# How to register a company in Spain (SL): step by step

To register a Sociedad Limitada (SL) in Spain, reserve the name with the Central Mercantile Registry, open a bank account and deposit the capital, sign the deed of incorporation in front of a notary, get a provisional tax number, register the company with the provincial Mercantile Registry and then get the final tax number. Foreign founders need an NIE first. The online route through CIRCE can be much faster; the usual timeline is two weeks to two months.

## Steps
1. Get an NIE if you are not Spanish: Every founder and director who is not a Spanish national needs a foreigner identity number (NIE) before signing anything. Apply at a police station in Spain or a Spanish consulate abroad.
2. Reserve the company name: Apply online to the Central Mercantile Registry for a name certificate (certificación negativa de denominación), giving up to five options. It costs a few euros and is valid for three months for signing the deed.
3. Open a bank account and deposit the capital: Open an account in the company's name and deposit the capital. The minimum is now €1, but until capital and reserves reach €3,000 the company must keep 20% of profits in reserve and the partners are liable for the shortfall.
4. Sign the deed in front of a notary: Sign the deed of incorporation (escritura de constitución), with the articles of association, in front of a Spanish notary. Bring the name certificate, the bank certificate and ID for every founder.
5. Get a provisional tax number: Apply to the tax agency for the company's provisional tax number (NIF) with form 036, and register its activity at the same time.
6. Register with the Mercantile Registry: File the deed with the Mercantile Registry of the province where the company is based, within two months of signing. Once it is registered, apply for the final tax number.

## FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to register an SL in Spain?
A: The name certificate is about €14 and the provincial registry entry around €100 to €200, depending on the province. Notary fees depend on the capital and the notary; with a low-capital company and standard articles, total fees are often a few hundred euros. Using a gestor or lawyer adds to that.

Q: Can I register a company in Spain online?
A: Yes. CIRCE, the government's online system, lets you file a single electronic form (DUE) yourself or through an entrepreneur service point (PAE), and books the notary and registry steps for you. With standard articles it can be much faster than the paper route. You still sign in front of a notary.

Q: What is the minimum capital for an SL?
A: €1 since the Crea y Crece law of 2022. Below €3,000, the company must put at least 20% of profits into a legal reserve until capital and reserves reach €3,000, and the partners are jointly liable for the difference if the company is wound up.

Q: Should I register as autonomo instead?
A: Many solo founders start as an autonomo - self-employed - because it is quicker and cheaper, with a reduced flat-rate social security fee in the first year. Form an SL when you want liability protection, partners or a tax rate that suits higher profits. A gestor can model the crossover for you.

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