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Commercial

Setting up a company (sociedad limitada)

We help you set up your private limited company (sociedad limitada) in Spain: company name, articles of association, deed before a notary, registration at the Companies Register and tax registration. Since the Crea y Crece Act the minimum share capital is one euro, with certain rules until it reaches €3,000. We support you at every step, including when any of the partners is foreign.

By Elena Fernández Ruiz, ICAB member no. 43871 · Updated on 14 October 2026

In brief

Who it is for
Entrepreneurs, professionals and investors, whether resident or not, who want to set up a limited company registered in Spain.
Where it is handled
Before a notary, in person or by videoconference, and at the Companies Register (Registro Mercantil) of the registered office; it can also be done online through CIRCE and the Business Support Points (PAE).
Minimum capital
One euro, fully paid up. Until it reaches €3,000, at least 20% of profits must go to the legal reserve and, if the company is wound up without sufficient assets, the partners are liable for the shortfall.
Fees
We quote them in the first consultation (€40), with the option to pay in instalments.

Typical documents

  • Certificate from the Central Companies Register that the name is available (certificación negativa), still valid: it lasts three months from issue.
  • Articles of association stating the name, corporate purpose, registered office, capital, shares and how the company will be managed.
  • Proof of cash contributions with a bank certificate, valid for two months, or a statement by the founders that they are jointly liable for their reality.
  • Tax identification number of each partner who signs: Spanish ID (DNI) or, for foreigners, NIE or the NIF assigned by the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).
  • Non-resident partners with 10% or more: declaration to the Investment Register (form D-1A) within one month; if a notary is involved, the notary files it.
  • In strategic sectors, certain investors from outside the EU and EFTA require prior government authorisation.
  • After registration, application for the definitive tax number (NIF) and census registration with the Tax Agency using form 036.

How we help you

  1. We study your project

    We look at the partners, capital, management structure and any foreign partners, and explain whether standard or bespoke articles of association suit you best.

  2. We prepare the incorporation

    We apply for the company name, draft the articles and coordinate with the notary the deed, the bank certificate and each partner's documents.

  3. Signing and registration

    We attend the signing with you and follow the registration at the Companies Register, which must be requested within two months of the deed. Registration gives the company legal personality.

  4. Follow-up formalities

    We handle the definitive tax number, census registration and, where applicable, the foreign investment declaration, and explain the obligations that begin with trading.

Frequently asked questions

Can I set up a limited company with one euro of capital?

Yes. Since Law 18/2022 the minimum capital is one euro. Until it reaches €3,000, at least 20% of profits must go to the legal reserve and, if the company is wound up without enough assets, the partners are jointly liable for the difference up to €3,000.

How long does online incorporation take?

With standard articles through CIRCE, the law sets working hours: the notary appointment within twelve and registration within six. With bespoke articles, final registration has a five-day deadline. In practice, it depends on having all documents ready.

Can I set up the company without travelling to Spain?

In many cases, yes. The law allows a company to be incorporated before a notary by videoconference when contributions are in cash, using electronic identification. You will also need your NIE or a Spanish NIF.

Legislation

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