Why Spain Is Strategic for Ship Repair Businesses
Spain’s extensive coastline, active ports (Barcelona, Valencia, Algeciras), and shipping traffic from Europe, Africa, and Latin America make it a prime location for ship repair and maintenance services.
Whether you’re a marine engineer, logistics investor, or industrial entrepreneur, setting up a ship repair business in Spain offers high demand, international clientele, and steady growth—especially in dry docking, mechanical repairs, retrofits, and inspections.
🧾 Choose a Legal Business Structure
For most investors, these are the common structures:
✅ Sociedad Limitada (SL)
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Limited liability company
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Suitable for SMEs or mid-sized operators
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Requires €3,000 minimum share capital
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Corporate tax rate: 25%
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Can include foreign shareholders and directors
✅ Sociedad Anónima (SA)
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Used for large-scale operations with high capital
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Minimum capital: €60,000
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Ideal for operating in multiple ports or offering high-volume dry dock services
📌 Foreign founders need an NIE (Foreigner ID Number) to register a business.
⚓ Sector-Specific Licensing & Approvals
To legally operate, you must comply with maritime regulations from both national and port authorities:
Port Authority Concessions
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Apply for concession rights in specific port zones (public domain areas)
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Governed by Puertos del Estado or Autoridad Portuaria
Environmental & Industrial Permits
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Waste management and hazardous materials approval
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Compliance with IMO standards and Spanish environmental law
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Licenses for dry dock operations, engine repairs, and fuel systems
Technical Certifications
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ISO 9001, ISO 14001 (recommended)
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Register as an authorized marine repair entity if dealing with ship class inspections
📌 Every activity (painting, welding, engine work) must be covered under your activity license.
👷 Hiring Technical Personnel
Spain requires certified professionals to perform specific marine services:
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Naval engineers, welders, and electricians must have recognized qualifications
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Foreign technicians must get professional equivalence
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All staff must undergo health and safety training (Prevención de Riesgos Laborales)
💡 We help you draft employment contracts, register workers, and stay compliant with labor laws.
💶 Taxation and Accounting
Your company will be subject to:
| Tax Type | Rate / Obligation |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 25% standard on profits |
| VAT (IVA) | 21% unless exempt under international vessel status |
| Port Fees & Charges | Variable based on concession, space, and utilities |
| Environmental Fees | Based on emissions and waste handling |
Annual financials must be submitted to the Spanish Mercantile Registry.
📜 Insurance and Risk Management
Marine businesses are exposed to risk. You must hold:
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Civil liability insurance
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Marine equipment coverage
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Environmental damage liability
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Employee accident insurance
🌍 International Investors: Key Points
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100% foreign ownership allowed
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Remote company formation possible via power of attorney
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Eligible for entrepreneur visas or investment residence permits
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Strategic locations: Barcelona, Cádiz, Algeciras, Vigo, Las Palmas
💬 Case Study: Rotterdam Marine Services in Málaga
A Dutch marine repair group expanded into Málaga with a small dry dock concession and a five-person team. We helped:
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Set up an SL
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Secure the port concession
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Draft environmental and labor compliance documentation
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Register technical staff
They were fully operational within 10 weeks.
🚀 Let’s Launch Your Marine Repair Venture
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide you through every step—from port negotiation to hiring, licensing, and corporate law.
✅ Full setup of ship maintenance businesses
✅ Legal review of port concession contracts
✅ Labor, tax, and compliance support
✅ Bilingual legal services for EU and non-EU investors