1. 🏢 What Is a Registered Office in Spain?
A registered office (domicilio social) is the legal headquarters of your company in Spain.
This address is:
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Listed in the company deed and Mercantile Registry
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Used by tax authorities and courts for notifications
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Where your corporate records must be available (unless outsourced)
Even if you work remotely, you still need a physical address in Spain to register your company.
2. 📌 Can Foreigners Use a Virtual Address in Barcelona?
Yes — foreigners can use a virtual address or coworking space as the registered office, as long as:
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The provider allows legal domiciliation
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You can receive postal mail and notifications
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The address is located in Spain (Barcelona province)
These are often called “domicilio fiscal” services. They’re legal if declared properly and accepted by the Spanish tax agency.
3. 🧾 Requirements for a Registered Office
Whether it’s a real or virtual address, it must:
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Be in Spain (not abroad)
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Be declared in your Deed of Incorporation
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Be available to receive tax and court notifications
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Be updated with Agencia Tributaria if it changes
You’ll also need to sign a legal rental or service contract if the office is not owned by the company.
4. 🏠 What Types of Addresses Are Allowed?
| Type | Legal for Registered Office? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your personal home in Spain | ✅ Yes (if permitted by lease and HOA) | Must notify tax office |
| Rented office space | ✅ Yes | Most flexible |
| Coworking space | ✅ Yes | Must include mail reception |
| Virtual office service | ✅ Yes | Must provide formal agreement and fiscal authorization |
| Address abroad | ❌ No | Not permitted for Spanish companies |
5. 🔄 What If You Change Your Office Later?
You must:
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Sign a resolution (acta) to change the office
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Update your company statutes if it’s in another municipality
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Submit changes to the Mercantile Registry
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Inform the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) via Modelo 036
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Update your digital certificate and bank details if needed
This process typically requires legal support and notarial certification.
6. ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Using a non-authorized virtual office
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❌ Failing to notify the tax agency of an address change
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❌ Listing a PO box or foreign address
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❌ Not having a contract for the registered address
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❌ Not updating the company deed/statutes when required
These mistakes can lead to penalties or invalidation of official communications.
7. 👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We assist with:
✔ Legally acceptable virtual office solutions in Barcelona
✔ Lease reviews and domiciliation contracts
✔ Notarial deed preparation and company updates
✔ Registry filings and tax authority notifications
✔ Digital certificate updates and company records compliance
Contact us today to set up or change your registered office in Barcelona — legally, efficiently, and with full confidence.