Starting a Business in Spain – Support with the Licencia de apertura and Official Procedures
Planning to open a business in Spain? We support you with the Licencia de apertura and all official formalities – simple and reliable.
Starting a Business in Spain – Support with the Licencia de apertura and Official Procedures
The Licencia de Apertura is a fundamental permit required in Spain for almost every business opening. It ensures that your commercial premises comply with local safety, hygiene, and usage regulations and can be legally operated. Without this administrative approval, no business can start operations – whether it is a restaurant, a retail shop, or an office.
What is an Opening License?
The Licencia de Apertura is an official permit required in Spain for any commercial activity involving the use of business premises. Whether you plan to open a restaurant, shop, office, or workshop, you cannot start operations without this license. The opening license ensures that your business complies with local safety, hygiene, and usage regulations.
Who Needs This License?
Essentially, any new commercial activity requires an Opening License, including:
- Restaurants, bars, and cafés
- Hotels and tourist accommodations
- Retail shops, boutiques, supermarkets
- Workshops and craft businesses
- Offices, medical practices, and service providers
A new license may also be required in cases of ownership change or business use modification.
Requirements and Process
Applications are submitted to the local municipality. Depending on your business type, certain technical documents may be required:
- Floor plans and layout drawings
- Technical reports (Memoria Técnica)
- Fire safety and hygiene concepts
- Accessibility and environmental compliance certificates
We handle the entire preparation process, coordinate with certified architects and engineers, and manage communication with local authorities – allowing you to focus on your business.
Our Service – Fast and Legally Compliant
We guide you through every step:
- Property check: Ensuring the premises meet your business requirements.
- Documentation: Preparing all technical and legal reports.
- Submission: Filing the complete application with the municipality.
- Approval: Supporting you until the final license is granted.
Why Choose Us?
- Extensive experience with Spanish administration
- Multilingual support (English, German, Spanish)
- Fixed pricing and transparent procedures
- Fast processing and direct communication
Get Started Now
Avoid delays and legal issues. With our expertise, you’ll obtain your Opening License quickly and safely. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Your advantages with us
- Entire process handled online
- English-speaking support
- Legal certainty & fast approval
- Fast processing via local partners
This is how it works: Your Opening License in 4 Steps
Choose service and request
You contact us or book the service directly. We send a clear quote with a fixed price for your business.
Organizing the technician visit
We arrange the visit with a certified technician or architect. Your personal presence is not required.
Inspection and report creation
The expert checks if your premises meet all rules and prepares the required report for the license.
Full license application process
We take care of the full application process with the local authorities to obtain your Opening License.
Frequently Asked Questions – Business Opening License in Spain
Yes, almost every business requires this basic permit, whether it’s a restaurant, office, or shop. Exceptions only apply to very small activities without customer interaction or structural changes.
Processing times depend on the municipality and business type. It usually takes 2 weeks to 3 months, and longer for complex projects (e.g., restaurants with renovations).
Typically required documents include:
Proof of ownership or lease agreement
Technical project or floor plan
Certificates for safety and hygiene compliance
Tax and identification documents
We handle preparing and collecting all necessary paperwork for you.
In most municipalities, you cannot legally operate without a valid Opening License. In some cases, a temporary permit may be issued for specific businesses if all documents are submitted.
Yes, our team works multilingually (EN, DE, ES) and supports you through every step – from application to final approval – entirely in your language.
Types of licenses for opening a business in Spain
In addition to the central Opening and Activity License, other administrative permits may be required depending on the industry and business model:
1. Opening and Activity License
This basic permit is mandatory for any commercial activity in Spain. It ensures compliance with all regulations for safety, hygiene, accessibility, and usage compatibility.
2. Building Permit
If structural changes or renovations are needed, a building license must be obtained:
- Minor works: Small renovations without structural impact (e.g., flooring, electrical work).
- Major works: Extensive alterations involving structural changes.
3. Terrace License
Hospitality businesses offering outdoor seating must obtain a specific license:
- Terrace license: Required for using public spaces or sidewalks. Plans, furniture details, insurance, and accessibility proof are needed.
- New regulations: In cities such as Córdoba (from 2026), licenses are valid for four years, with seasonal restrictions, GPS/QR markings, noise regulations, and furniture storage rules.
- Specific rules in Murcia: Rooftop terraces are permitted from May 2025 if safety and urban planning requirements are met.
4. Outdoor Advertising License
To install signs, illuminated boards, banners, or outdoor displays, a special advertising permit is required:
- The administration evaluates the location, size, visibility, lighting, and content.
- Municipal guidelines vary, with possible restrictions on alcohol or tobacco advertising.
5. Special licenses by business type
Certain business concepts require additional permits, for example:
- Café-Show, Restaurant with entertainment, Dance hall, Cocktail bar, Chocolate shop, Ice cream shop, Banquet hall and others involving music, dancing, alcohol service, or extended hours.
6. Other required permits and registrations
- Sanitary registration: Mandatory for food and beverage businesses, managed by each Autonomous Community.
- Hygiene and safety certificates: Mandatory staff training in food handling and safety.
- Noise-sensitive areas (ZAS): These zones may affect licensing or operating hours.
Summary table: Which license is required?
| License type | Applicable to | Main requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Opening and Activity License | Basic permit for any business | Technical project, reports, inspection |
| Building Permit | For renovations or expansions | Architect/engineer plans, authorization |
| Terrace License | Use of public spaces | Plans, furniture, insurance, accessibility |
| Outdoor Advertising License | Signs, banners, illuminated boards | Location, size, content, lighting |
| Special licenses | Bars, clubs, events | Depends on music, alcohol, dancing |
| Sanitary Registration & HACCP | Food businesses | Health certificates, staff training |
Conclusion and recommendations
- Before opening a business, thoroughly check all required licenses based on location, sector, and usage.
- In small premises (under 300 m²), a responsible declaration may suffice instead of a full license.
- Procedures, fees, and processing times vary by Autonomous Community, City Council, and urban zone.
- Check local regulations early, including special rules for noise-sensitive zones, terraces, and advertising.
Photo credits:
© Rido81 – bigstockphoto.com
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