How to Start a Business in Marbella as a Foreigner – SL Companies & Freelancers

🌴 Why Marbella Is Ideal for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Marbella combines luxury, lifestyle, and opportunity — making it a top destination for international founders and freelancers:

✅ High concentration of affluent residents and tourists
✅ Strong real estate and service sectors
✅ Well-developed infrastructure and international schools
✅ Large English-speaking and expat population
✅ Ideal for high-end services, consulting, and remote work

Whether you’re launching a startup, working online, or opening a boutique, Marbella is a legally welcoming environment for business.


🏢 Choose the Right Business Structure

Structure Best For Requires NIE?
SL Company (Sociedad Limitada) Startups, real estate firms, agencies ✅ Yes
Freelancer (Autónomo) Consultants, online workers, creatives ✅ Yes
Branch/Subsidiary Foreign company expanding into Spain ✅ Yes

We help you choose and legally set up the structure that fits your activity, risk, and tax profile.


🧾 Steps to Open an SL Company in Marbella

  1. Get a NIE (Foreigner ID number)

  2. Reserve company name with the Mercantile Registry

  3. Open a business bank account & deposit €3,000 capital

  4. Draft bylaws & Articles of Association

  5. Sign at a Marbella notary (or remotely via POA)

  6. Obtain company tax ID (CIF) from AEAT

  7. Register for IVA and corporate tax

  8. File with the Marbella Mercantile Registry

📌 The entire process can be done remotely with Power of Attorney.


👨‍💻 Becoming a Freelancer (Autónomo) in Marbella

Freelancer registration is ideal for solo professionals. It’s fast and flexible:

✅ Register with the Spanish Tax Agency (Modelo 036 or 037)
✅ Choose direct estimation tax regime (estimación directa)
✅ Register with Social Security
✅ Start invoicing immediately
✅ Optionally register for VAT and VIES (EU clients)

💡 We offer full remote setup with NIE, digital certificate, and tax registrations.


🏠 Business Address Options in Marbella

Every business must have a registered fiscal address in Spain. Options include:

  • Your residential property (with legal compliance)

  • A commercial lease (office, coworking, or retail)

  • A virtual office in Marbella for mail and tax purposes

💼 We provide fully compliant virtual office solutions with documentation.


🌐 Can I Start a Business in Marbella Remotely?

Yes — many of our clients never step foot in Spain during setup. Using Power of Attorney, we can:

✅ Apply for your NIE
✅ Open your bank account
✅ Attend the notary appointment
✅ File all tax and registry documentation

This is especially useful for non-resident foreign founders.


💡 Popular Businesses Foreigners Launch in Marbella

  • Real estate agencies & luxury property brokers

  • Hospitality businesses (restaurants, beach clubs)

  • Online businesses (consulting, coaching, SaaS)

  • Wellness & fitness studios

  • Legal, financial, or relocation services


❌ Common Pitfalls to Avoid

⛔ Renting a non-zoned space for business use
⛔ Using a personal account for SL activities
⛔ Not registering with AEAT or Social Security on time
⛔ Choosing the wrong tax regime
⛔ Skipping annual filings for low-activity companies


🧑‍💼 Our Business Setup Services in Marbella

Borderless Lawyers offers:

✅ SL company formation & freelancer registration
✅ NIE, CIF, and AEAT setup
✅ POA-based remote incorporation
✅ Bilingual bylaws & legal document preparation
✅ Notary coordination in Marbella
✅ Virtual office and registered address services


📞 Ready to Start a Business in Marbella?

We handle everything — from notary appointments to tax compliance — so you can launch quickly and legally.

👉 Contact us to start your business in Marbella with expert legal support.

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