Do business in Spain. Without the mess.
Spain is the EU's 4th largest economy and a gateway to Latin American markets. Commenda handles your SL formation, Registro Mercantil filing, and ongoing compliance so your team can focus on the business.
Trusted by global businesses
Why Spain
Why Spain for your next entity
Spain combines a deep domestic consumer market of 47 million people with privileged trade ties to Latin America. The SL structure gives foreign companies limited liability with just €3,000 in share capital, a 23% SME corporate tax rate for qualifying businesses, and access to the EU single market. The Beckham Law flat tax of 15% makes it cost-effective to relocate key executives. With proper setup, Spain is a straightforward jurisdiction. Without it, notary requirements, Registro Mercantil filings, and IVA obligations become time sinks.
Explore incorporation options- 25%Standard corporate tax rateApplied to taxable income for most companies operating in Spain
- 23%SME corporate tax rateFor companies with revenue under €1M, reducing the overall tax burden
- €3,000Minimum share capital (SL)Low barrier to entry for foreign companies forming a Sociedad Limitada
- 3-5 wksTypical incorporation timelineIncluding notary deed, Registro Mercantil registration, and tax IDs
Product Suite
One platform.
Every jurisdiction. No gaps.
Built for finance teams running international operations without a dedicated compliance function. This is the infrastructure you should have had from day one.
- Learn more
Entity Management
Formation, maintenance, and oversight for subsidiaries across 70+ countries.
- Learn more
Global Indirect Tax
VAT, GST, and sales tax obligations tracked, filed, and confirmed.
- Learn more
Transfer Pricing
Intercompany policy, documentation, and filing - built to OECD standards.
- Learn more
Tax & Accounting
Consolidated financial reporting and local corporate tax filings. One audit trail.
Entity types
Choose the right structure for your business
Recommended
SL (Sociedad Limitada)
Spain's private limited company is the standard choice for foreign businesses entering the market. Liability is capped at share capital contributions, and the structure suits companies of any size from small subsidiaries to operating divisions.
Benefits
- €3,000 minimum share capital, fully paid on incorporation
- No Spanish resident director required
- 23% corporate tax rate for SMEs with revenue under €1M
- Access to Patent Box regime: 60% deduction on qualifying IP income
- Single shareholder permitted (sole member SL)
Key considerations
- Notary involvement required for deed of incorporation
- Registro Mercantil (Commercial Registry) registration mandatory
- Registered address in Spain required
- Spanish codice fiscal equivalent (NIF) needed for all directors
How it works
From kickoff to open for business in Spain
Incorporating in a new country means unfamiliar filings, local requirements, and moving parts across multiple vendors.
We handle all of it so you don't have to.
Day 1
Onboarding
Your details submitted once. Entity name checked, documents collected, filings kicked off. No back-and-forth.
Days 1–3
Entity confirmed
Incorporation done. Formation documents, company number, and registered address live in your Commenda dashboard.
Week 1–2
Tax setup
Tax registrations filed, banking guidance underway. Compliance calendar set for your jurisdiction.
Week 2
Open for business
You're operational in a new market. Without a single trip to a government office.
G2 Reviews
Rated by the teams using it
Scores from finance and legal leads handling compliance globally.
Entity Management
#1 Ranked9.6/ 10Set up your entity and keep it in good standing. Filings, records, and renewals tracked in one place.
Corporate Tax & Compliance
Top Rated9.1/ 10Every tax deadline on one calendar. Corporate returns and statutory filings handled without the back-and-forth.
Sales Tax & VAT/GST
Commenda Leads9.4/ 10Register for VAT, GST, and sales tax in every country you operate in, and manage it all in one place.
Spain resources
Everything you need for your Spain operations
Detailed guides on tax, compliance, and business structure in Spain.
- Incorporation
How to Incorporate in Spain
Step-by-step guide to forming an SL in Spain, from notary appointment to Registro Mercantil registration and tax ID issuance.
Read guide - Compliance
Spain Corporate Compliance Guide
Annual accounts, IVA filings, and corporate tax obligations for entities operating in Spain.
Read guide - Tax
Spain Corporate Tax and VAT Overview
Breakdown of Impuesto de Sociedades, IVA rates, the Beckham Law expat regime, and the Patent Box deduction.
Read guide - Expansion
Expanding into the EU via Spain
How foreign companies use a Spanish SL as their EU holding or operating entity to access the single market.
Read guide
FAQ
Common questions
No. Spain does not require directors to be residents or Spanish nationals. You do need a registered address in Spain and all directors must obtain a Spanish NIF (tax identification number), which Commenda can facilitate.
Typically 3 to 5 weeks from document collection through to Registro Mercantil registration and tax ID issuance. The notary deed signing is the main time variable. Commenda coordinates this process end-to-end.
The Beckham Law is a special tax regime for qualifying foreign nationals who relocate to Spain for work. Eligible individuals pay a flat 15% income tax rate (vs. the standard progressive rate up to 47%) for up to 6 years. It applies to employees, directors, and certain remote workers who haven't been Spanish tax residents in the prior 5 years.
Spanish companies can deduct 60% of qualifying IP income from their taxable base, effectively reducing the tax rate on IP-derived revenue to 10% (at the 25% headline rate). Qualifying assets include patents, utility models, and certain software. Transfer pricing rules apply to related-party IP arrangements.
Annual obligations include filing audited (or unaudited, for small companies) financial statements with the Registro Mercantil, quarterly and annual IVA (VAT) returns, monthly or quarterly corporate income tax installments, and an annual Impuesto de Sociedades (IS) return. Companies with employees also face monthly payroll tax filings.
Yes. Foreign entities can hold 100% of a Spanish SL with no local partner requirement. A sole member (socio unico) SL is a recognized structure. The sole member status must be registered in the Registro Mercantil within 6 months of formation.
Join hundreds of international businesses growing fast with Commenda
Tell us where you're expanding and we'll scope the requirements, handle the filing, and keep your entity compliant, usually within 24 hours of kickoff.
