Why Trade in Spain?
Spain offers an attractive environment for traders and investors due to:
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🌍 Its strategic position in Europe
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💶 Access to the Eurozone market
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🚚 Strong infrastructure for logistics and exports
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👨💼 Business-friendly policies for foreign traders
Whether you’re planning to open a physical store, run an online trading platform, or expand your import/export activities, Spain provides a stable and profitable legal environment.
🏢 Legal Structures for Trading Businesses in Spain
To operate a trading business, you must choose a legal entity. Common options include:
1. Sole Trader (Autónomo)
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👤 Simple to register
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💼 Full personal liability
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📈 Ideal for small traders or freelancers
2. SL – Sociedad Limitada (Limited Liability Company)
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🔐 Limited liability
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💰 Minimum capital: €1 (recommended: €3,000)
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🧾 Requires incorporation via Notary & Registry
3. Branch or Subsidiary of a Foreign Company
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🌐 Best for international groups expanding into Spain
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🔍 Subject to local registration and compliance
📃 Licenses and Permits for Trading
Depending on your trading activity, you may need:
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🏬 Retail license (for brick-and-mortar stores)
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🧾 Import/export license for cross-border commerce
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🌐 E-commerce registration with local tax and data protection authorities
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🧼 Sanitary or health permits (for food, cosmetics, etc.)
💡 Tip: Not all goods require a license, but some (e.g., medical products, tobacco, or alcohol) are highly regulated.
🌍 Import and Export Regulations in Spain
Spain is part of the EU customs union, meaning:
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✅ No customs duties within the EU
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🛃 Goods from outside the EU must pass customs clearance
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🔢 Importers must have an EORI number
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🧾 VAT and tariff codes (CN codes) apply to non-EU imports
Popular trade sectors include:
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🛍️ Fashion and consumer goods
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🍷 Wine and agricultural products
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💻 Electronics and technology
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🧴 Health and cosmetics
💰 Taxation of Trading Companies
Spanish trading entities are subject to:
| Tax Type | Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax (IS) | 25% (standard) |
| VAT (IVA) | 21% standard / 10% or 4% reduced |
| Import Duties | Vary based on country of origin/product |
| Withholding Tax | Applies to certain cross-border payments |
📌 Traders must register for VAT (IVA) and file regular returns (monthly or quarterly).
📦 Warehousing, Logistics, and Trade Operations
Spain’s major logistics hubs include:
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🚢 Port of Barcelona and Valencia for maritime trade
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🚛 Madrid and Zaragoza for road and rail distribution
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✈️ Madrid Barajas for air freight
You can partner with:
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Third-party logistics providers (3PL)
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Customs agents
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Freight forwarders for international trading
🛠️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps with Trading in Spain
Our team offers:
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✅ Legal advice on trading regulations
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🧾 Company registration and VAT setup
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🌍 EORI, import/export, and customs documentation
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📑 Drafting commercial contracts and terms
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🧮 Accounting and tax compliance for traders
🚀 Ready to Start Trading in Spain?
Spain welcomes entrepreneurs and investors looking to build long-term trade operations — but regulatory compliance is key.
📞 Let Borderless Lawyers guide your trading journey. From company formation to licensing and tax, we’re your reliable partner in Spain.