How to Incorporate a Spanish Limited Liability Company (S.L.)
A Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.L.) is a common vehicle for operating in Spain. It has legal personality separate from its shareholders once incorporated and registered. The process and documentation depend on the proposed shareholders, directors, activity and ownership structure.
Key incorporation steps
- Request a company name certificate from the Central Commercial Registry.
- Determine the shareholders, directors, share capital, registered office and articles of association.
- Obtain any identification numbers required for foreign shareholders and representatives.
- Execute the public deed of incorporation before a Spanish notary, including beneficial ownership information where required.
- Complete applicable tax/census formalities and register the deed with the relevant Commercial Registry.
- Arrange the company’s electronic identification, banking and any sector-specific authorisations.
An S.L. may generally be incorporated with share capital starting at €1, but special reserve and shareholder liability rules apply until capital reaches €3,000. The choice of capital should therefore reflect commercial and operational needs.
See Spain’s public administration portal for official business procedures, and our incorporation service and fees.
