Why Start an E-Commerce Company in Spain?
Spain is one of Europe’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets, with millions of consumers shopping online. If you’re looking to start or expand a digital retail business, Spain offers:
-
A large, digitally savvy population
-
Access to the entire EU single market
-
Competitive logistics infrastructure
-
Favorable business structures for foreign entrepreneurs
Whether selling physical products, digital goods, or services—Spain is a strategic base for online commerce.
🏢 Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your E-Commerce Company in Spain
1. Choose the Legal Form
| Legal Form | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| S.L. (Sociedad Limitada) | Most e-commerce businesses | Minimum €1 capital, limited liability |
| Autónomo (Sole Trader) | Small-scale sellers | Easier to register, higher personal liability |
| Branch or Subsidiary | Foreign companies expanding into Spain | Parent-company ownership |
➡️ Most online entrepreneurs opt for the S.L. for legal protection and scalability.
2. Register Your Company
You’ll need to:
-
Obtain a NIE (Foreigners Identification Number)
-
Get a company name certificate from the Central Mercantile Registry
-
Draft and notarize the company bylaws
-
Open a Spanish bank account
-
Register with the Mercantile Registry and Tax Agency (AEAT)
📄 Borderless Lawyers can complete all registrations remotely if you’re abroad.
3. Get a Digital Certificate
A Certificado Digital is essential to interact with Spanish tax authorities and social security systems. This is mandatory for e-commerce companies managing online invoices and declarations.
4. Register for VAT (IVA)
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard VAT rate | 21% |
| Thresholds for B2C | None — all domestic and EU sales are taxable |
| OSS (One-Stop Shop) | For EU-wide B2C e-commerce VAT reporting |
You must include your CIF (Tax ID) on invoices and submit quarterly VAT returns.
📦 Logistics & Operations
🏠 Warehouse or Dropshipping?
-
Own warehouse: Requires physical premises and logistics management
-
Dropshipping: Avoids stock handling but limits control
-
Fulfillment partners (e.g., Amazon FBA, Correos Express): Efficient for scaling
🚚 Delivery Providers
Major courier services like SEUR, MRW, GLS, and Correos offer competitive shipping across Spain and Europe.
⚖️ Legal & Consumer Compliance
Spain has strict e-commerce laws protecting consumers. You must:
-
Comply with the E-Commerce Law (LSSI) and Consumer Protection Law
-
Display legal notices: terms of use, cookies, privacy, and returns policy
-
Offer 14-day return rights for most B2C transactions
-
Register with AEPD for data protection under GDPR
🛡️ Cookie banners and transparent checkout policies are mandatory.
💰 Taxation for E-Commerce in Spain
| Tax | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 25% | Reduced rates may apply for new businesses |
| VAT (IVA) | 21% standard | Certain products may have reduced rates |
| IRPF (for autónomos) | Progressive | Based on income brackets |
💼 E-commerce entrepreneurs must also submit quarterly and annual declarations.
🌍 Can Foreigners Open an E-Commerce Business in Spain?
Absolutely. Non-residents can create a Spanish company or operate through a branch or subsidiary. You will need:
-
A NIE (for individuals)
-
A NIF (for the company)
-
A local registered address and Spanish bank account
Borderless Lawyers supports full remote company formation and bank account setup.
🛠️ Our Services Include:
✅ NIE & NIF acquisition
✅ Company incorporation
✅ VAT and OSS registration
✅ E-commerce terms & conditions drafting
✅ Data protection compliance (GDPR & AEPD)
✅ Accounting and payroll support
💬 Real-World Example
Case: A U.S.-based fashion brand launched a Spanish S.L. for EU sales. We handled company formation, VAT registration, and fulfillment strategy. In under 6 weeks, they were fully operational and compliant.
📈 Ready to Launch Your Online Business in Spain?
Don’t navigate Spain’s legal and tax maze alone. At Borderless Lawyers, we help entrepreneurs and businesses build successful e-commerce operations in Spain—compliant, scalable, and secure.