Licenses or permits to start up a company

Any individual or company established in a European Union (EU) Member State may provide their services freely in Spain under the same conditions as Spanish nationals. Any operators wishing to carry out business or professional activities and operations must follow a number of general administrative steps before they can begin their activity.

In Spain, the processes relating to the administrative steps required for starting a business activity and setting up a company are managed by different relevant authorities, at central, regional and local levels. Formalities must be completed through the relevant authority in the territory in which the activity is to be carried out. In many cases, the steps involved will depend on the specific business activity.

Similarly, if the individual or company intends to hire staff, they must approach the national and local authorities involved in the procedures for registering workers.

More information

A list containing the contact details of associations or organisations to approach for practical assistance or additional help is available, organised according to business sector.

Access to associations and assistance organizations 

More information on the requirements relating to the necessary procedures and processes for accessing service activities can be found through the one-stop shops for services. These also act as a point of contact between the relevant authorities involved in the procedures you need to follow to be able to provide a service and the providers of those services, by providing online access to the procedures.

Services Directive One-Stop Shops

Municipal councils have rules and specific procedures for authorising certain business activities.

Access to the Local Government Map   to select the relevant municipality.