Moving your business to Spain sounds like a dream. Sunshine, siestas, and tinto de verano. But when it comes to setting up the legal and financial side, that dream can quickly feel like navigating a bureaucratic labyrinth. If you’re considering the move, here are some hard-earned insights.
It’s tempting to sign up with a flashy international consultancy promising a smooth ride for €1,500–€2,000 or more. But many of these services charge high fees for simple paperwork and then nickel-and-dime you for every small task. And in many cases, they can’t speed up the process either.
Pro tip: If you or your partner speaks Spanish, consider a local gestor (accountant/administrator). They know the ropes, charge reasonable rates, and are more likely to offer ongoing support rather than a one-time service.
For small businesses, especially when it’s just you or you and a partner, registering as autónomos (freelancers) is often cheaper. The first two years come with significantly reduced social security contributions, which is around €90 per month.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if you’re applying for Spain’s Beckham Law (a tax incentive for new residents), forming an S.L. (Sociedad Limitada) from day one may be necessary. Just be aware: it comes with a flat €400/month per person in social fees, starting immediately after registration.
As a general rule, if you earn more than €60.000 a year, then setting up an S.L. may be more attractive, because of the Beckham law.
Can’t find long-term housing yet? No worries. A virtual office or mailbox is a valid and accepted solution for registering your business. Some places offer extras like scanning and emailing your mail, or even forwarding it for a small additional fee.
Many entrepreneurs in Spain use tools like Moneybird or Holded to do their own invoicing, bookkeeping, and document organization. It’s user-friendly and saves you from sending your gestor a WhatsApp every time you need an invoice. Also, this makes it easier in case you would ever want to switch to another gestor.
That said, tax submissions and anything ‘official’ can best be handled by a professional. Spanish tax authority websites are notoriously complex, even locals often get help.
Facebook groups, WhatsApp entrepreneur groups, and local business clubs can be lifesavers. Not only do they provide recommendations for trustworthy professionals, but they can also help you feel connected faster. Don’t hesitate to ask someone to add you to one.
Whether it’s a lawyer, accountant, or agency: always ask for clarity on what’s included, and whether each additional task (e.g., visiting the notary, setting up a bank account) comes with an extra charge.
And keep this in mind: many professionals in Spain do only what you ask for. They won’t proactively look for ways to save you money or optimize your setup unless you insist.
Setting up a business in Spain isn’t fast. Bureaucracy is real. Delays are normal. Bring extra patience and start well ahead of your intended move. It’s not about shortcuts, it’s about learning to dance with the system.
Need an address to start your business? Check out our ‘Virtual office’ subscriptions:
https://launidadvejer.es/start-your-company-in-spain-without-a-fixed-address-with-a-virtual-office/
