Launching a Business in Spain? Here’s What It Costs
Spain is a popular destination for entrepreneurs and foreign investors looking to enter the European market. But before you launch your company, it’s important to understand the real start-up costs, both legally required and operational.
At Borderless Lawyers, we support foreign founders, startups, and SMEs with transparent legal guidance and company formation services tailored to your budget and goals.
💰 Breakdown of Typical Start-Up Costs in Spain
Below is a general cost guide for setting up a private limited company (Sociedad Limitada – SL), the most common legal structure for new businesses in Spain.
🏦 1. Share Capital Deposit
💶 Cost: Minimum €3,000 (fully paid-in)
This is the legally required capital for an SL (limited company).
✔ Held in a Spanish bank account during setup
✔ Becomes part of the company’s working funds once formed
📑 2. Notary & Company Registration Fees
🧾 Cost: €600 – €1,200
Includes:
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Public deed of incorporation signed at a notary
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Registration at the Mercantile Registry
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Publication in the Official Gazette (BORME)
📌 Costs vary slightly by city and company structure.
🧑⚖️ 3. Legal & Advisory Fees
⚖️ Cost: €900 – €2,500+
We recommend professional legal help for:
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Drafting bylaws & shareholder agreements
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Choosing the right tax structure
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Company name reservation and digital certificate setup
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Registering with the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria)
At Borderless Lawyers, we offer fixed-fee startup packages designed for foreign founders.
🧾 4. Tax Registration & Accounting Setup
📊 Cost: €300 – €1,000 (initial); Ongoing: €100–€400/month
Includes:
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VAT (IVA) registration
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Corporate income tax setup (Impuesto de Sociedades)
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Digital signature registration
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Bookkeeping system launch
💡 Spanish accounting must be precise. We recommend professional support to avoid compliance issues.
👩💼 5. Hiring & Social Security Registration
💼 Cost: €150 – €400 (per employee onboarding)
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Registering as an employer
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Employee contract drafting
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Social security account setup
➡️ Social security contributions can be 30–35% of gross salary, paid by the employer.
🏢 6. Office or Virtual Address
📍 Cost: €25 – €1,000/month
Options include:
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Virtual office in Spain (basic mail and legal address)
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Coworking spaces
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Full commercial rentals for larger operations
A legal address in Spain is required for registration—even for foreign owners.
✈️ Additional Costs for Foreign Founders
If you’re a non-EU citizen, consider these extras:
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NIE (Foreign ID Number): €15–€100
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Startup Visa Legal Fees: €1,500–€3,000
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Translations & Apostilles: €100–€500
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Work permit/legalization if needed: Varies
🌍 Our team handles multilingual filings, visa planning, and notarized translations for international entrepreneurs.
💼 Total Estimated Start-Up Costs
| Item | Estimated Range (€) |
|---|---|
| Share Capital (SL) | 3,000 |
| Notary & Registry Fees | 600 – 1,200 |
| Legal & Incorporation Services | 900 – 2,500 |
| Tax & Accounting Setup | 300 – 1,000 |
| Virtual Office or Physical Address | 25 – 1,000/month |
| NIE & Foreign Document Processing | 150 – 600 |
| Total Estimated | €5,000 – €9,500+ |
📈 Costs vary depending on business type, city, and legal complexity.
🤝 Why Choose Borderless Lawyers?
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✅ Transparent startup packages (flat fees available)
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✅ Company setup + immigration support in one firm
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✅ Specialists in helping non-residents & foreign investors
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✅ Multilingual team: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, French
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✅ Legal presence in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga
🛡 What You Get with Our Start-Up Legal Package
🔷 Company formation & tax registration
🔷 Bylaws, director agreements, and notarial processing
🔷 NIE support for founders
🔷 VAT & accounting launch
🔷 Virtual address setup if needed
🔷 Legal compliance roadmap
📞 Ready to Start a Business in Spain?
Take the first step with confidence. At Borderless Lawyers, we help you move from idea to launch—legally and efficiently.