🇪🇸 Can Foreigners Start a Business in Valencia?
Yes — both EU and non-EU citizens can legally start a business in Valencia, either by:
✅ Creating a limited liability company (SL)
✅ Registering as a freelancer (autónomo)
✅ Opening a branch or subsidiary of a foreign company
📌 Valencia is a business-friendly city with growing interest from expats, remote founders, and digital nomads.
🏢 Company Types in Spain (for Foreigners)
| Entity Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sociedad Limitada (SL) | Most businesses | Limited liability, scalable, corporate tax |
| Autónomo (Freelancer) | Solo professionals | Easy to start, fewer formalities |
| Subsidiary/Branch | International firms | Parent company retains control, requires rep office |
Most foreigners choose the SL model for liability protection and credibility.
📝 Requirements to Open a Company in Valencia
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NIE (Foreigner ID Number) – Required for all shareholders
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Company Name Certificate – Requested from the Mercantile Registry
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Spanish Tax ID (CIF) – Issued during formation
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Share Capital (€3,000) – Deposited into a Spanish business account
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Company Bylaws – Must be notarized
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Corporate Address in Valencia – Required (physical or virtual)
We handle the full SL formation process on your behalf, including digital filings and bank coordination.
🏦 Can I Open a Company Remotely?
Yes — you can open a business in Valencia without being in Spain by granting a Power of Attorney (POA) to a lawyer.
✅ We complete the process at the notary, bank, and tax office
✅ All documents can be legalized via Apostille or consulate
✅ You receive your CIF and can operate immediately
🧑💼 Steps to Register as a Freelancer in Valencia
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Get your NIE
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Register with Agencia Tributaria via Modelo 037
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Sign up with Social Security (TGSS)
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Choose tax regime (IRPF + VAT, quarterly)
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Issue compliant Spanish invoices
Freelancers in Valencia are legally self-employed and taxed on net income.
🧾 Taxes You’ll Need to Pay
| Tax Type | Applies To | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax (25%) | SL companies | Annually (Modelo 200) |
| Income tax (IRPF) | Freelancers | Quarterly (Modelo 130) |
| VAT (IVA 21%) | Both, if applicable | Quarterly (Modelo 303) |
| Withholdings | Employers or contractors | Quarterly (Modelo 111) |
| IAE (local tax) | >€1M turnover or fixed premises | Annually |
We handle all Modelo filings and local registrations in Valencia.
📍 Why Choose Valencia for Your Business?
✅ Lower startup and rental costs than Madrid/Barcelona
✅ Excellent infrastructure and digital connectivity
✅ Strong pool of bilingual professionals
✅ Attractive lifestyle and cost of living
✅ Growing international community and startup hubs (Marina de Empresas, Lanzadera)
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
⛔ Starting without an NIE
⛔ Using unofficial translations or DIY templates
⛔ Ignoring VAT registration or Modelo filings
⛔ Mixing personal and company finances
⛔ Assuming English documents are valid in Spain (they’re not)
🧑💼 Our Business Formation Services in Valencia
Borderless Lawyers provides:
✅ Full SL company or freelancer setup
✅ NIE application support
✅ POA-based remote company formation
✅ Bank account opening coordination
✅ Ongoing tax and accounting compliance
📞 Ready to Start a Business in Valencia?
We help foreign founders set up legally, quickly, and stress-free — with complete legal representation and tax support.
👉 Contact us to open your business in Valencia today.