How to Register Your Own Company (SL) in Spain Without a Lawyer: The Complete 2025 Guide
Introduction: Doing Business in Spain Made Easier
Spain has modernized company formation with the CIRCE platform — making it possible to set up a Sociedad Limitada (SL), the Spanish equivalent of a limited liability company, without needing a lawyer or gestoría.
For international entrepreneurs, this means you can start a business in Spain entirely online , saving money on legal fees and avoiding unnecessary paperwork. The process is faster, cheaper, and more transparent than ever before.
This guide will walk you step by step through everything you need to know: from preparing your documents to registering with CIRCE, costs, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is CIRCE?
CIRCE (Centro de Información y Red de Creación de Empresas) is Spain’s official online system that allows entrepreneurs to create a company digitally.
- It uses the Documento Único Electrónico (DUE) → a single form that replaces 25+ separate applications.
- CIRCE automatically notifies all relevant institutions:
- Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria)
- Social Security.
- Business Registry (Registro Mercantil).
- Regional authorities for licenses/permits.
- Available in Spanish and English for international users.
Why Choose an SL (Sociedad Limitada)?
The SL is the most common company structure in Spain, ideal for small and medium businesses.
Advantages of an SL:
- Limited liability → your personal assets are protected.
- Requires only NO minimum share capital.
- Flexible ownership structure (1+ shareholders).
- Accepted for most business activities.
- Attractive to investors and banks.
Step-by-Step Guide: Registering Your SL Without a Lawyer
Step 1: Choose and Reserve Your Company Name
- Apply for a Negative Name Certificate (Certificación Negativa de Denominación Social) from the Central Commercial Registry (Registro Mercantil Central).
- Confirms your company name is unique and reserves it for 6 months.
- Cost: ~ €22.
- Time: 1–2 business days.
Step 2: Obtain a Personal Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital)
- Needed to sign documents online.
- Submit application at a Spanish consulate (or directly in Spain if eligible).
- Foreigners can get it through:
- FNMT (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre)
- Accredited offices in Spain
- Alternative: use Cl@ve PIN if resident.
Step 3: Deposit the Share Capital in the bank (if you need it)
- Minimum 1-3000€ into a Spanish business bank account.
- Bank issues a certificate of deposit to prove capital contribution.
Step 4: Complete the CIRCE DUE Form
- Go to the CIRCE platform: CIRCE Official Page
- Fill in the Documento Único Electrónico (DUE)online.
- This covers:
- Company name
- Shareholders and directors
- Tax details
- Social Security registration
- Business activity codes
Step 5: Sign the Incorporation Deed with a Notary
- Even when registering yourself, Spanish law requires a notary signature.
- With CIRCE, the notary receives your digital DUE form.
- You only need one short visit to sign.
- Cost: around €150–300 depending on the notary.
Step 6: Register with the Commercial Registry
- After the notary, CIRCE automatically submits your deed to the Registro Mercantil.
- Registration usually takes 3–5 working days.
Step 7: Obtain Your Company Tax ID (NIF)
- Automatically requested through CIRCE
- Temporary NIF is issued immediately.
- Permanent NIF comes after registration.
Step 8: Social Security and Tax Registration
- CIRCE notifies:
- Agencia Tributaria (for taxes)
- Social Security (for employees or self-employed directors)
- No extra forms needed.
Timeline for Registering an SL
- Company name: 1–2 days
- Share capital deposit: 1 day
- CIRCE DUE submission: same day
- Notary appointment: 1–2 days
- Registry approval: 3–5 days
Total: 7–10 business days
Approximate Costs of Registering an SL Without a Lawyer
| Item | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Name reservation (Certificación Negativa) | €22 |
| Notary fees | €150–300 |
| Commercial Registry fees | €40–100 |
| Minimum share capital | €3,000 (deposit required, not a loss) |
| Digital certificate | €20–30 |
| Total (excluding share capital) | ~€250–450 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Choosing a company name too similar to an existing one.
- ❌ Not having a valid NIE (foreigner’s ID number) → required for directors and/ore shareholders.
- ❌ Skipping the notary → it’s mandatory, even with CIRCE.
- ❌ Misclassifying business activity codes.
Advantages of Doing It Yourself
- Save €1,000–2,000 in lawyer/gestoría fees.
- Full control over the process.
- Faster if you’re comfortable with paperwork.
When You Might Still Want Professional Help
- If you need tax or legal advice.
- If you’re setting up a complex ownership structure.
- If you require special licenses/permits.
In these cases, a firm like Strong Abogados can assist while still using the CIRCE platform.
FAQs About Registering Your Own SL
- Can a foreigner open an SL in Spain?
Yes, but you need a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). - Do I have to live in Spain to open an SL?
No, but at least one director must have a NIE and a digital certificate. - Can I skip the notary with CIRCE?
No. The notary visit is mandatory by law. - How much capital is required to open the bank account?
€3,000 minimum — deposited into a Spanish bank account. - Can I really do everything without a lawyer?
Yes — CIRCE makes it possible. But legal guidance can still help avoid mistakes.
Conclusion: Spain Made Easy for Entrepreneurs
Registering a company in Spain used to be a bureaucratic maze. Today, thanks to CIRCE and the DUE system, you can register your own SL without a lawyer, in just 7–10 days and at a fraction of the cost.
By following the steps above — name reservation, capital deposit, digital certificate, CIRCE registration, notary signing, and registry filing — you’ll have a fully legal Spanish company ready to operate.
If you’re confident with paperwork, do it yourself. But if you prefer peace of mind, Strong Abogados can register your company for FREE when you hire 6 months of our accounting services, making sure your company is set up correctly from the start. All the registration costs are covered by us, we simply want more companies operating in the Spanish market.
Author Note
Pura Strong is Spain’s leading expert in anti-money laundering (AML), a certified SEPBLAC specialist, and President of the Anti-Crime Certification Institution. She is an author, media commentator, and fearless advocate known for denouncing corruption — and surviving it.
