Overview: Repair of Transport Equipment in Spain
Spain’s logistics and automotive sectors create a strong demand for repair services of transport equipment—from trucks and vans to industrial machinery, trains, or maritime vessels. If you’re an entrepreneur or foreign investor, setting up this kind of business in Spain offers both domestic and EU-wide opportunities.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help you legally establish and operate a repair business in this regulated sector, ensuring you meet all technical, labor, and environmental obligations.
🧾 Legal Structure Options
Most clients choose one of these forms:
✅ Sociedad Limitada (SL)
-
Most common for SMEs
-
Limited liability for owners
-
Minimum share capital: €3,000
-
Taxed at corporate rate (25%)
✅ Sole Trader (Autónomo)
-
Ideal for individual mechanics or small garages
-
Quick to set up
-
Unlimited personal liability
📌 Foreign nationals must first obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).
🏗️ Licensing & Sectoral Compliance
Operating in this sector typically requires:
-
Workshop license (Licencia de actividad de taller) from the local town hall
-
Compliance with safety, noise, and waste disposal regulations
-
Certification under UNE 66926 if working on certain industrial or rail components
-
Registration with DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) for vehicle-related work
-
Authorization from Maritime or Railway authorities, if working on naval or rail transport units
⚠️ Environmental impact checks are often required for paint booths, oil storage, or emissions.
🧑🔧 Labor & Technical Requirements
-
Certified mechanics or technicians
-
Compliance with labor laws, contracts, and collective agreements
-
Social security registration for employees
-
Occupational risk prevention training (Prevención de Riesgos Laborales)
💡 We assist with employment contracts, payroll setup, and occupational compliance.
📊 Tax & Accounting Overview
Your business must comply with:
| Obligation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 25% flat rate on profits (for SL) |
| VAT (IVA) | 21% standard rate (if applicable) |
| Quarterly Tax Returns | Corporate and VAT declarations |
| Annual Reports | Filed with Tax Agency and Mercantile Registry |
📌 Special tax schemes may apply if operating in small towns or under certain investment programs.
🧾 Additional Registration & Insurance
-
Register with Social Security and Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria)
-
Obtain civil liability insurance and property damage insurance
-
If handling vehicles, maintain motor insurance for testing or delivery
🌍 Foreign Investors: Key Considerations
-
You can set up the company remotely with a power of attorney
-
Spanish or EU technical staff may be required depending on specialization
-
Investment visas may be available if significant capital or job creation is involved
💬 Example: EU Investor Repair Workshop
A Polish investor opened a small vehicle repair business in Valencia focused on delivery vans. We secured all licensing, helped hire certified Spanish mechanics, and established an SL with VAT registration—all in under 5 weeks.
🚀 Launch with Legal Confidence
Starting a transport equipment repair business in Spain involves technical, municipal, and corporate law. With Borderless Lawyers, you’ll receive end-to-end support:
-
✅ Company formation
-
✅ Licensing and compliance
-
✅ Tax and labor law assistance
-
✅ Contracts and commercial guidance