🇪🇸 Can Foreigners Start a Company in Barcelona?
Yes — both EU and non-EU citizens can open a company in Barcelona. Spain encourages international business activity, especially in innovation, services, and real estate sectors.
You can register:
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As a sole trader (autĂłnomo)
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As a company (usually an SL — Sociedad Limitada)
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Through a branch or subsidiary of an existing foreign company
Most foreign entrepreneurs choose the SL company structure for its flexibility and limited liability.
2. đź“‹ Legal Requirements to Start a Company
To start a company in Barcelona, you’ll need to:
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Get a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
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Open a Spanish business bank account
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Choose a unique company name and reserve it
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Draft your Articles of Association (estatutos)
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Sign the deed of incorporation before a notary
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Register with the Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil)
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Obtain a corporate tax ID (CIF)
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Register for IVA (VAT) and Social Security if hiring staff
Each step involves paperwork — and some require Spanish-language forms.
3. 🏦 Minimum Capital & Structure
To form a limited liability company (SL), you must:
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Deposit a minimum share capital of €3,000
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Appoint a director (can be non-resident)
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Assign a registered office address in Spain
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Choose a business activity code (CNAE)
You can use the capital later for business operations once the company is fully registered.
4. 🧑‍💼 Should You Start as a Freelancer or Company?
| Option | Best for… | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer (AutĂłnomo) | One-person services, low risk | Faster setup, taxed as personal income |
| SL Company | Growing teams, liability protection | More setup, but scalable and professional |
| Branch Office | Foreign company expanding to Spain | Requires parent company documents |
| Subsidiary | Independent Spanish entity | Treated as a local company |
5. 🗂️ Timeline for Company Formation in Barcelona
With legal help, forming a company typically takes:
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| NIE and bank account | 1–2 weeks |
| Name reservation | 1–2 days |
| Notary + Mercantile Registry | 5–7 working days |
| Tax and Social Security setup | 1–2 days |
Total: 2 to 4 weeks, depending on bureaucracy and workload.
6. đź“Š Ongoing Legal & Tax Obligations
After setting up your company, you must:
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File quarterly and annual tax returns
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Keep company books and accounting records
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Submit IVA (VAT) returns, if applicable
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File corporate tax returns annually
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Inform authorities of any company changes (directors, address, etc.)
Failure to comply can lead to penalties or suspension of your company’s tax ID.
7. 👨‍⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Foreign Entrepreneurs
We offer full company setup services in Barcelona, including:
âś” NIE application + digital certificate
âś” Spanish SL company formation (end-to-end)
âś” Bank account assistance
âś” Tax registration (CIF, IVA, Social Security)
âś” Bilingual contracts, statutes, and notarial support
âś” Ongoing accounting and compliance
Contact us today to launch your company in Barcelona — quickly, legally, and stress-free.