European residence permit, tax benefits, and visa-free travel
15% corporate tax for new companies during the first 2 years
Reduced VAT rate — from 4% to 10%
Minimum share capital required to open a sole proprietorship
Free access to the EU market for goods and services
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Brief overview of the program
A company in Spain is an effective tool for entering the European market and expanding business internationally. Registering joint-stock companies (SA), limited liability companies (SL), and branches of foreign companies, as well as establishing holding structures, provides access to the EU single market, eligibility for tax benefits for startups and innovative projects, Spanish tax resident status, and the ability to leverage an extensive network of double taxation avoidance agreements.
Processing time 1–3 weeks
Foreign ownership 100 %
Types of legal entities
Opening a company in Spain is a proven way to enter the pan-European market, optimize taxes, and ensure the long-term growth of your business in Europe.
Limited Liability Company (Sociedad Limitada — S.L.)
The most popular form for small and medium-sized businesses, offering limited liability for founders and flexibility in management.
Minimum share capital of just EUR 3,000
Participants’ liability is limited to the amount of their contributions
Possibility to establish the company with a single founder
Corporate tax rate of 25% (15% for new companies)
Prestigious legal status for working with major clients
Joint-Stock Company (Sociedad Anónima — S.A.)
A suitable structure for large businesses and companies planning to attract investment or go public.
Minimum share capital — EUR 60,000
Free transfer of shares and ability to attract investors
Option to conduct public share offerings (IPO)
Limited liability for shareholders
Strong corporate image and high partner trust
Sole Proprietorship (Empresario Individual)
An optimal solution for those wishing to register a business in Spain with minimal costs and administrative procedures.
No minimum share capital requirements
Simple and fast sole proprietorship registration process
Flexible taxation system and eligibility for benefits
Full control over the business
Possibility to operate under your own name
Branch office of a foreign company
An effective solution for international companies seeking to expand their presence in Europe by opening an establishment in Spain.
No minimum capital requirements
Simplified registration procedure compared to a new company
Direct link to the parent company
Ability to leverage the parent company’s reputation
Taxation applies to income earned in Spain
How to ensure a successful company registration in Spain
Specific requirements and estimated costs
List of documents for company formation in Spain
Current business registration conditions for 2025
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Support for businesses abroad
iWorld specialists provide incorporation services for legal entities and help choose the optimal organizational and legal form and structure for a business, taking into account local legislation and tax advantages.
iWorld lawyers organize the opening of corporate accounts with leading local and international banks in accordance with compliance and regulatory requirements.
The iWorld team develops tax planning strategies in accordance with local legislation, optimizes the tax burden, and ensures that all necessary reporting is carried out.
iWorld employees take full responsibility for accounting in accordance with local standards, preparing reports, and complying with audit requirements.
iWorld specialists organize corporate governance, support changes in the company's structure, and ensure that record keeping complies with regulatory requirements.
The iWorld team provides legal support for all aspects of business operations in compliance with local legislation, including labor law and commercial transactions.
Company registration process
SergeyGeneral Manager at iWorld
Consulting and business planning
iWorld specialists conduct a detailed analysis of your project, select the optimal organizational and legal form for it, develop a registration strategy, and explain all the stages of opening a company in Spain, taking into account the specifics of your activity.
Obtaining a NIE and preparing documents
iWorld lawyers help you obtain a foreigner identification number (NIE), which is necessary for conducting financial transactions in Spain, and also prepare all the founding documents, including the charter and the decision to establish the company.
Reserving a name and opening a bank account
iWorld specialists check the uniqueness of the chosen company name in the Central Trade Register, reserve it in your name, and then open a corporate account in a Spanish bank and deposit the required authorized capital.
Notarization and registration
With the support of iWorld lawyers, you sign the memorandum of association at a notary, obtain all the necessary certificates and references, and then submit the documents to the Commercial Register for official registration of the legal entity.
Obtaining a CIF and tax registration
After opening a company in Spain, iWorld specialists help you obtain a corporate tax number (CIF), register the company with the tax authorities, and, if necessary, obtain work permits and residence permits for the founders of the business.
Obtain a Spanish residence permit by registering a company
When registering a company in Spain, it is possible to obtain a residence permit through an entrepreneur visa or a self-employment visa. Along with the main applicant, the following can also obtain residency in Spain:
Family members
Key employees
Business partners
Apply now to get expert advice
Advantages of opening a company in Spain
Strategic location
Spain has well-established economic relations and logistics connections with Europe, Africa, and Latin America, providing businesses with unique opportunities to enter international markets and develop trade links across three continents.
Access to the European Union market
Registering a business in Spain automatically grants access to the EU single market, with over 450 million consumers, free of customs barriers and trade restrictions.
Developed business infrastructure
Spain offers modern office complexes, technology parks, a high-quality transport network, and high-speed internet, creating ideal conditions for businesses of any type.
Favorable taxation
The corporate tax rate is 25%, but new companies pay only 15% during their first two profitable years, while small and medium-sized enterprises enjoy additional benefits and reduced tax rates.
Highly skilled professionals
Spain has a sufficient pool of educated workers proficient in multiple languages, which is especially important for international businesses and companies planning to operate in global markets.
Support for startups and innovation
The Spanish government actively promotes entrepreneurship through specialized funding programs, tax incentives for innovative projects, and the creation of technology incubators.
Reliable legal system
Spanish legislation complies with all EU standards, ensuring a high level of legal protection for investors and predictability in long-term business operations.
High quality of life
European social standards, a favorable climate, and well-developed infrastructure make Spain an attractive place for entrepreneurs and their families to live comfortably.
Comparison of jurisdictions for company registration
Category
Spain
The UAE
The UK
France
Minimum share capital
from EUR 1
AED 0
from GBP 0
from EUR 1
VAT
from 4%
5%
20%
from 2,1%
100% foreign ownership
yes
yes
yes
yes
Audit
yes
yes
yes
yes
Corporate tax
from 15%
0-9%
from 19%
from 15%
Personal income tax
from 19%
0%
from 20%
0-45%
Dividend tax
from 19%
0%
from 8,75%
from 12,8%
Get a personalized estimate for the cost of registering a company in Spain
iWorld specialists will prepare a personalized estimate with terms, stages, deadlines, taking into account your situation and all necessary fees.
Alternative jurisdictions for growing your business
How to get Spain’s digital nomad visa in 2025: requirements, income threshold, tax rules, processing time. Learn how to apply from the UK, US, EU or other countries and move with your family.
Организация родов в Чили с оформлением гражданства позволит ребенку получить паспорт Чили по праву почвы. Гражданство для родителей будет доступно через 2 года.
What organizational and legal forms are available for business registration in Spain?
Spain offers several main forms of doing business: sole proprietorship (Empresario Individual) with no minimum share capital requirement, limited liability company (S.L.) with a minimum capital of EUR 3,000, joint-stock company (S.A.) with a capital of EUR 60,000, as well as branches of foreign companies.
What are the main taxes paid by companies in Spain?
Companies in Spain pay corporate tax at a rate of 25%, however new enterprises pay a reduced rate of 15% during the first 2 profitable years. The standard VAT rate is 21%, with reduced rates from 4% to 10%. Social security contributions for employees of about 30% of the payroll are also provided.
How long does company registration take and what documents are required?
Standard registration of a limited liability company (S.L.) takes 10–15 business days if all documents are available. The registration package includes:
Passports of the founders (translated and apostilled);
Proof of legal address;
Articles of Association in Spanish;
Certificate of name reservation;
Bank certificate confirming the deposit of share capital.
Foreign founders are also required to obtain a NIE (identification number).
Is the physical presence of company founders required in Spain?
Physical presence is required to sign the Articles of Association before a notary and to open a corporate bank account. However, most preparatory procedures can be carried out by a trusted representative. After company registration, directors will also need periodic presence — especially when dealing with banks and tax authorities.
What are the features of obtaining a Spanish residence permit through company registration?
Spain offers a residence permit program for entrepreneurs and investors. To obtain residency through business, it is necessary to submit a detailed business plan, confirm investment in the Spanish economy, create jobs, or implement innovative technologies. Minimum investments are not strictly defined, but projects from EUR 200,000 are usually considered.
Get expert advice — contact us today
You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.
