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Southern Europe's gateway to EU and Latin American markets.
Spain offers a dynamic, strategically located business environment with full EU market access and strong cultural and commercial ties to Latin America. As the EU's fourth largest economy, Spain provides access to a sophisticated consumer market, a growing tech ecosystem, and competitive operating costs compared to Northern Europe. Silicon Mappers manages SL formation, tax compliance, and Spain's business visa pathways for international entrepreneurs.
Best for
Choose the right business structure based on your ownership goals, activities, and budget.
The most popular structure for small and medium businesses — limited liability, flexible governance, and straightforward to manage.
Public limited company — for larger businesses or those planning to list on Spanish stock markets.
For individual professionals and freelancers — the simplest structure but with unlimited personal liability.
Extension of a foreign company operating in Spain — registered at the Registro Mercantil, no separate legal personality.
Follow these steps to successfully register and launch your business.
All foreign directors and shareholders must obtain a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — essential for all legal and tax purposes.
Request a certificate of non-existence of the company name from the Central Commercial Register (Registro Mercantil Central).
Open a bank account and deposit the minimum share capital (€3,000 for SL) to obtain a capital certificate.
Execute the Deed of Incorporation before a Spanish notary — all shareholders must sign.
Submit the signed deed to the Commercial Register of the relevant province.
Register the company with the AEAT (Agencia Tributaria) to obtain a NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal).
Register for IVA (VAT) with Hacienda — required for most commercial activities.
Apply for any municipal business activity licences (Licencia de Actividad) and sector-specific permits.
Explore the immigration and residency pathways available for business owners and investors.
For non-EU entrepreneurs establishing an innovative business in Spain — part of Spain's Entrepreneurs Law.
For non-EU investors making a qualifying investment (€500,000+ in real estate or equivalent) — grants residency in Spain.
Spain's remote work visa for non-EU nationals working for companies outside Spain.
Work permit for non-EU employees sponsored by a Spanish company.
Estimated timelines for each phase of your business setup.
Phase 1
2–6 weeks
From NIE application to Registro Mercantil registration — notary process is the main timeline driver.
Phase 2
1–2 weeks
NIF and IVA registration with the AEAT.
Phase 3
2–6 weeks
Subject to KYC/AML due diligence by Spanish banks.
Phase 4
1–3 months
Application review by the Directorate General of Migration.
Information on this website is provided for general guidance only and may change based on government rules, jurisdiction, business activity, and individual circumstances. Silicon Mappers provides consultancy support but does not guarantee visa, bank account, licensing, or government approval outcomes. Final costs depend on jurisdiction, activity, authority approval, and individual circumstances.
Silicon Mappers manages the complexity of global expansion so your leadership team can focus on what matters — growing the business.