Set up a company in Spain as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in Spain is the SL (sociedad limitada). Foreign ownership: Transactions between residents and non-residents are free under Law 19/2003. Non-EU/EFTA investors taking 10% or more (or control) of a Spanish company in screened sectors such as critical infrastructure, critical technologies (including AI and cybersecurity), energy, sensitive personal data and media need prior authorisation. Minimum capital: €1 (since Ley 18/2022 'Crea y Crece'); while capital is under €3,000, 20% of profit goes to a legal reserve and partners carry joint liability up to €3,000 on liquidation. Government fee: Regulated notary and registry tariffs for online formation: €60 notary plus €40 registry when capital is no more than €3,100 and model statutes are used; otherwise €150 notary plus €100 registry.
The SL (sociedad limitada) in Spain, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | The SL is one of the legal forms listed on the government's SME platform, with its own formation procedure via CIRCE | plataformapyme.es |
| Foreign ownership | "Any acts, transactions and operations between residents and non-residents ... are free, with no limits other than those in this law and specific sector legislation." | boe.es |
| Sector limits (FDI screening) | Foreign direct investment (10% or more, or control) by non-EU/EFTA residents in listed sectors such as critical infrastructure, critical technologies, energy, sensitive data and media loses the automatic liberalisation and needs authorisation | boe.es |
| Minimum share capital | "The capital of a limited liability company may not be less than one euro" (Capital Companies Act art. 4, as amended by Ley 18/2022) | boe.es |
| Capital under €3,000 | While capital is below €3,000, at least 20% of profit must go to the legal reserve until reserve plus capital reach €3,000 | boe.es |
| Government registration fee | Online formation with capital no more than €3,100 and Ministry of Justice model statutes: fixed tariffs of €60 for the notary and €40 for the registrar (otherwise €150 and €100) | boe.es |
| Time to register | Through the CIRCE route the registrar must assess and register within 6 business hours of receiving the deed electronically | boe.es |
| Notary appointment | The notary signing date set through CIRCE can be no more than 12 business hours after the online process starts | boe.es |
| Online for non-residents | Since May 2023 an SL can be formed entirely online without founders appearing in person before the notary (the notary may require one physical appearance to verify identity or capacity) | boe.es |
| NIE for foreign partners | "Foreign investor partners (with no residence or activity in the company) must provide an NIE for economic matters." | plataformapyme.es |
| Registered address | Companies must have their registered office in Spain where they are effectively managed or have their main establishment | boe.es |
| Corporate income tax | "The general tax rate ... will be 25 per cent" (Corporate Tax Law art. 29) | boe.es |
| Small company rate (2026) | For tax periods starting in 2026, companies with prior-year net turnover under €1 million pay 19% on the first €50,000 of taxable base and 21% on the rest | boe.es |
| Annual compliance | Within one month of approving the annual accounts, directors must file them for deposit at the Mercantile Registry of the registered office | boe.es |
Questions founders ask about Spain
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Spain?
- Transactions between residents and non-residents are free under Law 19/2003. Non-EU/EFTA investors taking 10% or more (or control) of a Spanish company in screened sectors such as critical infrastructure, critical technologies (including AI and cybersecurity), energy, sensitive personal data and media need prior authorisation.
- What is the minimum capital for a company in Spain?
- €1 (since Ley 18/2022 'Crea y Crece'); while capital is under €3,000, 20% of profit goes to a legal reserve and partners carry joint liability up to €3,000 on liquidation.
- How much does it cost to register a company in Spain?
- Regulated notary and registry tariffs for online formation: €60 notary plus €40 registry when capital is no more than €3,100 and model statutes are used; otherwise €150 notary plus €100 registry.
- How long does it take to register a company in Spain?
- With model statutes through CIRCE: notary appointment within 12 business hours and Mercantile Registry registration within 6 business hours of receiving the deed (statutory maximums).
- Do I need a local director in Spain?
- No residency rule for directors found in the Capital Companies Act; foreign partners and directors need a Spanish foreigner identity number (NIE).
- Can I register a company in Spain from abroad?
- Yes in law: since May 2023 an SL can be formed fully online without appearing before the notary, though the notary may require one in-person appearance to confirm identity or capacity. Filling the DUE yourself needs an electronic certificate.
- What is the corporate tax rate in Spain?
- 25% general rate. For tax periods starting in 2026, companies with prior-year turnover under €1 million pay 19% on the first €50,000 and 21% on the rest; other small companies (entidades de reducida dimensión) pay 23%; new companies pay 15% in their first two profitable years.
Other countries
Australia · Colombia · Cyprus · Estonia · Georgia · Hong Kong · Indonesia · Ireland · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Netherlands · Philippines · Portugal · Singapore · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · Vietnam
To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (SL)
- Foreign ownership
- Transactions between residents and non-residents are free under Law 19/2003. Non-EU/EFTA investors taking 10% or more (or control) of a Spanish company in screened sectors such as critical infrastructure, critical technologies (including AI and cybersecurity), energy, sensitive personal data and media need prior authorisation
- Minimum capital
- €1 (since Ley 18/2022 'Crea y Crece'); while capital is under €3,000, 20% of profit goes to a legal reserve and partners carry joint liability up to €3,000 on liquidation
- Government fee
- Regulated notary and registry tariffs for online formation: €60 notary plus €40 registry when capital is no more than €3,100 and model statutes are used; otherwise €150 notary plus €100 registry
- Time to register
- With model statutes through CIRCE: notary appointment within 12 business hours and Mercantile Registry registration within 6 business hours of receiving the deed (statutory maximums)
- Local director
- No residency rule for directors found in the Capital Companies Act; foreign partners and directors need a Spanish foreigner identity number (NIE)
- Register from abroad
- Yes in law: since May 2023 an SL can be formed fully online without appearing before the notary, though the notary may require one in-person appearance to confirm identity or capacity. Filling the DUE yourself needs an electronic certificate
- Corporate tax
- 25% general rate. For tax periods starting in 2026, companies with prior-year turnover under €1 million pay 19% on the first €50,000 and 21% on the rest; other small companies (entidades de reducida dimensión) pay 23%; new companies pay 15% in their first two profitable years
- Official page
- plataformapyme.es
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check plataformapyme.es before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.