By
October 19, 2026
Can a foreigner open a company in Spain?
Yes, a foreigner can open a company in Spain. Both European Union (EU) and non-EU citizens can generally establish and own Spanish companies, including a Sociedad Limitada (SL), the Spanish equivalent of a private limited liability company.
Foreign entrepreneurs do not necessarily need to live in Spain to establish a business, and a Spanish limited company can generally be wholly owned by foreign shareholders.
Spain offers international investors access to the European Single Market, an established legal framework, and opportunities across sectors such as consulting, technology, e-commerce, professional services, tourism, and international trade.
However, starting a company in Spain involves legal, administrative, and tax requirements that foreign investors should understand before beginning the incorporation process.
This guide explains how a foreigner can open a company in Spain, including the legal requirements, registration process, necessary documents, tax considerations, and options for opening a business account.
Yes. A non-resident can generally establish and own a company in Spain without permanently living in the country.
Foreign individuals may establish a Spanish limited company as sole shareholders or together with other investors.
A non-resident entrepreneur may be able to:
However, company ownership and immigration status are separate legal matters.
Registering a company in Spain does not automatically grant the right to reside or work in the country.
Non-EU citizens who intend to relocate to Spain or carry out work there may need an appropriate residence or work authorization.
Yes. A foreign individual or foreign corporate entity can generally own 100% of a Spanish limited company.
A Sociedad Limitada can be established with a single shareholder. This structure is commonly referred to as a Sociedad Limitada Unipersonal (SLU).
The sole shareholder may be a Spanish resident, an EU citizen, a non-EU individual, or another company.
However, certain foreign investments and regulated business activities may be subject to screening, authorization, or sector-specific restrictions.
Foreign investors should confirm whether any additional requirements apply to their planned business activities.
Foreign entrepreneurs can choose from several business structures depending on their commercial objectives.
A Sociedad Limitada is one of the most commonly used legal structures for small and medium-sized businesses.
An SL generally provides:
The statutory minimum share capital for an SL is €1, although additional legal obligations apply while the company's capital remains below €3,000.
A Sociedad Anónima is generally suitable for larger businesses or companies requiring more substantial investment and a different shareholding structure.
The statutory minimum share capital is €60,000.
An existing foreign business can establish a Spanish subsidiary.
A subsidiary is a separate legal entity that may be wholly owned by its foreign parent company.
A foreign company may establish a branch in Spain.
Unlike a subsidiary, a branch is generally not a separate legal entity from its parent company.
Foreign individuals who are legally entitled to undertake self-employed activities in Spain may register as autónomos.
This structure differs from incorporating a limited company because the individual operates the business in their own name.
The appropriate structure depends on the entrepreneur's objectives, residency status, liability considerations, and business activities.
The requirements depend on the chosen legal structure and the circumstances of the shareholders.
For a Spanish SL, foreign entrepreneurs commonly need:
Additional documents may be required where a foreign company is a shareholder or where representatives act under a power of attorney.
The registration process for a foreign-owned Spanish company generally follows the same principal stages as incorporation by Spanish residents.
Determine whether an SL, SA, branch, or subsidiary is most suitable.
For many foreign entrepreneurs establishing a small or medium-sized business, an SL offers a practical corporate structure.
Foreign individuals may require a Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) for relevant Spanish legal and administrative procedures.
Foreign corporate shareholders may need a Spanish tax identification number (NIF).
These requirements should be addressed early because obtaining identification numbers can affect the incorporation timeline.
The founders generally need a certificate confirming that the proposed company name is available.
This certificate is issued by the Central Commercial Registry (Registro Mercantil Central).
For an SL, the statutory minimum share capital is €1.
However, special statutory rules apply while capital remains below €3,000.
The shareholders should also consider the working capital required to finance the company's activities.
The company must prepare its incorporation documents and bylaws.
These include details of the shareholders, directors, registered office, business activities, share capital, and management arrangements.
A Spanish limited company is generally incorporated through a public deed executed before a Spanish notary.
Foreign shareholders may be able to act through authorized representatives where the relevant legal requirements are satisfied.
The company requires a Spanish tax identification number.
A provisional NIF may be obtained during incorporation, followed by definitive tax identification documentation after the applicable requirements have been completed.
The incorporation deed must be submitted to the relevant provincial Commercial Registry.
Registration is a fundamental step in establishing the company as a fully registered legal entity.
The company must complete the applicable tax registration procedures and determine its VAT, corporate income tax, and other obligations.
Additional Social Security registrations or business licences may be required.
Once the company has the necessary documentation, it can apply for a business account.
Foreign-owned Spanish companies may be eligible for online business accounts offered by regulated financial institutions.
For businesses primarily operating in euros, a dedicated EUR IBAN with SEPA payment capabilities can support domestic and European business transactions.
Foreign individuals commonly need a Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) for relevant company formation and administrative procedures.
The NIE is an identification number used for foreign individuals with qualifying economic, professional, or social interests in Spain.
Depending on the circumstances, foreign entrepreneurs may obtain an NIE through the appropriate authorities in Spain or through Spanish consular procedures abroad.
The NIE should not be confused with a residence permit.
Having an NIE does not automatically grant permission to live or work in Spain.
No. Foreign shareholders do not generally need to reside in Spain to own shares in a Spanish limited company.
A non-resident may establish and own a Spanish company while living in another country.
However, the company's management arrangements, tax residence, director obligations, and business operations should be considered carefully.
An entrepreneur who actively works in Spain may be subject to different immigration, tax, and Social Security requirements from someone who is simply a non-resident shareholder.
Spanish company law does not generally impose a universal requirement for every company director to reside in Spain.
A foreign individual may therefore be appointed as a director or administrator, subject to applicable legal requirements.
However, directors may need Spanish identification or tax numbers and must comply with their legal responsibilities.
The location from which a company is effectively managed can also be relevant to tax and regulatory matters.
Foreign entrepreneurs should assess the company's management arrangements before incorporation.
Yes. Non-EU citizens can generally establish and own companies in Spain.
For example, entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and other non-EU countries may establish a Spanish SL, subject to applicable requirements.
The incorporation process may involve additional identification or document authentication procedures.
Certain investments may also require regulatory review.
Importantly, establishing or owning a company does not automatically authorize a non-EU citizen to reside or work in Spain.
Entrepreneurs intending to relocate should separately assess the immigration authorization applicable to their circumstances.
In some circumstances, yes.
Foreign investors may be able to complete parts of the incorporation process remotely through electronic procedures or by appointing authorized representatives.
Spain provides electronic company formation services through the CIRCE system for eligible incorporations.
However, not every company can be incorporated entirely remotely without additional formalities.
The requirements depend on the legal structure, shareholder identification, notarization arrangements, and supporting documentation.
Foreign investors may need to arrange powers of attorney, translations, or legalized documents.
For an individual foreign shareholder, commonly required documents and information include:
Where a foreign company is a shareholder, additional corporate registration documents and evidence of representation authority may be required.
Foreign documents may need certified translation, legalization, or an apostille, depending on the circumstances.
The cost depends on the legal structure, incorporation procedure, and documentation requirements.
For a Spanish SL, the statutory minimum share capital is €1.
However, entrepreneurs must also consider expenses such as:
