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.
A Spanish limited company (Sociedad Limitada, SL) takes about two weeks to two months on the paper route, and can be much faster online through CIRCE. Here is the order that works, with typical costs. Figures checked on 06/11/2026; confirm them with a gestor or Spanish accountant before you commit.
1. Get an NIE if you are not Spanish
Every founder and director who is not Spanish needs an NIE (foreigner identity number) before the notary appointment. Apply at a police station in Spain or a Spanish consulate abroad. This is often the slowest step, so start it first.
2. Reserve the company name
Apply online to the Central Mercantile Registry for a name certificate (certificación negativa de denominación). You give up to five name options; the certificate costs about €14 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 share capital. Since the Crea y Crece law of 2022, the minimum is €1. Until capital and reserves reach €3,000, the company must keep at least 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 (estatutos) in front of a Spanish notary. Bring the name certificate, the bank certificate and ID or NIE 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 the company’s activity at the same time.
6. Register with the Mercantile Registry
File the deed with the Mercantile Registry of the company’s province within two months of signing. Once registered, the company exists in full and you apply for the final NIF.
The faster route: CIRCE
CIRCE is the government’s online system for starting a company. You fill in one electronic form (the DUE) yourself or at an entrepreneur service point (PAE), and it routes the name, notary, tax and registry steps for you. With standard articles it is usually quicker than doing each step separately. You still sign in front of a notary.
Typical costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Name certificate | About €14 |
| Notary | Depends on capital and notary; often a few hundred euros |
| Provincial Mercantile Registry | About €100 to €200 |
| Gestor or lawyer (optional) | From a few hundred euros |
Let Corey prepare it
Corey is a free AI co-founder for solopreneurs and startups, inside Claude, with a researched rule book for Spain. Use the Set up the business prompt with “Spain” as your country: it helps you choose between registering as an autonomo or forming an SL, prepares the details for the notary and the tax agency, and keeps the deadlines afterwards. You sign and submit. Get Corey free.