🇪🇸 Why Start a Business in Barcelona?
Barcelona is one of the most business-friendly cities in Europe for foreign entrepreneurs. It’s a leading hub for:
âś… Tech startups and remote teams
âś… Tourism, retail, hospitality, and wellness businesses
âś… E-commerce and international consulting
With strong infrastructure, co-working spaces, and legal support available, it’s an ideal location to launch your venture — as long as you follow the correct legal steps.
🧾 Step-by-Step: Starting a Company in Barcelona
1. Choose Your Business Structure
| Structure | Best For |
|---|---|
| AutĂłnomo | Freelancers, solo consultants |
| Sociedad Limitada (SL) | Most foreign-owned businesses, low liability |
| Branch / Subsidiary | Established foreign companies expanding into Spain |
đź’ˇ Most foreigners form an SL company for liability protection and visa eligibility.
2. Get a NIE Number
Before you can incorporate, you need a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — a foreigner ID.
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Can be obtained from a Barcelona police station or consulate abroad
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Required for all shareholders and directors
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We assist clients in getting NIEs by appointment or via Power of Attorney
3. Register a Company Name (Nombre Social)
Submit a name request to the Central Mercantile Registry (RMC). It must be:
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Unique in Spain
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Not too generic
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Without prohibited terms (e.g. “banco”)
💡 Most names are approved within 48–72 hours.
4. Open a Spanish Business Bank Account in Barcelona
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Deposit minimum share capital (€3,000)
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Receive a bank certificate of deposit
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Can be done remotely with Power of Attorney
We assist clients with banks like CaixaBank, Sabadell, and BBVA in Barcelona.
5. Sign the Incorporation Deed Before a Notary
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Sign the company deed (escritura pĂşblica)
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Can be done in person or by proxy (via POA)
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Includes business purpose, ownership, and director details
Barcelona notaries are familiar with foreign incorporations — we work directly with several to streamline the process.
6. Register with the Tax Office & Mercantile Registry
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Apply for CIF (tax ID) with AEAT (Agencia Tributaria)
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Submit company deed and tax info to the Barcelona Mercantile Registry
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Register for VAT (IVA) and employee obligations if needed
Once done, you’ll have a fully operational Spanish SL company.
đź’Ľ Visa Options for Business Owners in Barcelona
Foreign founders often need one of the following:
| Visa Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Visa | Innovative or tech-driven business |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Managing from abroad (no local income) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote business owners or freelancers |
| Investor Visa | Investing in Spanish companies |
We provide legal guidance for company formation + residency in one package.
đź’ˇ Why Barcelona Is Great for Foreign Business Owners
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Multilingual professionals and services
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Popular among digital nomads and expats
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Access to Catalonia startup programs
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Excellent legal, tax, and infrastructure support
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Lower costs than many EU capitals
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
â›” Using the wrong business structure
â›” Not getting a NIE before starting
â›” Hiring staff before company is legally formed
â›” Renting commercial space without license eligibility
â›” Not budgeting for social security contributions
🧑‍💼 Our Business Setup Services in Barcelona
At Borderless Lawyers, we offer:
âś… NIE application and appointments
âś… SL company formation with or without POA
âś… Barcelona notary coordination
âś… Bank account setup assistance
âś… Tax registration + VAT
âś… Immigration support (Entrepreneur Visa, Digital Nomad Visa)
📞 Start Your Business in Barcelona — the Right Way
Ready to launch in Barcelona? We help foreign founders register companies, navigate Spanish bureaucracy, and stay legally compliant — from anywhere in the world.
👉 Contact us today to start your business in Barcelona with full legal support.