1. 📌 Why Choose Barcelona to Form Your Company?
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most attractive hubs for foreign entrepreneurs thanks to:
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A thriving tech and startup ecosystem
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Strong infrastructure and lifestyle
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International talent and workforce
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Lower costs than other major EU cities
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Spain’s flexible SL company structure
Company formation is open to both EU and non-EU nationals, and you can form a company even if you don’t reside in Spain full-time.
2. ✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Company Formation
Here’s a complete breakdown of how to form a company in Barcelona:
Step 1: 🆔 Obtain a NIE (Foreigner ID Number)
All foreign partners and directors must obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).
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Can be requested from the Spanish consulate or within Spain
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Required for all tax and legal activity
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Needed before opening a bank account or signing before a notary
Step 2: 🏦 Open a Business Bank Account
You must:
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Open a Spanish business bank account
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Deposit at least €3,000 as share capital
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Obtain a certificate from the bank confirming the deposit
This account will be linked to your company and later used for VAT, payroll, etc.
Step 3: 🏢 Choose and Reserve a Company Name
You must:
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Choose a unique company name
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Reserve it via the Registro Mercantil Central
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Receive a name certificate (Certificación Negativa)
This name will be used in all formal company documents.
Step 4: ✍️ Draft the Articles of Association
These documents define how your company operates:
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Partner roles and shares
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Company address and activity
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Voting and decision-making rules
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Director powers and obligations
They must be in Spanish and signed before a notary.
Step 5: 🖋️ Sign the Deed of Incorporation
Once the capital is deposited and documents ready, you must:
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Sign the Escritura Pública de Constitución
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Appear in front of a Spanish notary
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Provide all required IDs and documentation
This officially forms the company.
Step 6: 🗂️ Register with the Mercantile Registry
After the notary signs:
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Submit your documents to the Barcelona Mercantile Registry
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Receive your Company Registration Number
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Get your final CIF (corporate tax ID)
This can take 5–10 working days, depending on workload.
Step 7: 🧾 Register with Tax Authorities & Social Security
Once registered, you must:
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Register with Agencia Tributaria (Modelo 036)
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Obtain IVA (VAT) number
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Register for Social Security if hiring or self-employed
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Activate digital certificate (certificado digital)
Now your company is officially operational.
3. ⏱️ Timeline Overview
| Task | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| NIE + Bank Account | 1–2 weeks |
| Name Reservation | 1–2 days |
| Notary + Registry | 1 week |
| Tax & Social Security Setup | 1–2 days |
Total: 2–4 weeks, or less with expert legal assistance.
4. 🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Not getting the NIE in time
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❌ Missing required documents at the notary
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❌ Using a name already registered
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❌ Delaying tax registration after company creation
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❌ Not appointing a local tax representative (for non-residents)
Avoiding these mistakes saves weeks of delays and potential fines.
5. 👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We provide end-to-end company formation services in Barcelona:
✔ NIE processing and scheduling
✔ Certified translations and apostilles
✔ Name reservation and company drafting
✔ Notary coordination and legal presence
✔ Tax registration and accounting setup
✔ Ongoing compliance and VAT filing
Contact us today to launch your company in Barcelona — the right way, with zero stress.