VIRTUAL ONE STOP SHOP FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
/Open a branch
Basic information on the procedure.
/ Object
/ Basic information
How to open a branch of a foreign company in Spain:
- Obtain documentation related to the parent company: the certificate of incorporation of the parent company and its current statutes, and the agreement of the administrative body of the foreign parent company approving the creation of the Spanish branch. The documents must be translated into Spanish.
- Request a provisional Tax Identification Number (NIF) and designate a representative of the parent company before the Spanish Tax Administration.
- Open a bank account in the name of the company.
- Formalize the deed of incorporation of the branch before a notary. Among the documents to be presented, a declaration of real ownership must be included
- Settle the tax on capital transfers and documented legal acts. This tax is generally paid on a self-assessment basis, but opening a branch is exempt from this tax.
- Register the branch in the Madrid Mercantile Register.
- Request a definitive Tax Identification Number (NIF) for the branch from the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT), providing the deed of incorporation.
- Complete other tax and labor procedures. Register for the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Economic Activity Tax (IAE). Complete and submit form 036 to register in the Census of Businesses, Professionals, and Withholders.
/ Links to the municipal areas and institutions in charge of the procedure
/ Approximate costs
Among the costs for opening a branch, the following stand out:
- Notary and Mercantile Register.
- Payment of taxes.
- If applicable, professionals hired for advice and carrying out administrative formalities.
/ Resolution period
The average time to open a branch is 6 to 8 weeks.
/ Professional knowledge required
Certain formalities for opening a branch must be carried out before a notary and the Mercantile Register of Madrid.
It is advisable to hire legal advice to carry out all the formalities for opening a branch.
/ Where and how to submit documentation
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/ Modalities
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/ Type of procedure
Incorporating a company | | | Branch |
/ Related procedures
/ Version and date of the last update
Version | 1.0 | Date | September 2023 |
Necessary documents to initiate the application process.
/ Basic documentation
- The “Basic Information” section lists the different procedures and, if applicable, the necessary documents.
Key regulatory provisions.
/ Legal basis
Full text | | Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of 2 July, approving the consolidated text of the Capital Companies Law |
Consult other procedures
Information services
- / Doing Business in Spain
- / Support centres in Madrid for the incorporation of companies
- / Others ways of doing business and investing in Spain
Information and services
- / Municipal Licensing System (SLIM)
- / The Licenses and Urban Planning Files Consultation System (CONEX)
- / Virtual Licensing Assistant
- / Information request
- / Collaborating Urban Development Entities (ECU)
- / Common urban planning consultation
- / Special urban planning consultation
- / Advanced Personalized Urban Planning Consulting System (AUPA)
- / Feasibility report
- / Responsible declaration for first occupancy and operation
- / First occupancy and operation urban license
- / Statement of compliance
- / Basic licence
- / Urban planning licence
Procedures and formalities