Registering a company in Spain involves several administrative and legal steps. Whether you’re a foreign entrepreneur launching a new startup or an international business setting up a subsidiary, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to ensure compliance.
This guide explains the entire company registration process in Spain, from name selection to tax identification.
📝 Step 1: Obtain a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE)
All foreign shareholders or directors must obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) from the Spanish immigration or police authorities.
🔹 This number is essential for signing legal documents, registering the company, and opening bank accounts.
🏛️ Step 2: Reserve a Company Name
Request a certificate of uniqueness for your desired company name through the Central Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil Central).
🔹 The certificate is valid for 3 months and proves your company name is available.
📃 Step 3: Draft and Sign the Articles of Association
The company’s bylaws (estatutos sociales) should include:
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Company name and address
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Corporate purpose
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Share capital
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Governance structure
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Shareholder and director rights
The deed of incorporation must be signed before a Spanish notary.
🏦 Step 4: Open a Spanish Business Bank Account
Deposit the minimum share capital:
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€3,000 for an SL (Sociedad Limitada)
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€60,000 for an SA (Sociedad Anónima)
You will receive a bank certificate confirming the deposit, which is required for incorporation.
🧾 Step 5: Obtain a Provisional Tax Identification Number (CIF)
Apply for a CIF (Código de Identificación Fiscal) with the Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency) using the notarial deed and name certificate.
🔹 A provisional CIF is issued first and becomes permanent after registration is complete.
🏛️ Step 6: Register with the Commercial Registry
Submit the notarial deed, bylaws, bank certificate, and name certificate to the Provincial Commercial Registry (Registro Mercantil Provincial).
🔹 This step gives your company legal personality and is required for official operations.
🗂️ Step 7: Final Tax Registration and Licenses
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Confirm the permanent CIF
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Register for VAT (IVA) and any other taxes
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Register with social security if hiring staff
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Apply for sector-specific licenses or permits
⏱️ Timeline and Costs
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| NIE and name reservation | 1–2 weeks |
| Notarization and banking | 1 week |
| Registry and tax registration | 1–2 weeks |
| Total: | ~3–4 weeks |
💶 Costs: €600 to €1,200 (notary, registry, legal fees)
🤝 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We handle the entire registration process for you, including:
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NIE applications
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Drafting bylaws and incorporation documents
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Coordinating with notaries and banks
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Registry and tax filings
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Ensuring full legal compliance