Launch your business in Spain

The autónomo is the Spanish equivalent of the French auto-entrepreneur or sole trader: no start-up capital, fast process (1 to 2 weeks), UNLIMITED liability over personal assets, taxed under IRPF (personal income tax) on a progressive scale. The SL (Sociedad Limitada) is the equivalent of a French SARL or a British limited company: minimum share capital of EUR 1, 15-30 days to set up, LIMITED liability up to the share capital contributed, taxed under corporate income tax (IS) at 25% (15% for the first two financial years for newly incorporated companies). For a risky activity or income above EUR 60k, the SL is generally more advantageous.

Since the Crea y Crece Act (2022), the minimum share capital of an SL has dropped from EUR 3,000 to a symbolic EUR 1. In practice, we recommend contributing EUR 3,000 for banking credibility and cash-flow strength. If you start at EUR 1, you must build a legal reserve (20% of profits until you reach EUR 3,000) and the partners' liability can be triggered for the difference in the event of liquidation.

Since 2023, autónomo contributions depend on net earnings (rendimientos netos). Progressive scale: from around EUR 230/month on the first earnings tiers, up to roughly EUR 540/month for higher earnings. Tarifa plana for new autónomos: EUR 80/month for the first year (subject to conditions). These contributions give access to Spanish Social Security (healthcare, pension, sick leave).

Allow 15 to 30 days between the start of the process and actual registration. Steps: (1) name-reservation certificate from the Registro Mercantil Central (3 to 7 days); (2) opening of a Spanish bank account and capital deposit (1 to 5 days); (3) notary appointment for the deed of incorporation (1 day); (4) registration with the provincial Registro Mercantil (10 to 15 days); (5) registration with the Tax Office (Hacienda) and Social Security. Each partner's NIE must be obtained beforehand.

Yes, our partner lawyers and accountants handle everything through power of attorney. You sign an apostilled power of attorney before your French notary, authorising our Spanish partners to carry out all formalities on your behalf: obtaining the NIE, opening the bank account, signing the deed of incorporation, registration. A trip is generally only required if the Spanish bank insists on your physical presence to open the account (policy varies depending on the bank).

It depends on turnover, profit level, frequency of withdrawals and personal wealth. General rules: net income under EUR 30k → autónomo is often simpler; EUR 30k-60k → case-by-case analysis; over EUR 60k → an SL is often more efficient (corporate tax at 25%, or 15% for the first 2 financial years, versus IRPF which rises quickly). For high-earning international profiles, the Beckham regime may apply. Our partner experts review your personal situation to steer you towards the right structure, with no obligation.

Administrative fees (notary, registry, Tax Office) plus our partner experts' fees, communicated in advance in a transparent quote. The introduction provided by our firm is a FREE introduction service offered to our clients and future clients. No nasty surprises, no hidden margin on the services.

No, not necessarily. A non-resident can set up an SL in Spain (Spanish capital and activity). To become an autónomo, however, you must be registered with Spanish Social Security, which in practice requires you to live in Spain (or to have your main documented activity there). The SL is therefore the preferred route for non-residents who want to invest or operate in Spain without living there.