax regulations must be complied with. In addition, an identity document must be obtained, such as the NIE, or the CUE and the certification of tax residence in Spain.
Company Registration
The next step is to formalize the creation of the company. An incorporation contract is required, which must be notarized in a notarial deed. In addition, the tax identification of the foreign partners and, in some cases, the designation of a legal representative must be provided. This process involves registering the company with the Mercantile Registry, presenting the Form 036 and Form 037 to declare economic activities and business location, and obtain the digital certificate to facilitate online procedures. In addition, it is necessary to register with the Social Security.
Necessary Documentation
-Write the Bylaws, detailing key aspects such as capital stock.
-Opening a bank account for the deposit of the capital stock and obtaining the corresponding Bank Certificate.
-You must select the appropriate economic activity epigraph, and obtain the NIF.
Additional information to take into account:
- Companies must follow the General Accounting Plan. Expenses and income are accounted for on a Devengo basis. The most relevant expenses may include salaries and social security, office rent, representation expenses, and advertising. As for income, sales of goods or services are recorded.
- Companies created by foreigners are generally subject to the general tax regime. However, some specific activities, such as agriculture, may opt for special regimes.
- Companies must follow Spanish labor regulations. This includes payroll tax withholding and Social Security contributions. It is important to consider the bonuses available for new contracts.
- Occupational safety is a priority. Companies must comply with occupational risk prevention regulations and ensure a safe working environment.
If you start a business in Spain as a foreigner, these are the taxes you must take into account:
- Corporate Tax: The standard rate of corporate tax is 25%. However, there are tax benefits for new companies, such as a 15% reduction in the first three years. Through the Form 200 this tax is declared and must be filed annually before July 25 of the year following the tax year. Not all companies are obliged; those with a turnover of less than 8 million euros may file Form 220.
- VAT (Value Added Tax): In Spain, VAT rates vary. For example, the general rate is 21%, but some goods and services have reduced or super-reduced rates. A company must apply the correct rates and comply with the invoicing rules. The Form 303 is used to file quarterly returns, with filing dates in April, July, October and January of the following year.
- Tax on Economic Activities (IAE): The classification of activities is made through the IAE. For companies created by foreigners, the headings may vary according to the activity.
- Withholdings: Let's suppose that a company hires a foreign supplier, it must withhold a percentage (for example, 24%) of the payments made. This withholding is paid on account of the supplier's tax. Failure to comply with these withholdings may result in penalties.
- If a foreigner has income in Spain and their country of origin, the double taxation agreements avoid double taxation. For example, a treaty may provide that income is taxed only in the taxpayer's country of residence, avoiding double taxation.
What are the deductions, aids, or subsidies when starting a business in Spain as a foreigner?
- Deductions: Tax deductions and benefits are available to encourage investment. For example, the I+D deduction can be applied to expenses related to research and development. In addition, there are regional benefits that vary depending on the location of the company.
- Aids: In some regions, there are grants and subsidy programs for foreign companies. These may include financial support, counseling, and training. Each program has specific requirements and application deadlines.
Schedule a free consultation with our specialist
Hire It Now!
Company Incorporation
We help you set up your company-
Incorporation of a Limited Company (SL)
-
Company Name Certificate
-
Bank certificate of deposit of the capital stock
-
Bylaws of the Limited Company
-
Coordination with the Notary
-
Registration of IAE with the Tax Agency (AEAT)
-
Digital Certificates of legal and natural persons.
-
Deed of incorporation in the Mercantile Registry. Value € 100 * (additional)
Monthly Consulting for SMEs
Basic
Perfect if you are starting-
Register up to 30 invoices (total, of income and expenses).
-
Registration as a corporate self-employed ("autónomo societario")
-
Census registration / deregistration.
-
Filing of all your SME's taxes**
-
Personal account manager with unlimited advice.
-
Management of your notifications.
-
Online follow-up.
-
We will take care of transferring and reviewing the information from your old accountant.
**It does not include the Income Tax Return (Form 100) but as our client you'll get a discount.
Gold
Perfect for the most active-
Register up to 60 invoices (total, of income and expenses).
-
Registration as a corporate self-employed ("autónomo societario")
-
Census registration / deregistration.
-
Filing of all your SME's taxes**
-
Personal account manager with unlimited advice.
-
Management of your notifications.
-
Online follow-up.
-
We will take care of transferring and reviewing the information from your old accountant.
**It does not include the Income Tax Return (Form 100) but as our client you'll get a discount.
Complementary Services
That can be useful for you
Labor
Management
Your employees up to date
-
Check out all the features of this plan in our FAQ section.
** The value of the service depends on the number of payrolls: €12 per additional payroll.
Here's What Our Clients Say About Us
JodyD19/03/2024I'm really happy with the service provided. I appreciate the regular reminders to submit what is needed and the friendly and helpful service. Daniela Gonzalez has gone above and beyond to help me, such as finding ways to get receipts for tap and go payments for transport in London.Vanessa Jakubowski19/03/2024Please don't trust this company. They have made a big mistake with my taxes and I have lost the right to a flat rate which means I will be charged 3 x as much per month for being autonomo as I should be. Haven't responded at all to my complaint, no apology no justification nothing. Please use a legit Spanish company like Vilar & associates who are not trying to resolve this issue for me. Don't waste your money. *update* I have just found just found out I am in debt of over 3000 euros to the government because of this company's incompetence. I have contacted them with my complain but of course no response. Having just had a baby and on maternity leave until recently, now finding out I owe this and I paid this company to sort these issues for me but they have well and truly dropped me in the ***. will be taking legal action.Amy Granquist14/03/2024Louis was wonderful. He is very detailed and attentive. He answered all of our questions. We really appreciated the time he spent with us. Thanks Louis!!!!Nathaly13/03/2024Hoy tuvimos nuestra primera consulta informativa con Tatiana sobre impuestos y nos pareció buenísima. Entendió todas las dudas y respondió con claridad, base y al grano, tal que la llamada rindió y nos dejó muy buena impresión de esta gestoría.Being Virtual11/03/2024Mala la atención. Pague por una consulta de 1 hora con una abogada del equipo la cual me despachó a los 30 minutos. Me hizo seguimiento los días posteriores para que pague el trámite sin darme ningún tipo de pasos a seguir. No los contraten, no dejen sus trámites importantes en este tipo de personas.Eq11/03/2024PÉSIMO SERVICIO, TENGAN CUIDADO!!!!!!!!!!!! absténganse de utilizarlo. Poco profesional , los abogados están más interesados en cobrar el servicio más alto así no sea el indicado , ni posible . Ofrecen un 98% de éxito para cerrar la venta y a la hora de la verdad cuando es hora de entregar resultados se desaparecen. MUY POCO PROFESIONALES. Estoy segura que si hacen un poco de research encuentran un lugar mejor, funcionan como un software y no como un bufete de abogados responsables.Isabella Bernal11/03/2024POR FAVOR No los utilicen! Se van a arrepentir y sus procesos migratorios no saldrán bien. Es un muy mal servicio. En mi caso me ofrecieron un servicio que no era acorde an mis necesidades solo porque el valor era superior . Pedí un reembolso y no han sido capaces de reembolsar el dinero. Tampoco completaron el servicio.Ivan Rabotyga29/02/2024Very professional guys! Highly recommend! They are not only attentive, helpful, precise, knowledgeable, responsible and responsive, but also care about your expenses and can suggest you several options describing in great detail how you can do things yourself.Cathy Awatere23/02/2024Excellent service, easy to deal with, clear instructions and friendly staff. Would highly recommend. Very professional and trustworthyLinda Viksne22/02/2024Absolutely horrible. All they had to do was fill out a simple modelo 030, they took FOREVER and messed up 3 times and now the person is in a worse place than where he started. This is so shameful. AVOID!
FAQ
General Info
It is possible to start a business in Spain as a foreigner without being a tax resident. The process consists of obtaining the NIE and continuing with the conventional steps mentioned above for the incorporation of a company. In addition, the Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty (ITP-AJD) must be paid.
If you are the employer and you wish to hire foreigners in Spain, you must obtain the identification document, register with the Social Security and comply with labor and tax obligations.
If you are a worker or employee, you must provide a passport, a copy of the employment contract, a medical certificate, a criminal record certificate, a residence and work authorization, and a completed form with a photograph.
Yes, it is necessary to have a physical address in Spain to register the company. It can be a physical or virtual office, but a legally recognized location is required. This is commonly associated with the fiscal address of the company.
Process
Included services:
- Incorporation of a Limited Company (SL), must provide a share capital of 3,000 euros.
- Obtaining the Certificate of Company Name in the Central Mercantile Registry.
- Coordination for obtaining the Bank Certificate of deposit of the share capital.
- Preparation and revision of the Bylaws of the Limited Company.
- Coordination with the notary’s office for the preparation of the deed of incorporation (notary fees are NOT included in our fees. They may vary depending on the city)
- IAT declaration to the Tax Agency (AEAT).
- Registration of the deed of incorporation in the Commercial Registry (registration fee NOT included – 100 € + VAT).
- Procedures for obtaining the Digital Certificate of Legal Person.
Services not included: Notary fees, registration in the Mercantile Registry. Apostilles and/or sworn translations are not included if necessary.
Within a maximum period of one working day we will contact you to indicate the documentation or data we need to provide the service.
The advisor or lawyer assigned to you will contact you directly to start the management process.
Payment
The prices you see in our price section are the final prices (+ 21% VAT to be applied).
Take a look at our terms and conditions.
Yes, you can request the cancellation of the service as long as your agent has NOT started to process your documentation to initiate the procedure. The money will be refunded to your card in less than 14 days.
Take a look at our terms and conditions.
Our
Team
You will always have personalized treatment and direct contact with your agent. You will be able to communicate at any time (as long as it is working hours and about the services you have contracted) by email or telephone, whichever is more convenient for you.
Do you need more information?
We want to listen to you and know what your doubts are or what you need in relation to our services. Count on the advice of our experts to clarify all your doubts.
Fill out our contact form, write us to [email protected] o call us, and we will contact you as soon as possible.