Setting up a company in Spain without setting foot in the country is entirely possible. More and more multinational corporations are deciding to establish themselves in the Spanish market without physical relocation, taking advantage of process digitization and the use of international powers of attorney.
In this article, we explain step by step how to create a company in Spain from abroad, what documents are necessary, and how to avoid common mistakes. If you are looking for services to create a company in Spain or international expansion advice, there are solutions that allow you to outsource the entire process with guaranteed compliance.
If you are a CEO, CFO, or advisor of an international company in the process of expansion, this guide is designed to help you make informed, safe, and efficient decisions.
Is it Necessary to Travel to Spain to Set up a Company?
Legal Options for Non-Resident Foreigners
No, it is not mandatory to travel to Spain to set up a company. Spanish legislation allows non-resident foreign individuals to set up a company through a legal representative, provided they meet certain formal requirements. This model is common among international groups that want to operate quickly in the country without relocating their management team.
The Law on Capital Companies (Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010) establishes that the incorporation can be carried out through an attorney, provided that they have sufficient powers granted in the country of origin and correctly legalized by means of the Hague Apostille. The process is fully recognized by the Spanish authorities, including notaries and commercial registries.
Use of Powers of Attorney and NIE
The appointed attorney must act on behalf of the foreign partner or administrator during the incorporation of the company. To do this, it is essential to have a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), which can be processed at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin or through an authorized representative in Spain.
In the comprehensive management of company creation, EUROACCOUNTS takes care of processing the NIE, drafting the power of attorney, managing its legalization, and representing the client before a notary and registries. This allows a Spanish company to be set up without the need for travel or relocation, reducing deadlines and avoiding bureaucratic errors.
Steps to Set up a Company from Abroad
1. Obtain the NIE from your country
Every foreign partner or administrator needs a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) to be part of a company in Spain. This document can be processed at the corresponding Spanish consulate or through an authorized representative. The application includes form EX-15, a copy of your passport, and justification of economic interest.
2. Power of attorney and apostille
If you do not wish to travel to Spain, you must grant a power of attorney to an attorney who acts on your behalf. This power must be drafted with specific powers to incorporate the company, legalized by apostille (if your country belongs to the Hague Convention) and, if it is in another language, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
3. Share capital and bank account in Spain
The minimum share capital for a limited company is 1 euro since the 2022 reform, although it is recommended to contribute at least 3,000 euros to avoid legal restrictions. A representative in Spain can open a bank account in the name of the company being incorporated and deposit the capital. The bank will issue a certificate necessary for the public deed.
Practical Checklist
- Completed EX-15 form
- Copy of the partner’s passport
- Power of attorney with powers to incorporate companies
- Apostille and sworn translation if applicable
- Application for a negative name certificate
- Opening of a bank account and deposit of capital
At EUROACCOUNTS, we offer a complete setup service for international companies, which includes processing the NIE, drafting the power of attorney, assistance before a notary, opening a bank account, and managing all procedures before the Commercial Registry.
Advantages of Delegating the Process to an Expert Partner
Cost and Time Savings
Setting up a company from abroad requires coordination between notaries, banks, registries, and the Tax Agency. Without local experience, these steps can take weeks or even months. Delegating the process to a local partner significantly reduces deadlines and avoids errors in documentation, translations, or validation of powers.
In addition, outsourcing the incorporation allows internal resources to be focused on the business operations, avoiding travel, translations, or complex bureaucratic procedures. The use of digital signatures and document automation further shortens the times.
360º Tax, Accounting, and Legal Management
An expert partner like EUROACCOUNTS not only manages the initial incorporation but also guarantees operational continuity: tax registration, compliance with tax obligations, payroll, tax filing, etc. This allows business activity to begin in Spain with a solid structure and without legal risks.
A comprehensive approach avoids frequent errors such as delays in registration with the Commercial Registry, problems in opening a bank account, or initial tax non-compliance. With tax compliance support for multinational corporations, subsidiaries can quickly integrate into the group with full legal compliance.
How EUROACCOUNTS Helps You Create your Company in Spain
Complete Business Setup Services
EUROACCOUNTS offers a comprehensive service to create a company in Spain from abroad. This includes obtaining the NIE, drafting the power of attorney, opening a bank account, notary coordination, registration in the Commercial Registry, and application for the definitive NIF. The entire process is managed without the client having to travel.
In addition, we integrate as an operational extension of the client, working directly in their ERP (SAP, Dynamics, Priority, etc.) and offering support in several languages. Our senior team accompanies each step of the process with direct and decisive communication.
Support in International Taxation and Compliance
Once the company is incorporated, EUROACCOUNTS offers continuous assistance in accounting, tax, and labor matters. We help comply with Spanish legislation (VAT, Corporate Income Tax, periodic declarations), avoiding penalties or reputational risks. In addition, we provide support in strategies to avoid double taxation between parent company and subsidiary.
Our experience with multinational corporations allows us to adapt reporting to international standards such as IFRS or US GAAP, as well as manage payroll and labor relations in multiple languages and jurisdictions.
If your company needs to establish itself in Spain quickly, with legal certainty, and without hidden costs, EUROACCOUNTS is the ideal local partner to accompany your expansion.
Conclusion
Setting up a company in Spain from abroad is a fully viable process if you have the right guidance. Through powers of attorney and correct planning, you can avoid travel and reduce administrative times.
With EUROACCOUNTS, multinational corporations find a strategic partner that not only manages the legal incorporation but also guarantees tax, labor, and accounting compliance from day one. Our senior team coordinates each step so that your subsidiary operates in Spain efficiently and without surprises.
Are you considering opening a company in Spain from abroad? Request a consultation with our experts and get a personalized plan for your international group.
