Incorporate a Startup in SpainSociedad Limitada (SL)
Startups Act 2023 introduced 15% CIT, digital nomad visas, and stock-option tax reform - finally founder-friendly.
Key incorporation facts for Spain
10-step launch checklist
From pre-launch name reservation through first annual filing.
- 01Obtain NIE/NIF for foreign foundersPre-Launch
- 02Request Certificación Negativa de NombrePre-Launch
- 03Open capital deposit account; pay-in €3,000 minimumBanking
- 04Sign Escritura Pública before notaryIncorporation
- 05Register with Registro Mercantil ProvincialIncorporation
- 06Apply for company NIF with AEATTax
- 07File Modelo 036 (census declaration)Tax
- 08Certify as startup under Ley de Startups (if eligible)Tax
- 09Register with Seguridad SocialOperations
- 10File annual accounts with Registro MercantilCompliance
Legal & Incorporation
NIE / NIF, notarized escritura, and Registro Mercantil filing for the SL.
Certificación Negativa de Nombre
PORTALName reservation certificate from the Central Mercantile Register.
Escritura Pública (Notarial Deed)
DOCXNotarized incorporation deed - mandatory for every SL.
Estatutos Sociales (Bylaws)
DOCXStandard SL bylaws covering capital, governance, transfers.
Pacto de Socios
DOCXShareholders agreement with vesting and reserved matters.
Tax & Banking
AEAT registration, IVA, and Spain Startup Law benefits.
Agencia Tributaria (AEAT)
PORTALSpanish tax agency - apply for company NIF, register for IS, IVA, and IRPF.
Startup Law Recognition (ENISA)
PORTALCertify as a startup under Ley de Startups for 15% CIT + stock option tax relief.
Modelo 036/037 Registration
PORTALMandatory census declaration for any business activity in Spain.
Seguridad Social Employer
PORTALRegister as employer with TGSS before hiring; pay autonomous contributions for directors.
Sabadell / N26 Business Account
LINKDocuments needed to open a Spanish business bank account.
Regulatory & Licenses
AEPD privacy authority, digital nomad visa, and Spanish employment law.
AEPD GDPR Guide
PORTALSpanish Data Protection Agency - among the most active regulators in Europe.
Digital Nomad Visa Application
PORTALNew visa for remote workers + favourable Beckham Law tax regime.
Estatuto de los Trabajadores
PORTALSpanish Workers Statute - basis for all employment contracts and rights.
Local Infrastructure
Funding, payments, and Madrid/Barcelona startup ecosystem.
ENISA Loans
PORTALPublic participation loans for young entrepreneurs - up to €1.5M without equity dilution.
Lanzadera (Valencia)
PORTALTop Spanish accelerator + EUR 200k investment program.
Wayra / Telefonica Open Innovation
PORTALMajor corporate accelerator network across Spain.
Stripe Spain / Bizum
PORTALCard acquiring with Bizum, the dominant Spanish P2P/POS method.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to incorporate in Spain?
- Setup typically costs €600 - €1,800, with a 15% (new SL) / 25% corporate tax rate.
- How long does it take to incorporate in Spain?
- Incorporation usually completes in 2 - 4 weeks.
- Can I incorporate remotely in Spain?
- Spain typically requires some in-person steps or a local agent.
- What annual compliance applies to a Sociedad Limitada (SL)?
- Registro Mercantil deposit + IS return + monthly IVA
Ready to incorporate?
Open the interactive launch blueprint for Spain: track your progress, compare with other jurisdictions, ask the AI Launch Copilot, and download a personalised PDF plan.
Open Interactive Blueprint