What is a Sociedad Limitada (SL) in Spain?

A Sociedad Limitada (SL) is the Spanish equivalent of a UK private limited company. It is the most popular business structure for foreign entrepreneurs in Spain because it limits personal liability, offers flexible management structures, and can be formed with as little as €1 of share capital (following Law 18/2022). The SL structure is suitable for consultants, freelancers, service businesses, and startups.

Can a UK national set up a company in Spain after Brexit?

Yes. UK nationals can fully own and direct a Spanish company (Sociedad Limitada) after Brexit. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of Spanish companies. However, you will need a Spanish NIF (tax identification number) for the company and, if you want to live in Spain as the director, you will need an appropriate residency visa — such as the Startup Visa or Digital Nomad Visa.

How long does it take to form a company in Spain?

The full formation process — from obtaining your personal NIE to completing notarial incorporation and registering with the Mercantile Registry — typically takes 4–8 weeks. Agrin UK manages the entire process and can expedite key steps, including NIE applications and notary appointments.

What are the ongoing costs of running a Spanish company?

Key ongoing costs include: autónomo (self-employment) social security contributions (€230–€500/month depending on income), quarterly VAT returns, annual corporate tax (25%, or 15% for qualifying startups for 4 years), accounting and compliance fees (typically €100–€300/month), and any employee costs if you hire staff.

Spanish Company Formation for UK Nationals: 2026 Guide

Why Form a Company in Spain?

Setting up a Sociedad Limitada (SL) in Spain is both a powerful route to residency and a significant tax planning opportunity for UK professionals and entrepreneurs. With Spain's Startup Law (Ley 28/2022) and the Beckham Law tax regime, the country now offers one of the most attractive business environments in Europe for foreign founders.

For UK nationals who need to work legally in Spain but whose work doesn't fit the remote-only model of the Digital Nomad Visa, the company formation route — combined with a Startup Visa — offers full flexibility to work with Spanish clients, hire employees, and build a local business.

What is a Sociedad Limitada (SL)?

The Sociedad Limitada is Spain's most common business structure for SMEs and foreign entrepreneurs. Key features:

Limited liability — shareholders' personal assets are protected
Minimum capital of €1 — thanks to Law 18/2022 (previously €3,000)
Single-shareholder allowed — 100% UK ownership is permitted
Flexible management — sole director or board structure
Startup Law benefits eligible — 15% corporate tax rate for 4 years

Full Formation Process

Obtain your personal NIE

The director of a Spanish company must have a Spanish NIE (foreigner identification number). Agrin UK handles your NIE application as part of our service. See our post-arrival support guide for details.

Reserve company name (RMC)

Apply to the Central Mercantile Registry to confirm your chosen company name is available. We obtain the name reservation certificate on your behalf.

Deposit share capital

Open a temporary Spanish bank account and deposit the share capital (minimum €1, typically €3,000+ for credibility). We assist with bank account opening.

Opening a business bank account in Spain as a UK national requires a NIE. See our guide to opening a Spanish bank account and our NIE number guide before starting this step.

Notarial deed of incorporation

Appear before a Spanish notary (we schedule and coordinate this). The notary prepares the Escritura de Constitución — the legal founding document of your SL.

Company NIF and tax registration

Register the company with the AEAT (Spanish Tax Agency) to obtain the company NIF, and register for VAT (IVA) if applicable.

Registro Mercantil registration

Business bank account

Convert the temporary capital account to a full business bank account. Agrin UK provides introductions and guidance.

Company Formation Costs

Cost Item	Approximate Cost
Notary fees	€250–€500
Mercantile Registry registration	€100–€200
Share capital (minimum)	From €1 (typically €3,000)
Certified document translations	£50–£120 per document
Agrin UK formation service	Included in service package

For a full picture of Spanish business and personal taxation — including the UK–Spain double tax treaty implications — read our Spain tax guide for UK expats and the UK–Spain double tax treaty guide.

Residency note: If you want to live in Spain as a director of your company, you'll need an appropriate residency visa. The Startup Visa is the most direct route for founders of innovative businesses. Agrin UK manages both the company formation and your visa application as a combined service.

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Related Guides

Spanish Company Formation for UK Nationals (2026)

Why Form a Company in Spain?

What is a Sociedad Limitada (SL)?

Full Formation Process

Company Formation Costs

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