Services · Company formation
Company registration in Spain in 2026
A limited liability company with capital from €1: the foreigner number, notary, Commercial Register and the taxes a company pays in its first years.
In October 2022 the business creation and growth act cut the minimum capital of a Spanish limited liability company from €3,000 to €1. The condition: while capital is below €3,000, the company sets aside at least 20% of profit as a reserve, and on liquidation the partners answer for the shortfall up to €3,000, about $3,400.
Through the online company formation system with standard articles and capital up to €3,100, the notary charges a fixed €60, about $70, and the Commercial Register €40, about $50. The notary signs the deed within 12 working hours of the start, and the register makes the entry within the next 6 working hours.
How to register a company in Spain: the steps
| Step | What happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foreigner number | a foreigner identification number for every founder and manager; possible via a consulate | 1 to 4 weeks |
| 2. Name | a Central Commercial Register certificate that the name is free | 2-5 days |
| 3. Capital | an account at a Spanish bank and a capital deposit certificate | a few days |
| 4. Notary | deed of formation with articles; online with standard articles | 1 day |
| 5. Tax number and register | company tax number, Commercial Register entry | 6 working hours to 2 weeks |
| 6. Tax office and social security | registration return with the tax office, employer and manager registration | after registration |
We will calculate online the cost of registering and running your company for the first year.
Company taxes in 2026
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax, general rate | 25% |
| New companies | 15% in the first two profitable periods |
| Small and micro companies | 19% to 23% depending on turnover |
| VAT | 21%, reduced 10% and 4% |
More on our Spain taxes page. If a founder needs residence for an innovative project, see Spain start-up residence.
Company obligations after registration
- The partners' meeting approves annual accounts within 6 months of year end, and they are filed with the Commercial Register within a month of approval, together with the ultimate owners.
- VAT returns are filed quarterly, corporate tax once a year.
- The manager registers with social security if paid or in control of the company.
- Books follow the Spanish chart of accounts and are legalised at the register.
Can you open a Spanish company remotely
Yes. A foreign founder gets a foreigner number through a consulate and issues a power of attorney with an apostille and sworn translation. With it a representative opens the account, signs before the notary and registers the company. You do not need to live in Spain, but to run the company from Spain you need your own residence status.
Why registration gets delayed
- A founder or manager has no foreigner number: without it the notary will not sign.
- The bank will not open an account for a foreign founder until the source of funds is checked.
- Non-standard articles take the register longer and cost more.
- A foreign corporate founder's documents lack an apostille and a sworn translation.
Fees
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Startup founder residence permit (startup visa) | from €9 570 |
| Golden visa (residence by investment) | €9 000 |
| Digital Nomad residence permit | €9 200 |
A company with nominal capital, but without a foreigner's number and a notary registration stalls
The law does not forbid registering a limited liability company in Spain on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: founders and directors without a foreigner's identity number, a name the Central Register will not reserve, articles the notary sends back, first-year taxes and reports discovered only through penalties. We obtain the identity numbers, prepare documents for the notary, register the company in the Commercial Register and keep the taxes.
The cost of support depends on the founders and reporting workload; a manager will calculate it in the chat.
See also
Business account · Personal account · Investment property · All country programs
FAQ
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Need a company in Spain?
We register a Spanish limited company (S.L.), obtain your foreigner number (NIE) and the company tax number and help with the account and bookkeeping. The catalogue covers every country.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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