If you plan to establish a company or open a hospitality business in Spain, several official permits are required. The most important is the Opening License, but depending on your activity, additional licenses may be necessary. These include permits for renovations, outdoor terraces, advertising, and sector-specific authorizations. This page provides an overview and highlights regional differences.
Overview: Which licenses are required?
The table below shows the main types of licenses, their purpose, and the key requirements:
| License type | Who needs it | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Opening and Activity License | Basic permit for all businesses | Technical project, documentation, property assessment |
| Building Permit | Required for renovations or modifications | Architect or engineer plans, official approval |
| Terrace License | Outdoor seating on public areas | Layout plan, furniture details, insurance, accessibility proof |
| Outdoor Advertising License | Signs, banners, displays | Installation plan, design specifications, size limits |
| Special Licenses (Events, etc.) | Entertainment venues, bars, clubs | Requirements depend on music, alcohol service, dance areas |
| Sanitary Registration & HACCP | Food and beverage businesses | Health certificates, trained staff |
Regional differences for terraces and advertising
Requirements and regulations for terraces and outdoor advertising vary depending on the city or region. The table below summarizes the main differences:
| Region / City | Terraces | Outdoor advertising | Special notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murcia | New regulation from May 2025: Rooftop terraces allowed, umbrella size rules, minimum walkway width | Rules for umbrella ads ≤50 cm | Fee exemption for early umbrella adaptation |
| Donostia / San Sebastián | 5 terrace types, heater ban, strict operating hours | Separate signage and device regulations | Automatic license renewal, no new procedure on owner change |
| Madrid | Minimum distance from façade: 3.5 m | Outdoor advertising largely prohibited without permit | Strict urban landscape protection rules |
| Barcelona | Less strict rules, more flexibility for small terraces | Advertising must integrate harmoniously | Paisatge Urbà regulation with extra requirements |
| Other cities (Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Las Palmas…) | Varying rules, city-specific ordinances | Advertising permit required for urban signage | Processing time ~2 months; fines for violations |
Conclusion
To successfully open a business in Spain, you must secure the Opening License and any additional permits in advance. Since regulations vary by region, a personalized consultation is recommended. We assist you in obtaining the right permits and managing the entire process – fast, transparent, and multilingual.
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