1. 🏢 What Is an SL Company in Spain?
An SL (Sociedad Limitada) is the Spanish equivalent of a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It is the most common legal structure for small and medium-sized businesses in Barcelona.
Key features:
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Limited liability: You’re only liable up to the amount invested
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Minimum capital: Only €3,000 to set up
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One or more shareholders allowed
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Suitable for foreign owners and directors
It’s ideal for foreign entrepreneurs who want to operate in Spain with flexibility and legal protection.
2. 🌍 Can a Foreigner Own an SL Company in Barcelona?
Yes. Foreigners — including non-EU citizens — can:
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Be 100% owners of an SL
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Serve as directors or legal representatives
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Operate the company from abroad (with Spanish tax implications)
You only need:
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A NIE (Foreigner ID Number)
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A Spanish business bank account
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To designate a registered office address in Spain
3. 🧾 Legal Steps to Register an SL in Barcelona
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Request NIE for all shareholders/directors |
| 2️⃣ | Reserve the company name (Registro Mercantil Central) |
| 3️⃣ | Open a business bank account and deposit share capital |
| 4️⃣ | Draft Articles of Association (estatutos sociales) |
| 5️⃣ | Sign Deed of Incorporation before a Spanish notary |
| 6️⃣ | File registration at the Barcelona Mercantile Registry |
| 7️⃣ | Obtain CIF (company tax ID) |
| 8️⃣ | Register for IVA (VAT) and Social Security, if needed |
The process typically takes 2–4 weeks with legal assistance.
4. 💼 What Documents Are Needed?
You’ll need to provide:
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Passports of all partners
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NIE numbers
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Proof of capital deposit
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Proposed company name and activity
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Business address in Spain
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Power of attorney (optional, for remote setup)
All non-Spanish documents must be translated and apostilled.
5. 📊 Taxes and Accounting for SL Companies
An SL must comply with full Spanish corporate tax rules:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax (IS) | 25% on net profits (15% for new startups in first 2 years of profit) |
| IVA (VAT) | 21% standard rate; quarterly returns via Modelo 303 |
| Annual Accounts | Must be submitted to the Mercantile Registry |
| Form 200 | Annual corporate tax return |
You’ll also need a Spanish accountant or gestor for bookkeeping and compliance.
6. 👨💼 Who Can Be a Director?
The director of an SL:
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Can be a non-resident foreigner
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Can also be the sole shareholder
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Must be declared to the Registro Mercantil
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Takes legal responsibility for the company’s compliance
Multiple directors can be appointed, and their powers can be structured in the estatutos sociales.
7. 🧠 Benefits of Using an SL in Barcelona
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🛡️ Limited personal liability
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🌍 Full foreign ownership allowed
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✅ Simple corporate structure
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🏦 Access to Spanish and EU banking
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💼 Professional image and credibility
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📈 Easy to scale or sell
It’s a strategic choice for consultants, digital businesses, real estate investors, and EU market entrants.
8. 👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps You Set Up an SL in Barcelona
We offer end-to-end company formation services:
✔ SL registration from abroad (with Power of Attorney)
✔ Bank account setup and capital deposit
✔ Company statutes and notary coordination
✔ Tax registration and digital certificates
✔ Ongoing legal, tax, and payroll support
✔ English, French, Arabic, and Spanish assistance
Contact us today to form your SL company in Barcelona — fast, legally, and fully compliant.