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Company formation & bank account for non-residents
Whether you should register as an autónomo (self-employed) or set up an SL (limited company) depends on your income, liability and plans. We help you choose, then our partners handle the incorporation, the digital certificate and registration with Hacienda and Social Security.
Who it’s for
- →Freelancers and remote workers invoicing from Spain
- →Founders launching a Spanish company
- →Non-residents who need a business bank account
- →Anyone comparing autónomo vs SL costs
Eligibility and key conditions
- An SL can be formed with share capital of €1. While capital is below €3,000, at least 20% of profit must go to the legal reserve, and on liquidation partners answer jointly for any shortfall up to €3,000 (Ley de Sociedades de Capital, art. 4).
- An SL is created by a public deed before a notary, which is then registered at the Registro Mercantil (Ley de Sociedades de Capital, art. 20).
- Modelo 036 is the census form for starting, changing or ending an activity; the simplified Modelo 037 no longer exists since 3 February 2025 (Agencia Tributaria).
- Self-employed registration (RETA) is filed before the activity starts, and no earlier than 60 days before it (RD 84/1996).
- Foreign founders need a NIE to sign and register (RD 1155/2024, art. 205); a non-EU national also needs a status that allows self-employment.
What’s included
- Autónomo vs SL guidance for your case
- Business NIE for founders
- Company incorporation (SL) and statutes
- Opening a Spanish bank account, remotely where possible
- Digital certificate (certificado digital)
- Registration with Hacienda and Social Security
How the process works
- 1
Structure
We recommend autónomo or SL based on your numbers and goals.
- 2
Identity
We arrange the business NIE and digital certificate.
- 3
Setup
Our partner incorporates the company and opens the bank account.
- 4
Registration
We register you with Hacienda and Social Security, ready to invoice.
Typical documents
An indicative list — the exact one is confirmed once your case has been assessed.
- NIE (and a residence status that allows self-employment, for non-EU nationals)
- Modelo 036 census declaration
- RETA registration with the Social Security
- For an SL: certificate that the company name is free, public deed of incorporation and articles of association
- Registration of the deed at the Registro Mercantil
Timing
RETA registration must be filed before you start and no more than 60 calendar days before (RD 84/1996). How long notary, registry and tax steps take depends on their workload.
What’s not included
- Government fees (tasas) and taxes, which are paid directly to the administration
- Notary and Registro Mercantil fees, which are set by official tariffs and paid to them directly
Who carries out the regulated work
A gestor administrativo or tax advisor handles the tax and Social Security registrations; the notary (a public official) authorises the SL deed.
Questions about this service
Can I open the bank account without flying to Spain?
Often yes, with a business NIE and digital certificate. Some banks still require one in-person visit; our partner will confirm the fastest route for your bank.
Autónomo or SL — which is cheaper?
Autónomo is cheaper to start and run at lower income; an SL limits personal liability and can be more efficient as profits grow. We model both for your case.
Official sources
- Ley de Sociedades de Capital (RDLeg 1/2010), art. 4 — SL minimum capital (BOE)
- Ley 18/2022 (Crea y Crece) — €1 minimum capital for an SL (BOE)
- Agencia Tributaria — census filings for businesses (Modelo 036)
- Real Decreto 84/1996 — Social Security registration, incl. RETA (BOE)
Last reviewed:
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