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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:
  1. 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.
  2. Request a provisional Tax Identification Number (NIF) and designate a representative of the parent company before the Spanish Tax Administration.
  3. Open a bank account in the name of the company.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. Register the branch in the Madrid Mercantile Register.
  7. Request a definitive Tax Identification Number (NIF) for the branch from the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT), providing the deed of incorporation.
  8. 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.
* Certificate of availability of company name for registration– The company name certificate from the Central Commercial Registry is not required to open a branch.

/ 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

/ Modalities

/ Type of procedure

Incorporating a company | Branch

/ Version and date of the last update

Version 1.0 Date September 2023

Consult other procedures