Getting Started: Setting Up a Company

A roadmap for organizing the initial paperwork and decisions after incorporating your company.

With the company incorporated, a new stage begins. Not all procedures are the same for every business: they depend on the activity, how the business operates, and each company’s circumstances. This guide is intended to point you in the right direction and link to official sources; it does not replace the instructions issued by each authority.

An initial checklist

• Keep your company documents safe and confirm that you have the deed of incorporation and the registration details needed for the next steps.
• Check the company’s NIF (tax identification number). If a provisional number was assigned, check with the Spanish Tax Agency how to obtain the definitive one. Guide to the definitive NIF.
• Arrange electronic identification for the person representing the company. Check the representative’s certificate and its requirements with the FNMT (Spanish National Mint). Official FNMT procedure.
• Consider opening a business bank account and ask the bank what documents it requires in your case. Business bank account guide.
• Check your company name and brand. A company name is not the same as a registered trademark. Trademark guide.
• Complete your company’s public profile if you would like to request its publication in the MDH Emprende directory. Directory profile guide.

Check what depends on your activity

Permits, licenses, census registration obligations, and other requirements may depend on your activity and where it is carried out. Check each case with the competent authority or with a professional familiar with your circumstances.

Organize your follow-up

Keep copies of applications and responses, note any outstanding tasks, and always confirm that the procedure has been completed with the relevant authority. The pages linked in this guide are for guidance; consult them for the current instructions.