5 things you need to know as a business setting up in Spain

Expanding into Spain can open up big opportunities, but the administrative and compliance landscape is complex, unfamiliar, and unforgiving if you get it wrong.

Here are 5 quick things I tell almost every client who’s recently landed. 

1. Register your address (empadronamiento) early… it unlocks everything.

2. Open a local bank account… Revolut is great, but it won’t cut it for Spanish gov and taxes if you're a business setting up in Spain

3. Think tax and residency together… not one after the other

4. Watch the 6-month rule… There are special tax regimes you could apply for, but some of them have strict application windows. If you miss the 6-month cut-off after registering with Social Security, you may be locked out permanently…Not all cases are the same but there are taxes that stay hidden from view until it’s too late… so give me a shout sooner rather than later.

5. Work with someone who understands both systems… and can guide you through Spain’s regulatory grey zones.

Spain doesn’t have the same accountancy profession or oversight structures you might be used to in the UK, US, or South Africa.

Many providers are unregulated, and advice can vary wildly in quality.

That’s why our clients value working with someone who brings Big Four-level expertise, but offers it through a boutique, hands-on model.

We don’t just file paperwork. We guide you through it, explain what matters, and make sure nothing gets missed.

If you’re just opening up in Spain, or are already operating in Spain and need advice, I’m always happy to talk it through - give us a shout.