A foreign investor can invest in Spain by:

• Open a branch or representative office.
• Form a Spanish company: traditionally, the most-used corporate form has been the corporation (S.A.); however, in recent years the formation of limited liability companies (S.L.s) has also become commonplace.
• Associate with other businesses already established in Spain: joint ventures are a common way of setting up business in Spain, since they enable their members to share risks and pool resources and experience. Spanish law provides for different types of joint venture.

 

However, creating a new entity or associating with pre-existing entities is not the only way to invest in Spain. It is possible to gain a foothold in the Spanish market without having to physically set up a center of operations in Spain by:

• Making distribution agreements.
• Operating through an agent.
• Operating through a commission agent.
• Establishing a franchise.

 

For more information you can download the following documents:

Establishing a business in Spain (1758kb.)

Company and commercial law (2007kb.)

The Spanish financial system (3048kb.)

Accounting and audit issues (2121kb.)

Prepared by Garrigues

 

Last updated: 10|12|2009