Why Open a Consulting Business in Spain?
Spain is an excellent base for international and local consulting services due to:
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A growing demand for digital transformation, HR, marketing, finance, and legal consulting
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High expat and startup activity
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Easy access to EU markets
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Favorable work-life balance for professionals
Whether you are a solo consultant or launching a full advisory agency, Borderless Lawyers helps you handle the legal and administrative requirements from day one.
🏢 Legal Structures for a Consulting Firm
You can register your Spanish consulting business in one of these forms:
✅ Sole Trader (Autónomo)
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Ideal for solo consultants or freelancers
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Faster registration, minimal paperwork
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Personal liability
✅ Sociedad Limitada (SL)
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Best for growing or international consulting teams
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Limited liability protection
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Minimum share capital: €3,000
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Allows multiple partners and better tax structuring
📌 Both require a NIE and tax registration before starting.
📋 Steps to Register a Consulting Company in Spain
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Get a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
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Choose a company name and check it with the Central Commercial Registry
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Open a business bank account and deposit capital
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Draft the Articles of Association
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Sign incorporation deed at a Spanish notary
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Register with the Mercantile Registry
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Obtain CIF (Tax ID) and register with Agencia Tributaria
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Register for Social Security (Seguridad Social) if hiring staff or as autónomo
💡 We offer company formation packages that include all legal registrations, translations, and bank introductions.
📚 What Licenses Do You Need?
Consulting companies in Spain usually don’t need specific licenses unless offering:
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Financial advice
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Insurance brokerage
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Legal services (restricted to licensed lawyers)
You may need to:
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Register professional qualifications if operating under a regulated profession (e.g., architecture, tax advice)
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Comply with data protection (GDPR) and professional liability insurance
💼 Types of Consulting Services You Can Offer
| Area | Special Considerations |
|---|---|
| Business & Strategy | No licensing, general compliance |
| Marketing & SEO | GDPR for client data |
| Finance & Tax | May require registration with regulators |
| HR & Recruitment | Labor law compliance required |
| IT & Digital Consulting | Cybersecurity and data protection |
💶 Taxation for Consulting Companies
| Tax Type | Rate / Obligation |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax (SL) | 25% standard rate |
| IVA (VAT) | 21% for most consulting services |
| IRPF (Sole Trader) | Progressive rates from 19% to 47% |
| Social Security | Required for all business owners & employees |
We help optimize your tax setup and ensure quarterly and annual compliance.
👨💼 Can Foreigners Open a Consulting Business in Spain?
Absolutely. Whether you’re an EU citizen or from outside the EU, you can:
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Open a company or register as a freelancer
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Apply for entrepreneur visas, digital nomad permits, or residency via company ownership
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Bring family members with family reunification options
🔐 Borderless Lawyers supports with all immigration, NIE, and residency procedures.
💬 Real Case Example
An Australian marketing consultant opened a small SL company in Barcelona to serve international clients. We:
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Registered the company
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Advised on VAT and invoicing for international services
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Structured the business to qualify for digital nomad residency
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Assisted with GDPR compliance
🚀 Launch Your Consulting Business with Borderless Lawyers
Our team offers:
✅ Full company registration
✅ Tax and social security setup
✅ NIE and immigration support
✅ Accounting and payroll
✅ Ongoing legal compliance