If you’re planning to trade in or with Spain, or you’re thinking about setting up a branch or hiring someone locally, one of the first things you’ll need is a company CIF, which stands for Código de Identificación Fiscal. This is the tax identification number that allows your business to operate legally in Spain. Without it, you won’t be able to issue invoices, pay taxes, employ staff, or sign contracts.

At Gascón Bernabéu, we make the process simple. Our English-speaking solicitors help companies register with the Spanish tax system quickly and correctly. Whether you’re opening a local office or appointing a single representative, we’ll guide you through every step and make sure everything is handled properly from day one.

To get started, just fill in the contact form on our website, send us an email at info@gbabogados.co.uk, message us on WhatsApp, or give us a call on +44 (0)20 3137 1320, and we’ll be happy to help.

What is a CIF number?

The CIF – now formally referred to as the NIF for companies – is your official Spanish tax ID. It’s what registers your business with the Spanish tax authorities, and it also doubles as your VAT number. Unlike in many countries where businesses are issued a separate VAT number, in Spain, your CIF covers both.

If you want to trade with Spanish companies, open a bank account, employ staff, or carry out any official business activity in Spain, you’ll need a CIF. Spanish companies such as S.L. or S.A. structures are issued a CIF automatically when they’re formed, but as a foreign business, you’ll need to apply separately – and that’s where we come in.

What’s the difference between a CIF and a NIF?

If you’ve been looking into doing business in Spain, you might have come across both CIF and NIF numbers – and it’s easy to get confused. In simple terms, CIF was the old name for the tax identification number used by companies. However, in 2008, Spanish law changed, and the CIF was officially replaced by the NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) for all legal entities. Despite this, many people still refer to a company’s tax number as a CIF out of habit, even though NIF is now the correct and official term. For businesses, the NIF starts with a letter that identifies the type of company (such as A for public limited companies or B for private limited companies), followed by seven numbers and a control digit. So, while CIF and NIF are often used interchangeably in conversation, they refer to the same thing.