Are Spanish company directors the same as a UK company directors?

He’s great at sales. Everyone loves him. He just doesn’t know he’s liable for €250K in tax. That’s a real case.

An international business appointed a local commercial lead as director of their Spanish company.

Why?

He was trusted. Present. Helpful.

What they didn’t explain?

In Spain, directors aren’t symbolic.

They are omnipotent within the legal structure.

And they carry personal liability, for taxes, filings, employment issues, even social security.

And that liability is rolling.

If the company makes an error today, that director can still be pursued years later, even after they’ve left.

I’ve had to step in more than once when:

• Directors were named in enforcement notices they didn’t understand

• Internal structures gave authority without backup

• HQ didn’t realise the cost of unwinding a directorship after the fact

This isn’t just a compliance risk. It’s an HR and governance one.

So if you’re appointing a director in Spain, ask:

• Do they know what they’re signing up for?

• Have you given them training, support, or legal cover?

• Would a Power of Attorney model be safer and more practical?

Because in Spain, a director isn’t just a name on a form.

They’re the legally accountable face of your company, with full authority and full exposure.

My top tip: Appoint directors like you’re building a board, not just filling out a form.