Obtaining a Business Licence in Spain
The following documentation is required by the Town Hall when applying for a business licence.
Contact our English-speaking team for all your legal, property, and accounting needs.
Qualification
If you wish to practice medicine or architecture, you must possess qualifications and certificates from an EU institution. If your qualifications are from outside the EU it is necessary to undergo a lengthy validation process.
IAE or Impuesto sobre Actividades Economicas
An IAE is essentially a business licence, which was formerly known as a “licencia fiscal” and now called the “tax on economic activities”. This was formerly a municipal tax but it is now administered by the central tax office. No tax will be payable on a turn-over under 600.000€, but registration is obligatory in order to obtain the correct code for your specific activity.
- Four photos
- Title deed and lease contract for your business premises (plus a photocopy).
- Business incorporation charter
- Completed request form.
- Any other permits related to your specific profession. For example a cook will need a food handler’s certificate.
Download our brochure
Confused about the accounting and fiscal system here in Spain?
Download our FREE guide to find out how Perez Legal Group can help you.
Get Organized for 2025
Start the new year off right with our free downloadable calendar — perfect for planning, goal-setting, and keeping track of all your important dates, like moving to Spain! 🏠
Let’s make 2025 your most organized and successful year yet! 
Need help understanding the taxation system?
Download the FREE Guide to Taxes for Non-Residents in Spain, written by Raquel Perez, owner of Perez Legal.
Are you buying a property?
Then you need to know the process. Download the FREE Guideline Procedure for Purchasing a Property.
Confused with the legalities of buying a home?
Download the FREE Spain Legal Buying Guide, written by Raquel Perez, owner of Perez Legal Group.
Selling your property?
Get an overview of what is involved by downloading the FREE Guide to Selling Your Spanish Property Legally.
Do you need help planning for the future?
Find out more information on the inheritance system here in Spain by downloading the FREE Inheritance Services book.
Are you planning to run a company in Spain?
Download our Fiscal & Accounting Services Guide and Price List to find out all about running a company in Spain.