Opening a business, restaurant, or company in Spain – expert advice and support from professionals in english
Opening a business, restaurant, or company in Spain – expert advice and support from professionals in english
We support you in english with all questions related to starting a business in Spain – from choosing the right legal form to registration, obtaining permits, and ongoing administrative support. Especially for foreign founders, bureaucratic procedures are often complex and unclear.
Your start in Spain – with professional support for founding and launching your business
Starting your own business in Spain is a big step – whether in services, retail, or the hospitality industry. But anyone aiming to launch successfully must deal in advance with numerous regulations, permits, and administrative requirements. That’s where we come in: with expert advice and practical support in your language, we guide you step by step to a successful business start.
From choosing the right legal form to applying for tax numbers and licenses, and registering with the commercial register – we coordinate the entire process with the authorities, assist with all paperwork, and ensure your plans are carried out legally and efficiently. Rely on an experienced network of German-speaking professionals who help you save time, stress, and costly mistakes.
From initial consultation to applications with Spanish authorities – we support you every step of the way toward your own business in Spain.
Our packages for business founders
Our service packages are tailored for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Spain. Select exactly the support you need – from startup consulting and license applications to assistance with administrative procedures. This way, you get a customized service package at a fair overall price.
Package Sole Proprietorship
Services at a glance:
- Comprehensive initial consultation
- NIE number application
- Support from tax advisor*
- Licenses & permits
- Administrative support
- Help with property search
Package Limited Company S.L.
Services at a glance:
- Comprehensive initial consultation
- NIE number application
- Support from tax advisor*
- Licenses & permits
- Administrative support
- S.L. registration
Individually selectable services – tailored precisely to your needs
Every formation process is unique and requires a careful evaluation of the specific business idea. Of course, you will receive a transparent and binding offer in advance, once the exact scope of services is defined.
Our experience shows: professional support when starting a business pays off – and is often more affordable than many expect. Especially in complex areas such as permits, legal structure or tax obligations, small mistakes can lead to high costs later. That’s why we recommend getting expert support early. In many cases, we also offer specially assembled startup packages tailored to the needs of foreign entrepreneurs. By bundling services, you benefit from fair package pricing and clear cost structures.
Select exactly the service you need!
Process – This is how easy it is to book our service:
Initial contact
Reach out to us via form, email or phone. In a free initial consultation, we discuss your project, your goals, and the services you require.
Custom offer
Based on your input, we create a tailored and transparent offer – either for individual services or a full startup package at a competitive bundle price.
Confirmation
Once approved, we prepare all necessary documents and guide you through every step – including in-person appointments if requested.
Execution & completion
We handle all applications, registrations and permits smoothly. You’ll receive regular updates and full documentation upon completion.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about our Services
Yes, that’s exactly what we specialize in. We support international entrepreneurs with secure and efficient business formation in Spain – including German-speaking guidance and help through all bureaucratic processes.
Our packages typically include NIE number application, tax registration, legal structure advice, notarial S.L. setup, and business license management. Packages are tailored based on your project.
It depends on the legal form and whether all documents are complete. A sole trader (Autónomo) can register in a few days; a limited company (S.L.) typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Often yes – e.g. for notarial acts or appointments. But we can prepare everything in advance and act on your behalf with power of attorney.
Starting a business in Spain – everything you need to know
Starting a business in Spain is an exciting opportunity for many foreigners – whether as a sole trader, restaurateur, retailer or start‑up. But before you begin, you should become familiar with the key legal, tax and administrative requirements. Forming a company in Spain differs in many ways from other countries, and without local expertise it often comes with unnecessary barriers.
First, choosing the right legal structure is crucial: from sole trader to Sociedad Limitada (S.L.), there are different options depending on your plan. Each entity carries its own requirements for liability, accounting and tax. It always requires a NIE/NIF, registration with the Tax Agency, filing in the Commercial Register, and potentially specific permits or licenses.
Critically important: many administrative procedures are conducted only in Spanish and require specific documentation or certified translations. Failing to be fully and correctly prepared risks delays or rejections. That’s why it’s worthwhile to work with German‑speaking experts who will assist you at each step – from startup advisory, through registration, to ongoing support on legal and tax matters.
What problems can arise when opening a business in Spain?
Starting a business in Spain offers many opportunities – but lacking proper preparation or underestimating local specifics, one can encounter unexpected issues. Foreign founders often face bureaucratic hurdles, language misunderstandings, and legal pitfalls.
A common issue is the incomplete or incorrect application to authorities. Even minor mistakes or missing documents can lead to long delays – e.g., for a business license, NIE/NIF, or commercial registration. Especially in the hospitality sector, issues arise if there’s no technical report, ventilation certification, or noise protection plan – without them, no permit is granted, and an early rental agreement can become a costly mistake.
Another risk is the incorrect assessment of tax or liability obligations. Those who start as a sole trader when a S.L. would be more advantageous can end up paying more long-term. Lack of knowledge about social security, employee registration, or sector-specific taxes also often leads to penalties.
The good news: many of these problems can be avoided with timely advice, experienced guidance, and realistic planning. With local expertise and professional support, you build a solid foundation from day one.
What licenses are required?
What licenses and registrations are required when opening a business in Spain?
Anyone planning to open a business or register as a sole trader in Spain must meet various legal and administrative requirements depending on the activity. Requirements differ for sole traders (autónomos), companies (e.g., S.L.), and specific industries, but some steps apply to all founders.
Key points include:
- NIE number: The “Número de Identificación de Extranjero” is required for all foreigners conducting business in Spain.
- Tax registration (Hacienda): Every business activity must be registered with the Spanish Tax Agency. A NIF is assigned and a tax regime is determined.
- Social Security registration: Self-employed individuals must register with the Seguridad Social and pay monthly social security contributions. Companies with employees have additional reporting duties.
- Commercial Register entry: Companies must be set up by notary and registered in the Commercial Register before opening.
- Licencia de Apertura: Required for many premises—especially restaurants, retail shops, and workshops—granted only after meeting technical and building regulations set by the local council.
- Industry-specific permits: Additional permits may be needed depending on the activity—e.g., for alcohol sales, food safety, crafts, or health professions.
Since many procedures are conducted in Spanish and require technical documentation or reports, expert support is highly recommended. A flawless and complete preparation saves time and money—and ensures your business launch is legally compliant and smooth.
What to consider when opening a hospitality business in Spain
Opening a restaurant, café, or bar in Spain requires not just entrepreneurial talent but also a solid understanding of local regulations. The hospitality sector faces strict requirements regarding hygiene, safety, noise control, and use permits.
In addition to general company formation (e.g., S.L. or sole trader), you need a Licencia de Apertura, issued by the town hall. This requires submitting technical reports, floor plans, hygiene protocols, and sometimes noise protection certifications, depending on the size and type of venue and local regulations.
Another major consideration is the technical or structural adaptation of the premises: many facilities must be upgraded for ventilation, fire safety, or accessibility. Extra permits may also be needed for selling alcohol or using outdoor terraces.
Due to the varied requirements and technical complexity, thorough preparation is essential. Early advice and collaboration with experienced professionals saves time, money, and stress—and ensures a seamless hospitality opening in Spain.
Then feel free to contact us!
Whatever it is – we’ll be happy to assist you.