Company Formation in Spain

Based in Paris. Service in Spanish.

The gateway to Europe for Latin American entrepreneurs

Spain is the fourth-largest economy in the European Union and one of the most accessible markets for Latin American entrepreneurs seeking a presence in Europe. The shared language removes the most common barrier, but not the bureaucracy — and that is where legal advice makes the difference.

Since 2021, we have guided entrepreneurs and companies from Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico through the process of establishing themselves in Spain. We know the procedures, the timelines, and the mistakes to avoid.

Incorporated in 2–4 weeks with full support in Spanish

“The shared language removes the most common barrier, but not the bureaucracy — that is where legal advice makes the difference.”

4th
largest economy in the European Union
Since 2021
supporting Latin American entrepreneurs in Spain

Three ways to establish a presence in Spain

Before incorporating a company, it is important to choose the legal structure best suited to your project. There are three main options:

Extension

Branch

An extension of your parent company in Spain. It acts on behalf of the parent company, requires registration with the Commercial Registry, and a resident representative in Spain.

Main establishment

Subsidiary — Limited Liability Company (SL)

The most commonly used option. An independent legal entity subject to Spanish law. It requires a minimum share capital of 3,000 euros and offers liability limited to the capital contributed.

Large-scale projects

Public Limited Company (SA)

For larger-scale projects or those requiring access to external financing. It requires a minimum share capital of 60,000 euros.

Our support covers everything from obtaining the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) to a fully operational company, including incorporation before a notary, registration with the Commercial Registry, and tax registration. The entire process is handled in Spanish.

From initial consultation to an operational company

01

Initial consultation

We analyze your project, the type of activity, and the legal structure best suited to your objectives in Spain.

02

Obtaining the NIE

We handle and advise on the process of obtaining the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) based on your situation, a prerequisite for any other procedure.

03

Preparing documentation

Drafting of the bylaws, name reservation certificate from the Central Commercial Registry, and opening of a bank account.

04

Incorporation before a notary

Signing of the public deed and registration with the Commercial Registry. Deposit of the share capital.

05

Getting started

Tax registration (form 036), Social Security registration where applicable, and initial administrative obligations.

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What no one tells you before you start

The most common mistakes we see among Latin American entrepreneurs who try to establish themselves in Spain without legal advice:

Not obtaining the NIE in time. The Foreigner Identification Number is the first requirement for any procedure in Spain. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign before a notary, or complete the incorporation. Timelines that many underestimate can hold up the entire process.

Choosing the wrong legal form. Many entrepreneurs set up a Limited Liability Company when their activity would be better suited to another structure. Changing it later involves avoidable administrative and tax costs.

Failing to anticipate banking requirements. Opening a business account in Spain as a non-resident is more complex than it appears: banks require specific documentation, and delays can hold up operations from day one.

Our practice is dedicated to the legal support of Latin American companies establishing themselves in Spain. We know the system, the timelines, and the mistakes to avoid, and we work in your language.

Spanish speakers in Paris, with a network of associates in Spain

We coordinate the incorporation process in Spain from our base in Paris, working with associates who specialize in Spanish corporate law. This allows us to offer comprehensive support without the client having to manage multiple points of contact.

And we do it in Spanish. For companies and investors from Latin America, having a lawyer who masters both the process and the language removes a real barrier.

We do not disappear once the formalities are complete. Our clients rely on us for ongoing tax obligations, corporate documentation, and the resolution of day-to-day legal issues.

Coordination of the entire process from Paris with associates specializing in Spain
Spanish team with specific training in corporate and tax law
Support in Spanish throughout the entire process, from the first consultation
2021

From Paris, in Spanish

Can a foreigner set up a company in Spain?

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Yes. Both EU and non-EU citizens can set up a company in Spain. The essential requirement is obtaining the NIE. Non-EU citizens may need additional permits depending on their residency status.

What taxes does a company pay in Spain?

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Corporate income tax has a general rate of 25%. Newly created companies are taxed at 15% during the first two profitable financial years.

How long does it take to set up a company in Spain?

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The process takes between two and four weeks from completion of the documentation, including registration with the Commercial Registry.

What is the minimum share capital for an SL in Spain?

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Since the 2022 Crea y Crece Law, it is technically possible to set up an SL with 1 euro. In practice, banks and notaries still work with 1,000 euros as the recommended standard.

Is it necessary to be physically present in Spain to set up the company?

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Not necessarily. The process can be handled through a power of attorney granted in the country of origin, duly apostilled.