Why Start a Catering Business in Spain?
Spain’s dynamic hospitality industry, rich culinary culture, and demand for private events and corporate catering make it an ideal place to launch a catering company. Whether you’re targeting weddings, company lunches, or tapas for tourists, the opportunities are wide-ranging.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help entrepreneurs and expats launch legally compliant catering businesses in Spain—from kitchen licensing to tax registration.
🧾 Choose the Right Business Structure
The most common structures for catering businesses:
✅ Sole Trader (Autónomo)
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Quick setup
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Personal liability
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Ideal for small-scale catering or freelance chefs
✅ Limited Liability Company (SL – Sociedad Limitada)
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Limited personal liability
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Professional image for commercial contracts
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Minimum share capital: €3,000
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Suitable for mid-to-large catering operations
📌 All founders need an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) to register.
🧑🍳 Licenses & Health Permits
Food businesses in Spain must comply with strict public health, hygiene, and safety regulations.
Required Permits:
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Opening License (Licencia de Apertura): Local permit based on premises and activity
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Food Handling License: All staff must complete food hygiene training
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Sanitary Registration (Registro Sanitario): Mandatory if preparing meals for third parties
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Occupational Risk Prevention Plan: Workplace health and safety compliance
💡 Home-based catering kitchens are not usually allowed for commercial food production unless zoned accordingly.
📍 Premises and Kitchen Setup
Catering kitchens must meet local and EU food safety regulations:
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Ventilation and drainage standards
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Non-slip floors and washable surfaces
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Separation of raw/cooked food areas
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Regular pest control and waste disposal
You may lease a ghost kitchen or a dedicated commercial kitchen in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia.
📦 Suppliers and Food Transport
Ensure:
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Supplier invoices are traceable for inspections
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Refrigerated transport complies with cold chain standards
For alcohol service, apply for a special beverage license and register with Spain’s Excise Duty Registry.
💶 Tax Obligations and Registration
Register with the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) for:
| Tax Type | Rate/Requirement |
|---|---|
| VAT (IVA) | 10% (standard for catering) |
| Corporate Tax | 25% for SL companies |
| Autónomo Tax | Progressive rates if operating as sole trader |
Also:
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Register for social security contributions
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Maintain accurate accounting records and submit quarterly tax filings
👨🍳 Hiring Staff
Catering companies often hire seasonal or part-time staff. You must:
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Draft compliant employment contracts
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Provide health & safety training
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Register employees with Social Security
We help ensure all labor law obligations are met from day one.
📍 Locations with High Catering Demand
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Madrid: Corporate events, embassies, and weddings
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Barcelona: Tourism, yacht catering, exhibitions
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Costa del Sol: Expats, private villas, destination weddings
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Basque Country: Gourmet catering for food-savvy clientele
💬 Case Example: Italian Chef in Marbella
An Italian chef launched a high-end catering service in Marbella targeting luxury events. We helped him:
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Register as an SL
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Secure food handling and sanitary licenses
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Structure his menu pricing for VAT compliance
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Draft staff contracts and supplier agreements
🚀 Ready to Launch Your Catering Business?
Borderless Lawyers offers full bilingual legal support for entrepreneurs in the food industry.
✅ Business structure and NIE registration
✅ Catering licenses and health permits
✅ Labor and tax compliance
✅ Commercial lease reviews and contracts