Looking to start a business in Spain? Discover everything you need to know about company formation in Spain in 2025 — quick, simple and online.
What Is CIRCE and How Does It Help with Company Formation in Spain?
CIRCE stands for the Centro de Información y Red de Creación de Empresas — a government platform launched by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. It is designed to simplify company formation in Spain by allowing entrepreneurs to set up businesses completely online.
CIRCE connects with the main public authorities — Tax Agency, Social Security, Commercial Registries, notaries and regional governments — to process all necessary steps for starting a business in a single digital procedure.
Types of Companies You Can Create Through CIRCE
The CIRCE platform allows for the formation of several business structures:
- Sole trader (autónomo)
- Limited liability company (Sociedad Limitada – SL)
- Successive Formation SL (SLFS)
- New Enterprise SL (SLNE)
- Civil partnership (Sociedad Civil)
- Joint ownership (Comunidad de Bienes)
This makes CIRCE ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want a quick and paperless solution for company formation in Spain.
Step-by-Step: How CIRCE Works
To initiate the process, you’ll need to complete the Documento Único Electrónico (DUE), a centralised form used to communicate with all relevant public institutions.
Two ways to start:
- Via a PAE (Entrepreneur Support Office): Offers in-person guidance and fills out the DUE on your behalf.
- Online at the CIRCE Portal: If you have a digital certificate, you can complete the entire process from home.
Example: A freelancer starting a business in 2025 can submit the DUE online and be fully registered with the Tax Agency and Social Security — often in under 48 hours.
Benefits of Using CIRCE for Company Formation in Spain
- Fewer formalities: No need to visit multiple public offices.
- Time savings: The whole process is digital and centralised.
- Faster registration: Companies can be legally formed in as little as 1–3 business days.
- Real-time tracking: Monitor the status of your application online.
Whether you’re forming a sole proprietorship or a limited company, CIRCE offers a competitive edge by reducing red tape.
What Does CIRCE Handle for You?
Once the DUE is submitted, CIRCE manages the following on your behalf:
- Requests provisional tax ID (NIF) from the Spanish Tax Agency
- Files the census declaration (Form 036 or 037)
- Registers the self-employed or company with Social Security
- Coordinates the notarial signing of incorporation
- Arranges the payment of the Transfer Tax (ITP & AJD)
- Registers the company in the local Commercial Registry
All of these steps are handled electronically and synchronised across systems — no more endless paperwork or queues.
Requirements to Use CIRCE
To use CIRCE, make sure you meet the following:
- Have a digital certificate (if applying online)
- Choose an eligible legal structure (e.g., SL, autónomo)
- Comply with business law (minimum share capital, number of partners, etc.)
Note: Some processes may vary depending on your region. Always check your local regulations or use an official PAE for updated guidance.
FAQs About Company Formation in Spain
Is it free to register a company through CIRCE?
Yes, using CIRCE is free. However, notarial fees, taxes and Commercial Registry costs still apply.
Do I need legal advice to use CIRCE?
Not necessarily, but it’s highly recommended — especially for first-time entrepreneurs. At Entre Trámites, we offer expert support to make sure everything goes smoothly.
What’s the difference between using CIRCE and registering manually?
CIRCE centralises and automates the process. Doing it manually means visiting several institutions one by one — more time, more steps, more hassle.
Start Your Business in Spain the Smart Way
If you’re planning company formation in Spain, CIRCE is the most efficient way to register your business in 2025. Whether you’re a digital nomad, entrepreneur or freelancer, this platform streamlines the process and gives you full control over your setup — securely and online.
At Entre Trámites, we provide tailored assistance for foreigners and small business owners in Spain. We’ll guide you through every step — from legal setup to tax registration. You can also contact us directly through this contact Form for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation or write to us on WhatsApp.
