Business set-up and company administration in Spain
Whether you are registering as an autónomo or forming a limited company, starting a business in Spain involves several administrations in a fixed order. We prepare each step, coordinate with the notary and registries, and keep the ongoing company admin on schedule afterwards — with you informed throughout.
Who it’s for
- Freelancers and consultants starting to invoice from Spain
- Founders forming a Spanish limited company (SL)
- Small businesses opening premises on the Costa del Sol
- Existing companies that want their annual filings handled on time
Documents you’ll usually need
- Passport and NIE, TIE or EU registration certificate for each founder or director
- Digital certificate
- Description of the business activity
- Proposed company names, for an SL
- Lease or title for the business premises
- Bank account details
What we handle
Autónomo registration
Census registration with the Agencia Tributaria, choosing activity codes and VAT and income-tax obligations, and registration in RETA.
SL incorporation coordination
Company-name certificate, tax ID, share-capital steps, drafting support for the bylaws and coordination with the notary and the Registro Mercantil.
Tax and Social Security set-up
Registering the company’s tax obligations and, when hiring, its employer account.
Municipal activity licences
Preparing the responsible declaration (declaración responsable) or activity licence application with the town hall, coordinating the technical project where required.
Annual accounts deposit
Preparing the filing of the annual accounts and supporting documents at the Registro Mercantil.
Corporate book-keeping filings
Legalisation of the company’s official books and other recurring registry filings.
Grant applications support
Helping you prepare and file applications for public grants and aid where your business meets the published conditions.
Last reviewed: Legal basis: Ley 20/2007 (self-employed) · RDL 1/2010 (Ley de Sociedades de Capital)
Who does what — stated plainly
BorderConexion coordinates and prepares your case. Our founder is completing the official Máster en Gestión Administrativa (2026–27), the qualifying route to colegiación as a Gestora Administrativa in Spain. We are currently onboarding colegiado partners (abogados and gestores administrativos colegiados). Until those partnerships are in place, we offer consultations, route planning and document preparation; any filing that legally requires a colegiado professional will be submitted by a named partner, identified in your engagement letter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain?
You register your activity with the Agencia Tributaria’s census, choosing your activity codes and tax obligations, and then register with Social Security in RETA. Both can usually be done online with a digital certificate. The order matters, so plan both steps together.
Can a foreigner set up a company in Spain?
Yes. Foreign founders and directors need a NIE, and the company itself obtains a tax ID. The incorporation deed is signed before a notary and registered at the Registro Mercantil. Non-EU founders should also check that their residence status allows them to work in the business.
Do I need a licence to open a shop or office in Marbella?
Most activities in premises need either a responsible declaration or an activity licence from the town hall, depending on the activity and the premises. Some activities also require a technical project signed by an architect or engineer. Check the requirements before you sign a lease.
When do I have to file annual accounts for a Spanish SL?
Annual accounts are approved by the shareholders after the financial year ends and then deposited at the Registro Mercantil within the legal deadline. Missing the deposit can lead to the registry closing the company’s sheet and to penalties. Put the dates in your calendar from the first year.
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