1. 📋 What Is a Business License in Spain?
A business license (licencia de actividad) is a municipal permit that allows you to legally operate a business from a specific location in Barcelona.
It’s required for commercial premises like:
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Offices
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Retail stores
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Cafés and restaurants
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Gyms or clinics
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Warehouses or factories
Even if you operate from home, you may still need to notify the Barcelona City Council and meet certain zoning or noise standards.
2. 🏙️ Who Issues Business Licenses in Barcelona?
Licenses are issued by the Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Council).
The requirements vary depending on:
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Business activity (e.g., retail vs hospitality)
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Building usage and zoning
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Location (Barcelona municipality or other nearby towns)
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Environmental impact or public safety considerations
You must apply before starting operations — opening without a license can result in fines or closure.
3. ⚖️ Types of Business Licenses
| License Type | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Declaración Responsable | Low-impact businesses (e.g., office, consulting) | Fast-track, self-declared |
| Licencia de Actividad | Moderate/high-impact (e.g., bar, clinic) | Requires technical project + approval |
| Licencia de Obra | Physical renovations | Must comply with building code |
| Opening License (Licencia de Apertura) | Final approval to operate | Sometimes merged with activity license |
| Terrace License | Restaurants with outdoor seating | Regulated by neighborhood |
Most digital or consulting businesses can use the Declaración Responsable system.
4. 📄 Documents You’ll Need
Depending on the license type:
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NIE and passport
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Company tax ID (CIF)
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Registered office address
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Floor plans and technical project (for activity licenses)
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Energy compliance or fire safety reports
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Lease or property ownership documents
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Environmental and noise impact assessments (if applicable)
All documents must be submitted in Spanish or Catalan.
5. 🕓 How Long Does It Take?
| License Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Declaración Responsable | 1–3 business days |
| Licencia de Actividad | 3–6 weeks or longer |
| Renovation License | 1–3 weeks, depending on scope |
| Terrace Permit | 3–8 weeks |
Note: Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or the space doesn’t meet code.
6. ⚠️ Penalties for Operating Without a License
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Fines from €600 to €60,000 depending on severity
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Business closure orders
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Loss of civil liability coverage
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Difficulty registering for VAT or getting insurance
Operating without proper permits can also impact your ability to sell or transfer the business later.
7. 👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help You Stay Compliant
We support businesses with:
✔ Identifying the correct license type for your activity
✔ Preparing and filing applications in Spanish or Catalan
✔ Coordinating with architects and technical specialists
✔ Appealing rejections or navigating inspections
✔ Ongoing legal compliance and zoning advice
Contact us today to secure your business license in Barcelona — legally, quickly, and hassle-free.