Doing Business in Spain: Legal Permits You Need
Setting up a business in Spain requires more than just company registration. Depending on your activity, location, and sector, you may also need specific permits, licenses, or authorizations to operate legally.
Understanding these requirements from the outset is essential to avoid delays, fines, or forced closures.
📋 Common Business Licenses Required in Spain
Here are the most common permits businesses in Spain need to obtain:
🏢 1. Opening License (Licencia de Apertura)
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Required for physical premises (offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, etc.)
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Issued by the local city council
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Confirms compliance with urban planning, safety, and health standards
🔧 2. Activity License (Licencia de Actividad)
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Needed for activities that impact public health, safety, or the environment
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Examples: industrial operations, healthcare, bars/restaurants, beauty salons
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Requires technical reports, inspections, and often environmental assessments
🧯 3. Fire Safety Certificate (Certificado Contra Incendios)
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Issued by local fire authorities
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Mandatory for businesses open to the public
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Includes emergency exits, extinguishers, and fire system compliance
🍽️ 4. Health and Hygiene Permits
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Necessary for businesses handling food, beverages, cosmetics, or health products
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Requires compliance with Spanish sanitary regulations
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Often involves inspections by the Autonomous Community’s Health Department
🪙 5. Retail Trade Authorization
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Required for businesses with retail premises larger than 300 square meters
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Must demonstrate alignment with local commerce development plans
🎲 6. Sector-Specific Licenses
Some industries require special approvals from national or regional regulators:
| Sector | Required Authority or License |
|---|---|
| 💰 Financial & Insurance | CNMV / Bank of Spain licensing |
| 🏥 Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | Ministry of Health or regional health authority |
| 🎓 Education & Training | Accreditation by the Education Department |
| 🚕 Transportation | Transport license from Dirección General de Transporte |
| 🔌 Energy & Utilities | Permits from Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition |
| 🎰 Gambling & Betting | License from the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego |
🏗️ Licenses for Building or Renovation
If you’re modifying a commercial property, you may also need:
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🏗️ Urban Planning Permission (Licencia de Obra)
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🧱 Renovation or Construction License
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🧰 Environmental Impact Declaration, if applicable
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary depending on the municipality and type of license, but you should allow:
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📆 1–3 months for standard local licenses
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📆 3–6+ months for regulated industries or complex operations
It’s highly recommended to begin the process before opening to avoid legal setbacks.
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Navigating Spain’s permit system can be complex. We help you:
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🔍 Identify exactly which licenses apply to your business
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📁 Prepare all necessary documentation
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🏛️ Communicate with local and national authorities
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🧑⚖️ Appeal or resolve licensing issues if problems arise
Whether you’re opening a restaurant in Barcelona or launching a fintech firm in Madrid, our team ensures full compliance from day one.
🚀 Start Your Business Legally & Confidently
Don’t let red tape hold you back. Let Borderless Lawyers handle the permits while you focus on growing your business.