S.L. Company Incorporation in Spain

We provide structured incorporation, tax activation and banking preparation for international founders entering the Spanish market.
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Why Spain and S.L.?

Registering a Sociedad Limitada (SL) in Spain is a structured legal process involving corporate documentation, notarial formalization, tax registration and Commercial Registry approval.

We manage the incorporation end-to-end for residents and non-residents, ensuring the company is legally established, tax-active and prepared for banking compliance.

Spain remains one of the most established corporate jurisdictions in Southern Europe, offering access to the EU market, developed banking infrastructure and a predictable legal framework under Spanish Commercial Law.
How to Open an SL Company in Spain – Step by Step
Below is the practical process for incorporating a Spanish SL in 2026.
Corporate Structure Definition
The process begins with defining the corporate structure: shareholders, share capital distribution, director appointment and scope of business activities. Business activities must be aligned with the correct CNAE codes.
Company Name Reservation
A name clearance request is submitted to the Registro Mercantil Central. Once approved, the name is reserved and legally protected for incorporation purposes.
Drafting the Articles of Association
The Articles of Association (Estatutos Sociales) are drafted in accordance with Spanish corporate law, reflecting share capital, management structure and company purpose.
NIE for Foreign Shareholders
Non-resident founders must obtain a Spanish NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) to participate in the incorporation process.
Share Capital Deposit
The minimum share capital for an SL is generally EUR 3,000. The capital is deposited in a Spanish bank, and a bank certificate is issued confirming the contribution.

Important: if share capital is not deposited when incorporating then a shareholder suffers a personal liability in an amount of non-contributed capital until cash deposit is done.
Notarial Incorporation
The incorporation deed (Escritura de Constitución) is executed before a Spanish notary. This formal act legally establishes the company.
Provisional Tax ID (NIF)
Following notarization, the company receives a provisional NIF from the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).
Commercial Registry Filing
The incorporation deed is filed with the Registro Mercantil Provincial. Upon registration, the company acquires full legal status.
Tax Registration (Modelo 036)
The company is registered for corporate tax and VAT (if applicable) through the filing of Modelo 036. This activates the company for commercial operations.
Digital Certificate & Operational Activation
A digital certificate (Certificado Digital) is obtained to allow electronic filings, tax reporting and corporate compliance management.
Corporate and Tax Framework of a Spanish SL

An SL is a limited liability company regulated under Spanish corporate legislation. Shareholders’ liability is limited to their capital contribution.

Corporate tax is currently applied at the standard rate, with potential reduced rates for newly established companies during initial years, subject to tax conditions.

The company must maintain accounting records, file annual accounts and comply with periodic tax reporting obligations.

Spain operates within the EU legal framework, offering access to European markets and cross-border structuring opportunities.

Banking and Compliance Considerations
Opening a corporate bank account in Spain involves a compliance review under AML regulations. Banks typically assess business model transparency, source of funds and tax consistency.

Incorporation does not automatically guarantee bank approval. Proper preparation significantly increases the likelihood of successful account activation.
Cost of Incorporating an SL Company in Spain
Taxes and official government fees are paid separately where applicable. Share capital (minimum EUR 3,000) is not an expense and remains company property.
Government & Registry Fees
€900
Commercial Registry filing (Registro Mercantil Provincial), publication and administrative processing fees. The final amount depends on region and capital structure.
Notarial Incorporation
€600
Execution of the incorporation deed (Escritura de Constitución) before a Spanish notary, including review of Articles of Association and capital certification.
Legal Address (Domicilio Social) – 12 months
€69
Registered office address in Spain, including official correspondence handling and compliance documentation.
Tax Registration & NIF Activation
€450
Registration with Agencia Tributaria, issuance of provisional NIF and filing of Modelo 036 for tax activation.
Corporate Documentation & Structuring - individual texting and amendments
€1,200
Drafting of Articles of Association, shareholder structure, corporate books and documentation required for banking and compliance purposes.
Incorporation Coordination & Process Management
€900
Coordination of notary, registry, tax authorities and preparation for banking compliance until operational readiness.
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FAQ
  • Q
    How long does it take to open an SL in Spain?
    A
    The incorporation process typically takes between two and three weeks, depending on name approval, notary scheduling and registry processing times.
  • Q
    Can a non-resident open a company in Spain?
    A
    Yes. Non-residents can incorporate an SL provided they obtain a Spanish NIE and comply with tax identification requirements.
  • Q
    Is the 3,000 EUR share capital blocked permanently?
    A
    No. The share capital is deposited during incorporation but becomes available for business use once the company is registered.
  • Q
    Do I need a Spanish director?
    A
    A Spanish-resident director is not strictly required; however, tax residency and management location must be assessed carefully.
  • Q
    Can I open the company remotely?
    A
    Yes. Incorporation can be handled via power of attorney, allowing foreign founders to complete the process without being physically present.
  • Q
    When can the company start issuing invoices?
    A
    Once the provisional NIF is issued and tax registration is completed, the company may begin operations.
  • Q
    Is opening a corporate bank account guaranteed after incorporation?
    A
    Banks usually request corporate documents (Articles of Association, registration extract, NIF), identification of shareholders and directors, proof of address, source of funds documentation and a clear description of the business model and expected activity.
  • Q
    What documents do Spanish banks typically request?
    A
    No. Incorporation and bank approval are separate processes. Spanish banks conduct independent AML and compliance reviews, including assessment of source of funds, business model transparency and expected transaction volume.
  • Q
    Can I use a fintech or EMI instead of a traditional Spanish bank?
    A
    In some cases, electronic money institutions may be suitable for initial operations. However, depending on the business model and transaction volume, a traditional Spanish bank account may still be required for long-term stability and credibility.
  • Q
    Do I need a physical office address in Spain?
    A
    An SL must have a registered office address in Spain. This does not always require a large physical office, but it must be a legally valid address for tax and registry purposes.
  • Q
    Are there ongoing corporate maintenance obligations?
    A
    Yes. An SL must maintain accounting records, file annual accounts with the Commercial Registry and submit periodic tax returns. Failure to comply may result in penalties or administrative restrictions.