How to register a UK company in Spain
Expanding your UK-based business into Spain is a great way to reach new markets, import or export goods, or establish a local presence. While Brexit may have changed a few things, it hasn’t made the process too challenging – especially if you get help from experienced professionals. Whether you want to hire workers, trade goods, or open a local office, registering your company in Spain is a straightforward step that opens up new opportunities without unnecessary complications.
At Gascón Bernabéu, we’ve supported many international clients through the process of registering their companies in Spain. Our English-speaking solicitors are here to make the process efficient and straightforward so you can focus on running your business while we handle the paperwork. If you’re considering registering your UK company in Spain, here’s what you need to know.
Why register your company in Spain?
Registering your UK company in Spain offers numerous benefits that can enhance your business operations both within Spain and across Europe. Whether you want to establish a physical presence or streamline your operations, official registration is necessary.
With a registered company, you can hire local staff, manage your finances more effectively, expand your trading capabilities, and make investments with greater ease. Overall, registering your business sets the foundation for growth and ensures compliance with local regulations. For many UK business owners, registering in Spain is the first step towards operating more effectively within the European market.
Here are some of the main advantages that comåe with registering in Spain:
- The ability to employ staff in Spain
- Access to Spanish banking facilities
- The option to import goods into Spain or the EU
- Spanish VAT (IVA) registration
- Purchasing shares or investing in Spanish companies
- Buying property in Spain for business or investment purposes
- Selling directly to Spanish consumers from abroad
- Applying for a European EORI number for customs clearance
What documents do you need to register?
Registering a foreign company in Spain is a relatively straightforward process, but it does involve preparing specific legal documents to comply with the Spanish regulations. The exact requirements can vary based on your company’s structure, with things like the number of directors making them vary slightly, but there are a series of standard documents that most businesses will need to provide.
These documents help to establish your company’s legitimacy, streamline the registration process, and define who is authorised to act on behalf of your company in Spain. All the documents must be prepared appropriately, translated into Spanish, and legalised to be accepted by the relevant authorities.
Here’s a summary of the typical documents you will need to gather:
- A Board Resolution authorising registration in Spain
- Your Certificate of Incorporation
- A Certificate of Good Standing issued by Companies House
- A Power of Attorney signed by a nominated company director
As we mentioned earlier, each of these documents must be officially translated into Spanish and legalised to ensure they are valid and recognised under Spanish law.
At Gascón Bernabéu, our expert English-speaking solicitors will guide you through every stage of this process, from helping you draft the necessary Board Resolution and Power of Attorney to managing certified translations and legalisation.
Do you need to be in Spain to complete the registration?
No, you don’t need to be in Spain to register your company. With a correctly prepared Power of Attorney, we can act on your behalf and take care of the full registration process for you. This is a practical option if you need to prioritise saving time, money, and hassle, especially if you’re based in the UK and just want everything sorted without delays.
Of course, if you’d prefer to come out and manage things in person, that’s absolutely fine, too – the process can work around what suits you best. Our English-speaking lawyers can help you manage everything from document preparation to dealing with the Spanish tax and company registries, so you can rest assured the process is handled swiftly from start to finish whether you want to fly out or not.
How can we help?
At Gascón Bernabéu, we specialise in helping international clients navigate the Spanish legal system smoothly and efficiently. Whether you need help gathering and legalising the correct documents or want someone to oversee the full registration process on your behalf, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
To discuss this further in a no-obligation consultation, you can speak with one of our English-speaking solicitors via the contact form on our website, by sending us an email to info@gbabogados.co.uk, or by giving us a call on +44 (0)20 3137 1320. We’ll be happy to guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have about registering your business in Spain.
