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ESCAENPA

Paperwork to open (Spain and Catalonia)

Paperwork is scary, but the steps are clear. A gestoría (business advisory office) can do it for you for not much money, and it is worth it at the start.

1Tax officeRegister your activity (form 036 or 037).
2Social SecurityRegister as self-employed (RETA).
3Town hallNotification, responsible declaration or licence.
4OpenInsurance, complaint forms, signs and get to work.

1. Self-employed or company

To start small, almost everyone starts as self-employed (autónomo). The first-year fee is the flat rate of €80 a month; after that it depends on what you earn (roughly between €200 and €600 a month). A limited company (SL) has higher running costs and usually only pays off when you earn quite a lot or there are more partners.

2. The town hall

In Catalonia, about 90% of activities open with a prior notification or a responsible declaration: you submit the papers and can start, although the town hall will inspect later. Bigger or riskier activities (for example, places with a large capacity) need a licence and you have to wait for it.

You will often have to attach a technical certificate or a technical project signed by a technician. That technician costs money: ask the price first.

3. Mandatory when you open

  • Official complaint forms and the sign saying you have them.
  • Visible prices with VAT included.
  • In Catalonia, fixed signs and notices must be at least in Catalan, and customers have the right to be served in Catalan.
  • Liability insurance (and premises insurance).
  • If you hire someone: register the company with Social Security, a contract and health and safety.

4. Taxes every quarter

  • VAT: the VAT you charge minus the VAT you pay, every 3 months.
  • Income tax (IRPF): an advance payment on what you earn.
  • Some small activities can use módulos (objective estimation): you pay according to the size of the business, not what you earn. Ask the gestoría if it suits you.
Each town hall has its own forms and fees. Before signing for the premises, book an appointment at the town hall or business support office and ask exactly what you need for your activity.