Why Start a Healthcare Business in Spain?
Spain’s healthcare system is among the best in Europe, and private medical services are in high demand due to:
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A growing expat population
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Long public wait times
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Health tourism from Northern Europe
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Aging population and chronic care needs
You can set up:
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Medical clinics or practices
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Dental clinics
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Physiotherapy and wellness centers
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Diagnostic labs
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Private hospitals
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Medical technology or telemedicine startups
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide health professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs through every legal step.
🧾 Legal Structures for Healthcare Companies
✅ Sociedad Limitada (SL)
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Suitable for small to mid-sized clinics and wellness businesses
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Minimum capital: €3,000
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Flexible and easy to manage
✅ Sociedad Anónima (SA)
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Required for hospitals, diagnostic labs, or medical tech companies seeking funding
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Minimum capital: €60,000
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More complex governance
📌 All directors and shareholders must obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before incorporation.
⚕️ Licensing & Medical Compliance in Spain
Healthcare companies must comply with national and regional health laws, including:
🏛️ Ministry of Health & Autonomous Communities
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Health facilities are regulated by regional health authorities (e.g., Madrid, Catalonia)
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Each region issues a Sanitary Authorization (Autorización Sanitaria de Funcionamiento)
👩⚕️ Professional Requirements
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Licensed professionals (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists) must be registered with their professional body in Spain
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Foreign diplomas often need homologación (validation) or EU mutual recognition
📝 Operating Requirements
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Hygiene and patient safety protocols
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Data protection under GDPR
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Medical liability insurance
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Clinical records and informed consent procedures
⚠️ Unlicensed healthcare practice is a criminal offense in Spain.
💡 Common Healthcare Business Types
| Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Private Medical Clinic | Medical license, facility authorization |
| Dental Clinic | Supervision by licensed dentist |
| Telemedicine Startup | Must meet digital health standards |
| Home Care Services | Care staff accreditation + safety rules |
🏢 Office Setup & Staff Hiring
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Choose a suitable medical facility or office space that meets regional requirements
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Hire Spanish or EU-licensed staff or assist foreign professionals with their professional registration
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Sign proper employment contracts and set up payroll
👨⚖️ We help you stay compliant with Spanish labor laws and offer relocation support for foreign medical professionals.
💶 Taxation and Reporting
Your healthcare business must comply with:
| Obligation | Details |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 25% standard rate |
| IVA (VAT) | Exempt for most medical services |
| Payroll Taxes | Social security contributions for staff |
Also required:
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Register with the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria)
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Maintain accounting books and annual accounts
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File patient safety and waste disposal declarations (if applicable)
🌍 Can Foreigners Own Healthcare Businesses?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU nationals can set up and fully own a Spanish healthcare business. However:
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You must comply with Spanish residency or visa requirements
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Non-EU doctors or nurses must undergo extra steps to validate qualifications
We help you with:
✅ Residency permits
✅ NIEs and tax registration
✅ Professional homologation
✅ Business formation
💬 Real Case Study
A German doctor relocated to Spain to open a dermatology clinic in Valencia. We:
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Established an SL company
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Secured the facility’s medical license
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Handled recognition of her medical qualifications
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Assisted with GDPR and employment contracts
🚀 Launch Your Healthcare Venture in Spain with Expert Legal Support
At Borderless Lawyers, we offer full legal assistance for:
✅ Company incorporation
✅ Health facility licensing
✅ Staff relocation and credential validation
✅ GDPR and employment law compliance
✅ Residency and tax registration