{"id":20655,"date":"2026-07-09T12:56:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T12:56:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/?p=20655"},"modified":"2026-07-14T10:49:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T10:49:08","slug":"startup-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Startup in Spain: How to Open It, Incentives, Startup Visa"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#An_Overview_of_Spain_Startup_Law_and_Ecosystem\" >An Overview of Spain Startup Law and Ecosystem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#What_Is_a_Startup_in_Spain_Definition_Under_the_Startups_Law\" >What Is a Startup in Spain? Definition Under the Startups Law<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Does_Your_Startup_Actually_Qualify_Under_the_Startups_Law\" >Does Your Startup Actually Qualify Under the Startups Law?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#The_Spanish_Startups_Law_What_Actually_Changed\" >The Spanish Startups Law: What Actually Changed<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Reduced_Corporate_Tax_Rate_15\" >Reduced Corporate Tax Rate: 15%<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Improved_Stock_Option_Regime\" >Improved Stock Option Regime<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Fast-Track_Incorporation\" >Fast-Track Incorporation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Investor_Deduction\" >Investor Deduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Administrative_Fee_Exemptions\" >Administrative Fee Exemptions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Spain_Startup_Visa_How_It_Works_for_Non-EU_Founders\" >Spain Startup Visa: How It Works for Non-EU Founders<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Should_I_Incorporate_First_or_Apply_for_the_Visa_First\" >Should I Incorporate First or Apply for the Visa First?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Assessment_Process_What_DGCOMINVER_Evaluates\" >Assessment Process: What DGCOMINVER Evaluates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#How_to_Open_a_Startup_in_Spain_Steps\" >How to Open a Startup in Spain: Steps<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Fast-tracking_tech_venture_setup_Custom_SL_active_in_3_weeks_to_hit_market_windows\" >Fast-tracking tech venture setup: Custom S.L. active in 3 weeks to hit market windows<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Spain_Startup_Ecosystem_Key_Hubs\" >Spain Startup Ecosystem: Key Hubs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Funding_for_Startups_in_Spain_Which_Sources_Are_Actually_Realistic_for_Foreign_Founders\" >Funding for Startups in Spain: Which Sources Are Actually Realistic for Foreign Founders?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Accessible_Immediately_Before_or_During_Incorporation\" >Accessible Immediately (Before or During Incorporation)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Accessible_After_Incorporation_and_ENISA_Certification\" >Accessible After Incorporation and ENISA Certification<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Accessible_Only_with_Spanish_or_EU_Majority_Shareholding\" >Accessible Only with Spanish or EU Majority Shareholding<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Why_Foreign_Founders_Open_Their_Startup_in_Spain_with_Lawants\" >Why Foreign Founders Open Their Startup in Spain with Lawants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#FAQ_Startup_in_Spain\" >FAQ: Startup in Spain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#What_is_the_Startup_Law_in_Spain\" >What is the Startup Law in Spain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#How_do_I_qualify_as_a_startup_under_Spanish_law\" >How do I qualify as a startup under Spanish law?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#What_is_the_Spain_startup_visa_and_who_can_apply\" >What is the Spain startup visa and who can apply?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#How_long_does_it_take_to_open_a_startup_in_Spain\" >How long does it take to open a startup in Spain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#What_is_the_corporate_tax_rate_for_startups_in_Spain\" >What is the corporate tax rate for startups in Spain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Can_a_foreign_company_or_non-EU_founder_open_a_startup_in_Spain\" >Can a foreign company or non-EU founder open a startup in Spain?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/#Related_articles\" >Related articles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain.jpg 870w, https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain-768x402.jpg 768w\" decoding=\"async\"   data-src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Cover image blog article &quot;Startup in Spain&quot; - Lawants\" class=\"wp-image-26262 lazyload\" style=\"width:960px;height:auto\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain.jpg\" alt=\"Cover image blog article &quot;Startup in Spain&quot; - Lawants\" class=\"wp-image-26262\" style=\"width:960px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain.jpg 870w, https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/startup-spain-768x402.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Overview_of_Spain_Startup_Law_and_Ecosystem\"><\/span>An Overview of Spain Startup Law and Ecosystem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-hero{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#7a2535 0%,#8B4444 100%);overflow:hidden;padding:36px 38px;margin:0 0 38px 0}\n.lw-hero-top{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;margin-bottom:26px;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px}\n.lw-hero-top img{height:24px;opacity:.95}\n.lw-hero-pill{font-size:10px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.5px;font-weight:600;color:rgba(255,255,255,.72);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.22);border-radius:4px;padding:5px 14px;white-space:nowrap}\n.lw-hero-divider{height:1px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.16);margin-bottom:26px}\n.lw-hero-divider-bottom{height:1px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.14);margin:0 0 22px 0}\n.lw-hero h4{color:rgba(255,255,255,.94)!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:rgba(255,255,255,.94)!important;font-size:17px;line-height:1.78;margin:0 0 24px 0;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:-.01em}\n.lw-hero-footer{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;flex-wrap:wrap}\n.lw-hero-footer p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.82)!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:rgba(255,255,255,.82)!important;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.72;margin:0;max-width:680px}\n.lw-hero-cta{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.06);color:#7a2535!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:#7a2535!important;font-size:12.5px;font-weight:700;padding:11px 22px;border-radius:6px;text-decoration:none!important;letter-spacing:.15px;flex-shrink:0;white-space:nowrap}\n@media(max-width:640px){.lw-hero{padding:26px 22px}.lw-hero-top{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.lw-hero h4{font-size:15.5px}.lw-hero-footer{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px}.lw-hero-cta{width:100%;text-align:center;padding:13px 20px;font-size:13px}}\n.lw-cta-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 100px;gap:24px;align-items:start}\n.lw-cta-footer-grid{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;flex-wrap:wrap}\n@media(max-width:600px){.lw-cta-grid{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column-reverse!important;align-items:center!important;gap:20px!important}.lw-cta-grid>div{width:100%!important}.lw-cta-grid img{width:90px!important;height:90px!important}.lw-cta-footer-grid{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.lw-cta-footer-grid a{width:100%;text-align:center}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-hero lw-cta-container\" data-cta-type=\"iniziale\">\n  <div class=\"lw-hero-top\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/logo-lawants.png\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Lawants Lawyers and Tax Advisors\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/logo-lawants.png\" alt=\"Lawants Lawyers and Tax Advisors\"><\/noscript>\n    <span class=\"lw-hero-pill\">Lawants Guide \u00b7 Startup in Spain<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"lw-hero-divider\"><\/div>\n  <h4>\n    Spain changed the practical equation for foreign founders in 2023. The Startups Law (Law 28\/2022) introduced a 15% corporate tax rate for qualifying innovative companies, a dedicated startup visa for non-EU founders, fast-track incorporation in as little as six working hours, and improved conditions for employee stock options. These are not marginal improvements: they make Spain directly competitive with the EU startup hubs that were previously the default choice.\n    <br><br>\n    The difficulty is that not every innovative company qualifies under the law. The tax benefits, the startup visa, and the simplified incorporation process all depend on meeting legal requirements that are assessed individually by ENISA, Spain&#8217;s public innovation agency. A tech startup qualifies differently from a digital agency. A scaleup with \u20ac8 million in revenue qualifies differently from one that has just crossed \u20ac10 million. A foreign founder applying from outside Spain follows a different path from one already in the country. The question is not whether the law is useful. It is whether it applies to your specific situation.\n    <br><br>\n    Lawants advises foreign founders and international companies on Spanish startup incorporation, Startups Law certification, and visa applications. Roberto Bosco, Managing Director, reviews every project personally and replies within 24 business hours.\n  <\/h4>\n  <div class=\"lw-hero-divider-bottom\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"lw-hero-footer\">\n    <p><b>Lawants<\/b> \u00b7 Best Law Firms Spain \u00b7 Barcelona and Madrid \u00b7 Over twenty years assisting exclusively foreign companies \u00b7 Lawyers and accountants under one roof<\/p>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/contact\/\" class=\"lw-hero-cta\" data-cta-click=\"iniziale\">Speak with Lawants<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Startup_in_Spain_Definition_Under_the_Startups_Law\"><\/span>What Is a Startup in Spain? Definition Under the Startups Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #e7e1e1;border-radius:18px;padding:24px 28px;margin:20px 0 32px 0;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(20,20,20,.03);overflow-x:auto;\">\n  <span style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;font-size:10px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8B4444;background:#faf6f6;border:1px solid #efe4e4;border-radius:999px;padding:4px 11px;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Startup in Spain \u00b7 Key Facts at a Glance<\/span>\n  <div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);border:1px solid #ece6e6;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;\">\n    <div style=\"padding:16px 14px;border-right:1px solid #ece6e6;border-bottom:1px solid #ece6e6;background:#fff;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:6px;\">Corporate tax rate<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">15% (qualifying startups)<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div style=\"padding:16px 14px;border-right:1px solid #ece6e6;border-bottom:1px solid #ece6e6;background:#fff;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:6px;\">Incorporation time<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">From 6 working hours (standard bylaws)<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div style=\"padding:16px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #ece6e6;background:#fff;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:6px;\">Startup visa duration<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">1 year (visa) \u00b7 2+2 years (residence permit)<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div style=\"padding:16px 14px;border-right:1px solid #ece6e6;background:#faf8f8;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:6px;\">Ecosystem value<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">\u20ac125 billion+<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div style=\"padding:16px 14px;border-right:1px solid #ece6e6;background:#faf8f8;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:6px;\">Active startups<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">5,000+ across Spain<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div style=\"padding:16px 14px;background:#faf8f8;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:6px;\">Global ranking<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">13th globally \u00b7 4th in Europe<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every new company qualifies as a startup under Spanish law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Startups Law (Law 28\/2022)<\/strong> sets specific criteria that determine whether a company can access the preferential tax rate, the startup visa pathway, and the other benefits the law provides. Understanding these criteria is the first step, because a company that assumes it qualifies but does not will pay corporate tax at 25% instead of 15% and will not access the visa routes reserved for qualifying founders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To qualify as a startup under Law 28\/2022, a company must meet all of the following <strong>criteria<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>it must be newly created or have been incorporated within the last five years (seven years for biotech, energy, industrial, and other strategic sectors); <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it must have its registered office or permanent establishment in Spain; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it must not have distributed dividends or returns on capital; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it must not be listed on a regulated market; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it must not have annual revenues exceeding \u20ac10 million; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and, most importantly, it must have an <strong>innovative character<\/strong> aimed at solving a problem or improving an existing situation through new or advanced methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The innovative character requirement is evaluated by ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovaci\u00f3n), the public agency responsible for certifying startup status under the law. Certification is not automatic: it requires an application and assessment of the business model, the product or service, and the degree of innovation. In our experience, founders who underestimate this step are the ones who build their financial model around a 15% tax rate and then discover the certification was not granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Your_Startup_Actually_Qualify_Under_the_Startups_Law\"><\/span>Does Your Startup Actually Qualify Under the Startups Law?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Innovation is assessed, not assumed.<\/strong> ENISA does not certify companies because they are digital or technology-based. It certifies companies because their innovation is demonstrable: a new method, a new product, a new process, or a new application of existing technology that creates genuine economic or social value. The type of business matters, but so does how the innovation is described and evidenced in the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #e7e1e1;border-radius:18px;padding:24px 28px;margin:20px 0 32px 0;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(20,20,20,.03);overflow-x:auto;\">\n  <span style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;font-size:10px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8B4444;background:#faf6f6;border:1px solid #efe4e4;border-radius:999px;padding:4px 11px;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Startups Law Eligibility \u00b7 Typical Cases<\/span>\n  <table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:13.5px;color:#5f5f5f;min-width:460px;\">\n    <thead>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:2px solid #eee5e5;\">\n        <th style=\"padding:12px 10px;text-align:left;font-size:11px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#8a8a8a;font-weight:600;width:50%;\">Typically qualifies<\/th>\n        <th style=\"padding:12px 10px;text-align:left;font-size:11px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#8a8a8a;font-weight:600;\">Typically does not qualify<\/th>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;color:#1d1d1d;\">SaaS with proprietary technology<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Restaurant or hospitality business<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;color:#1d1d1d;\">AI or machine learning application<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Standard consulting firm<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;color:#1d1d1d;\">Deep tech or hardware startup<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Generic digital agency or web studio<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;color:#1d1d1d;\">Medtech or biotech company<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">E-commerce without proprietary technology<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;color:#1d1d1d;\">Climate or cleantech venture<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Traditional import\/export business<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;color:#1d1d1d;\">Venture-backed tech startup with R&#038;D investment<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Company exceeding \u20ac10 million annual revenue<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n  <p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:11.5px;color:#9a9a9a;line-height:1.6;\">These are indicative categories. Eligibility is always assessed individually. A company in a &#8220;typically qualifies&#8221; category may not receive certification if the innovation is not clearly documented. A company in a &#8220;typically does not qualify&#8221; category may qualify if it has a genuinely innovative component.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safest approach is to confirm eligibility before building the financial model around the 15% rate, rather than discovering after incorporation that the certification was not granted or applies for a shorter period than planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-cta-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 100px;gap:24px;align-items:start}\n@media(max-width:600px){.lw-cta-grid{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column-reverse!important;align-items:center!important;gap:20px!important}.lw-cta-grid>div{width:100%!important}.lw-cta-grid img{width:90px!important;height:90px!important}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-cta-container\" data-cta-type=\"mediana\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #e7e1e1;border-radius:18px;padding:28px 30px;margin:0 0 40px 0;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(20,20,20,.03);\">\n  <div class=\"lw-cta-grid\">\n    <div>\n      <span style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;font-size:10px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8B4444;background:#faf6f6;border:1px solid #efe4e4;border-radius:999px;padding:4px 11px;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Startup Law Eligibility<\/span>\n      <p style=\"color:#1d1d1d;font-size:19px;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 12px 0;line-height:1.38;letter-spacing:-.01em;\">Whether your company qualifies under the Startups Law determines the tax rate, the visa pathway, and the certification process. Assuming eligibility is not the same as having it.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"color:#5f5f5f;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Lawants works with foreign founders on startup incorporation and Startups Law certification in Spain, confirming eligibility before the company is incorporated and the financial plan is built around a tax rate that may not apply.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"color:#8a8a8a;font-size:12px;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 20px 0;\">Ranked among the <strong style=\"color:#8B4444;\">Best Law Firms Spain<\/strong> \u00b7 Offices in Barcelona and Madrid<\/p>\n      <div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/contact\/\" data-cta-click=\"mediana\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;background:#8B4444;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.08);box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.12);color:#ffffff!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:#ffffff;font-size:12.5px;font-weight:600;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:999px;text-decoration:none;letter-spacing:.15px;flex-shrink:0;\">Validate your startup eligibility<\/a>\n        <div style=\"font-size:11.5px;color:#8a8a8a;line-height:1.5;\"><strong style=\"color:#8B4444;font-weight:600;\">Roberto Bosco<\/strong><br>Managing Director, Lawants<br>Response within 24 business hours<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width:100px;height:100px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;border:2px solid #f7f2f2;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px #ece3e3;filter:grayscale(12%);display:block;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width:100px;height:100px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;border:2px solid #f7f2f2;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px #ece3e3;filter:grayscale(12%);display:block;\"><\/noscript>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Spanish_Startups_Law_What_Actually_Changed\"><\/span>The Spanish Startups Law: What Actually Changed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Law 28\/2022, the Spanish Startups Law, came into force in January 2023. It did not create a new type of company: qualifying startups are still incorporated as standard S.L. or S.A. entities. What changed is the tax and administrative regime that applies to them, and the immigration pathway available to their founders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reduced_Corporate_Tax_Rate_15\"><\/span>Reduced Corporate Tax Rate: 15%<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qualifying startups pay corporate income tax at <strong>15%<\/strong> for the first four years in which taxable income is reported, rather than the standard 25% rate. Companies can also defer tax payment in the first two years without accruing interest or providing guarantees. This is a meaningful reduction for startups that reach profitability early, and it applies automatically once ENISA certification has been granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_Stock_Option_Regime\"><\/span>Improved Stock Option Regime<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most operationally significant changes is the treatment of employee stock options. The exemption threshold for stock options was raised from \u20ac12,000 to <strong>\u20ac50,000 per year<\/strong>. Additionally, the taxable event for share delivery was deferred until the shares are sold or listed, rather than at delivery. This makes equity compensation significantly more attractive as a talent retention tool for startups competing with larger employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fast-Track_Incorporation\"><\/span>Fast-Track Incorporation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Companies adopting standard bylaws (estatutos tipo) can now be incorporated in as little as <strong>six working hours<\/strong> through the CIRCE online platform, with notarial and registry fees waived. This is a genuine procedural improvement, though in practice the timeline is only achievable when all documentation is ready and the shareholder structure is straightforward. Foreign corporate shareholders still need to obtain their own Spanish NIF before the deed can be signed, which adds time that the six-hour headline does not reflect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Investor_Deduction\"><\/span>Investor Deduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individual investors in certified startups benefit from a deduction of <strong>50%<\/strong> of the amount invested in the startup&#8217;s shares, up to a maximum base of \u20ac100,000 per year. This is applicable to IRPF (personal income tax) and makes Spain more attractive for angel investment in qualifying companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Administrative_Fee_Exemptions\"><\/span>Administrative Fee Exemptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certified startups are exempt from notarial and registry fees during incorporation, and benefit from waived fees for certain administrative procedures. These are minor savings compared to the tax incentives, but they reduce the friction of setup for early-stage companies with limited capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spain_Startup_Visa_How_It_Works_for_Non-EU_Founders\"><\/span>Spain Startup Visa: How It Works for Non-EU Founders<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The startup visa is one of the most asked-about elements of the Startups Law. It provides a dedicated immigration pathway for non-EU founders who want to establish an innovative business in Spain, distinct from the general entrepreneurial visa route that existed before the law. There are two options depending on where the applicant is when they apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #e7e1e1;border-radius:18px;padding:24px 28px;margin:20px 0 32px 0;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(20,20,20,.03);overflow-x:auto;\">\n  <span style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;font-size:10px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8B4444;background:#faf6f6;border:1px solid #efe4e4;border-radius:999px;padding:4px 11px;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Spain Startup Visa \u00b7 Key Details<\/span>\n  <table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:13.5px;color:#5f5f5f;min-width:500px;\">\n    <thead>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:2px solid #eee5e5;\">\n        <th style=\"padding:12px 10px;text-align:left;font-size:11px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#8a8a8a;font-weight:600;width:26%;\">Factor<\/th>\n        <th style=\"padding:12px 10px;text-align:left;font-size:11px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#8a8a8a;font-weight:600;\">Startup Visa (outside Spain)<\/th>\n        <th style=\"padding:12px 10px;text-align:left;font-size:11px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#8a8a8a;font-weight:600;\">Residence Permit (in Spain)<\/th>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">Where to apply<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Spanish Consulate in country of residence<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE)<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">Duration<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\"><strong>1 year<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\"><strong>2 years<\/strong>, renewable for another 2<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">Decision timeline<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\"><strong>10 working days<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\"><strong>30 working days<\/strong><\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">Minimum capital<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">None required<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">None required<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efe4e4;\">\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">Jobs to create<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">None specified<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">None specified<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;font-weight:600;color:#1d1d1d;\">Family members<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Spouse, minor and dependent children, dependent parents can be included<\/td>\n        <td style=\"padding:13px 10px;\">Same; applications for family can be processed simultaneously<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_Incorporate_First_or_Apply_for_the_Visa_First\"><\/span>Should I Incorporate First or Apply for the Visa First?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most frequent practical question we receive from non-EU founders. The answer depends on where you are when you start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are <strong>outside Spain<\/strong>, the startup visa exists precisely to allow you to enter Spain to make the preparatory arrangements for the business, including company formation. You do not need an incorporated company to apply for the visa. You need a credible business plan demonstrating the innovative character and economic value of the project. The visa gives you one year to set up; the company formation happens during or after that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are <strong>already in Spain<\/strong> on another legal basis, you apply for the residence permit instead, and here the company may or may not already exist depending on your situation. Many founders who are already operating informally or are in Spain on a student or employee visa apply for the residence permit once they are ready to formalise the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, the visa and the ENISA certification application can run in parallel with the company formation, since they share the same underlying documentation: the business plan is the core document for all three processes. Starting them sequentially rather than simultaneously is the most common reason the overall timeline extends beyond what it needs to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assessment_Process_What_DGCOMINVER_Evaluates\"><\/span>Assessment Process: What DGCOMINVER Evaluates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assessment of startup visa and residence permit applications is conducted on a case-by-case basis by the Directorate-General for International Trade and Investments (DGCOMINVER). There is no automatic approval: the project is evaluated by business experts against specific criteria, and a report on entrepreneurial activity is required from the Spanish Economic and Commercial Office in the country where the visa is being requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The evaluation covers three main areas: the <strong>founder&#8217;s profile<\/strong>, including training, professional experience, and personal involvement in the project; the <strong>business plan<\/strong>, which must describe the activity, start date, location, projected legal form, economic impact, estimated jobs, promotion strategy, and product or service with its innovative aspects; and the <strong>added value for the Spanish economy<\/strong>, including a market analysis covering competitors, potential consumers, and supply and demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The documents required include a valid passport, health insurance with a provider operating in Spain, background checks, proof of sufficient financial resources, and the report on entrepreneurial activity or business plan depending on whether a visa or residence permit is being requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#faf7f7;border:1px solid #eee5e5;border-left:4px solid #8B4444;padding:20px 22px;border-radius:12px;margin:26px 0;\">\n  <div style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:10px;\">Startup Visa \u00b7 In Practice<\/div>\n  <p style=\"margin:0;color:#444;line-height:1.8;font-size:13.5px;\">The startup visa is assessed on the project&#8217;s innovative character and economic value, not on the founder&#8217;s nationality or capital. In our experience, the applications that are rejected or delayed are almost always ones where the business plan is generic rather than specific about the innovation, the market, and the economic case for Spain. The assessment is substantive, not administrative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Open_a_Startup_in_Spain_Steps\"><\/span>How to Open a Startup in Spain: Steps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process for setting up a startup in Spain combines standard company incorporation steps with the specific certification and visa procedures introduced by the Startups Law. The two tracks can run in parallel to reduce overall timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-tl{border:1px solid #ece6e6;border-radius:12px;padding:22px 24px;margin:28px 0 20px 0;overflow:hidden}\n.lw-tl-label{font-size:10px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.4px;font-weight:700;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:20px}\n.lw-tl-track{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:0;position:relative}\n.lw-tl-track::before{content:'';position:absolute;top:14px;left:5%;right:5%;height:1px;background:#ece6e6}\n.lw-tl-step{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;text-align:center;position:relative;z-index:1;padding:0 4px}\n.lw-tl-num{width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;background:#8B4444;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-bottom:8px}\n.lw-tl-num.done{background:#4a7c5f;font-size:13px}\n.lw-tl-name{font-size:11px;color:#444;line-height:1.4;font-weight:500}\n@media(max-width:600px){.lw-tl-track{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:0}.lw-tl-track::before{display:none}.lw-tl-step{flex-direction:row;text-align:left;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:10px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0eaea}.lw-tl-step:last-child{border-bottom:none}.lw-tl-num{margin-bottom:0;flex-shrink:0}.lw-tl-name{font-size:12.5px}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-tl\">\n  <div class=\"lw-tl-label\">Opening a startup in Spain \u00b7 What runs in parallel<\/div>\n  <div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:16px;\">NIE, NIF, ENISA certification, and startup visa all share the same underlying documentation. Running them simultaneously rather than sequentially is what determines whether the overall timeline is weeks or months.<\/div>\n  <div class=\"lw-tl-track\">\n    <div class=\"lw-tl-step\"><div class=\"lw-tl-num\">1<\/div><div class=\"lw-tl-name\">Verify Startups Law eligibility and prepare ENISA certification<\/div><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lw-tl-step\"><div class=\"lw-tl-num\">2<\/div><div class=\"lw-tl-name\">Obtain NIE for founders, NIF for foreign corporate shareholders<\/div><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lw-tl-step\"><div class=\"lw-tl-num\">3<\/div><div class=\"lw-tl-name\">Incorporate the company (S.L. standard bylaws via CIRCE or notary)<\/div><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lw-tl-step\"><div class=\"lw-tl-num\">4<\/div><div class=\"lw-tl-name\">Apply for startup visa or residence permit (non-EU founders)<\/div><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lw-tl-step\"><div class=\"lw-tl-num done\">\u2713<\/div><div class=\"lw-tl-name\">Register for tax, VAT, social security, and activate operations<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Verify eligibility under the Startups Law.<\/strong> Confirm that the company meets all criteria for innovative character, revenue cap, age, and registration. Prepare the ENISA certification application simultaneously with company formation, since the two processes are independent and can run in parallel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Obtain identification documents.<\/strong> All founders require a Spanish NIE (N\u00famero de Identificaci\u00f3n de Extranjero). If a foreign company is a shareholder, that company must obtain its own Spanish NIF before the incorporation deed can be signed. This is frequently the step that delays the overall timeline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Incorporate the company.<\/strong> Qualifying startups using standard bylaws can use the CIRCE online platform for fast-track incorporation, with notarial and registry fees waived. Companies with customised bylaws follow the standard notary and Commercial Registry process. Choose between an S.L. or S.A. depending on the shareholder structure and future capital needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apply for the startup visa or residence permit<\/strong> (non-EU founders only). The visa application is submitted to the Spanish consulate in the country of residence. The residence permit application is submitted to the UGE-CE. Both require a business plan and evidence of the project&#8217;s innovative character. Processing takes 10 working days for the visa and 30 working days for the residence permit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Register for tax, VAT, and social security.<\/strong> Obtain the definitive NIF, register for corporate income tax and VAT, and register for social security if the company will employ staff or the founder will work through the company as aut\u00f3nomo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Activate the preferential tax regime.<\/strong> Once ENISA certification is granted, the 15% corporate tax rate applies automatically from the first year in which taxable income is reported. Maintain documentation of the company&#8217;s innovative character throughout the certification period.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lw-cta-container\" data-cta-type=\"case-study\" style=\"background: #ffffff; border-radius: 18px; overflow: hidden; border: 1px solid #eee6e6; margin: 48px 0; box-shadow: 0 10px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.045);\">\n\n  <div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #7a2535 0%, #8B4444 100%); padding: 30px 34px 28px;\">\n\n    <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; margin-bottom: 18px; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px;\">\n\n      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/logo-lawants.png\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Lawants\" style=\"height: 26px; opacity: 0.96;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/logo-lawants.png\" alt=\"Lawants\" style=\"height: 26px; opacity: 0.96;\"><\/noscript>\n\n      <div style=\"display: flex; gap: 8px; flex-wrap: wrap;\">\n\n        <span style=\"background: rgba(255,255,255,0.13); border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.16); border-radius: 999px; padding: 5px 12px; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.4px; font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.86);\">\n          Lawants Case Study\n        <\/span>\n\n        <span style=\"background: rgba(255,255,255,0.13); border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.16); border-radius: 999px; padding: 5px 12px; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.4px; font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.86);\">\n          STARTUP SETUP \u00b7 TIMELINE SYNCHRONIZATION\n        <\/span>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div style=\"height: 1px; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.16); margin-bottom: 22px;\"><\/div>\n\n    <h3 style=\"color: #ffffff; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0 0 12px 0; line-height: 1.34; letter-spacing: -0.015em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fast-tracking_tech_venture_setup_Custom_SL_active_in_3_weeks_to_hit_market_windows\"><\/span>\n      Fast-tracking tech venture setup: Custom S.L. active in 3 weeks to hit market windows\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n    <p style=\"color: rgba(255,255,255,0.78); font-size: 14px; margin: 0; line-height: 1.75;\">\n      Innovative ventures cannot afford to let administrative prep delay funding or launch windows. Lawants bypassed the standard sequential workflow, running the Commercial Registry timeline in parallel with foreign document collection.\n    <\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div style=\"padding: 30px 34px;\">\n\n    <div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 22px; margin-bottom: 26px;\">\n\n      <div>\n        <div style=\"font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 700; color: #8B4444; margin-bottom: 10px;\">\n          The Context\n        <\/div>\n        <p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.75; margin: 0;\">\n          A foreign innovative entity needed to quickly secure a dedicated Spanish corporate vehicle to anchor upcoming commercial agreements and pave the way for local regulatory and innovation milestones.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div style=\"background: #fbf7f7; border: 1px solid #efe4e4; border-left: 4px solid #8B4444; border-radius: 10px; padding: 18px 20px;\">\n        <div style=\"font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 700; color: #8B4444; margin-bottom: 10px;\">\n          The Problem\n        <\/div>\n        <p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.75; margin: 0;\">\n          The traditional process (preparing home-country corporate papers, waiting for apostilles, then requesting tax IDs, and only then submitting to the register) would take 2 to 3 months, missing critical launch deadlines.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div style=\"font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 700; color: #8B4444; margin-bottom: 14px;\">\n      The Lawants Solution\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 14px; margin-bottom: 26px;\">\n\n      <div style=\"background: linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff 0%, #fbf8f8 100%); border: 1px solid #eee7e7; border-radius: 12px; padding: 18px 18px;\">\n        <div style=\"color: #8B4444; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 8px;\">01<\/div>\n        <p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0;\">\n          <strong style=\"color: #2c2c2c;\">Anticipated setup:<\/strong> Immediate initial incorporation of the custom S.L. through Lawants, structured from day one with the exact corporate name and bylaws needed.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div style=\"background: linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff 0%, #fbf8f8 100%); border: 1px solid #eee7e7; border-radius: 12px; padding: 18px 18px;\">\n        <div style=\"color: #8B4444; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 8px;\">02<\/div>\n        <p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0;\">\n          <strong style=\"color: #2c2c2c;\">Registry activation:<\/strong> Direct filing to start the uncompressible 3-week legal registration period ticking immediately, rather than waiting for foreign documents to be completed.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div style=\"background: linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff 0%, #fbf8f8 100%); border: 1px solid #eee7e7; border-radius: 12px; padding: 18px 18px;\">\n        <div style=\"color: #8B4444; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 8px;\">03<\/div>\n        <p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0;\">\n          <strong style=\"color: #2c2c2c;\">Simultaneous workflows:<\/strong> The client utilized the 3-week registry wait time to collect and apostille paperwork abroad under our direct instructions.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div style=\"background: linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff 0%, #fbf8f8 100%); border: 1px solid #eee7e7; border-radius: 12px; padding: 18px 18px;\">\n        <div style=\"color: #8B4444; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 8px;\">04<\/div>\n        <p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0;\">\n          <strong style=\"color: #2c2c2c;\">Seamless share delivery:<\/strong> Once registered, the shares were instantly transferred to the client, leaving them with an active, compliant company ready to trade.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div style=\"background: #faf7f7; border: 1px solid #eee4e4; border-radius: 14px; padding: 24px; margin-bottom: 28px;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 700; color: #8B4444; margin-bottom: 16px;\">\n        Results\n      <\/div>\n      <div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 18px;\">\n\n        <div>\n          <div style=\"font-size: 30px; font-weight: 800; color: #8B4444; line-height: 1;\">~3 weeks<\/div>\n          <div style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #666; margin-top: 7px; line-height: 1.45;\">To achieve full operational status vs. 2-3 months sequentially<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div>\n          <div style=\"font-size: 30px; font-weight: 800; color: #8B4444; line-height: 1;\">0 weeks<\/div>\n          <div style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #666; margin-top: 7px; line-height: 1.45;\">Lost to administrative stasis while home-country paperwork was pending<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div>\n          <div style=\"font-size: 30px; font-weight: 800; color: #8B4444; line-height: 1;\">100%<\/div>\n          <div style=\"font-size: 12px; color: #666; margin-top: 7px; line-height: 1.45;\">Bylaws and corporate identity perfectly tailored to future funding requirements<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div style=\"border-left: 3px solid #8B4444; padding: 16px 20px; margin-bottom: 18px;\">\n      <p style=\"color: #555; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 1.75; font-style: italic; margin: 0 0 12px 0;\">\n        &#8220;The absolute barrier to rapid setup isn&#8217;t the registry, but the order of operations. Squeezing home-country document collection into the uncompressible wait window of the Commercial Registry is what keeps early-stage ventures moving at market speed.&#8221;\n      <\/p>\n      <div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px;\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover; border: 1.5px solid #f8f0f0; box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #e8d8d8; filter: grayscale(12%); flex-shrink: 0;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover; border: 1.5px solid #f8f0f0; box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #e8d8d8; filter: grayscale(12%); flex-shrink: 0;\"><\/noscript>\n        <div style=\"font-size: 11px; color: #8B4444; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\">\n          Roberto Bosco \u2014 Managing Director, Lawants\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #faf7f7 0%, #ffffff 100%); border: 1px solid #eee4e4; border-radius: 14px; padding: 22px 24px;\">\n      <div style=\"max-width: 760px;\">\n\n        <div style=\"font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 700; color: #8B4444; margin-bottom: 10px;\">\n          For foreign founders requiring a calculated, swift entry into the ecosystem\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.75; margin: 0 0 14px 0;\">\n          Securing the benefits of the Spanish Startups Law requires more than a standard incorporation. Lawants synchronizes the legal setup, application planning, and administrative steps in parallel to capture market momentum safely.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/contact\/\" data-cta-click=\"case-study\" style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background: #8B4444; border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08); box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.12); color: #ffffff !important; -webkit-text-fill-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: 600; padding: 10px 18px; border-radius: 999px; text-decoration: none; letter-spacing: 0.15px;\">\n          Incorporate your startup securely with Lawants \u2192\n        <\/a>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spain_Startup_Ecosystem_Key_Hubs\"><\/span>Spain Startup Ecosystem: Key Hubs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain&#8217;s startup ecosystem is geographically decentralised, with each major city developing distinct specialisations. Understanding where a startup fits within this ecosystem matters both for talent recruitment and for access to relevant investors and accelerators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-entry-mini-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:12px;margin:20px 0 30px 0}\n.lw-entry-mini-card{background:#fff;border:1px solid #eee3e3;border-radius:14px;padding:18px 16px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,.025)}\n.lw-entry-icon{width:42px;height:42px;margin:0 auto 12px auto;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;position:relative}\n.lw-entry-mini-card span{display:block;color:#1d1d1d;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.35;font-weight:600}\n.lw-entry-mini-card p.card-sub{display:block;color:#777;font-size:11.5px;line-height:1.5;margin:6px 0 0 0;font-weight:400}\n@media(max-width:480px){.lw-entry-mini-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.lw-entry-mini-card{padding:16px 14px}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-entry-mini-grid\">\n  <div class=\"lw-entry-mini-card\">\n    <div class=\"lw-entry-icon\">\n      <span style=\"position:absolute;top:5px;left:16px;width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#8B4444;\"><\/span>\n      <span style=\"position:absolute;bottom:5px;left:5px;width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#8B4444;\"><\/span>\n      <span style=\"position:absolute;bottom:5px;right:5px;width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#8B4444;\"><\/span>\n      <span style=\"position:absolute;top:14px;left:20px;width:2px;height:12px;background:#8B4444;\"><\/span>\n      <span style=\"position:absolute;top:27px;left:13px;width:16px;height:2px;background:#8B4444;\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <span>Barcelona<\/span>\n    <p class=\"card-sub\">Europe&#8217;s top tech and SaaS hub. Home to Typeform, Wallapop, and the Mobile World Congress. Strong in deep tech, mobile, and international talent.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"lw-entry-mini-card\">\n    <div class=\"lw-entry-icon\">\n      <div style=\"width:24px;height:16px;border:2px solid #8B4444;border-radius:2px;position:relative;\">\n        <span style=\"position:absolute;right:-7px;top:4px;width:6px;height:6px;border-top:2px solid #8B4444;border-right:2px solid #8B4444;transform:rotate(45deg);display:block;\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <span>Madrid<\/span>\n    <p class=\"card-sub\">Financial capital and highest concentration of VC. Enterprise tech, fintech, and the headquarters of major Spanish and international corporate groups.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"lw-entry-mini-card\">\n    <div class=\"lw-entry-icon\">\n      <div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border:2px solid #8B4444;border-radius:50%;position:relative;\">\n        <span style=\"position:absolute;top:5px;left:8px;width:2px;height:8px;background:#8B4444;display:block;\"><\/span>\n        <span style=\"position:absolute;top:10px;left:8px;width:8px;height:2px;background:#8B4444;display:block;\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <span>Malaga<\/span>\n    <p class=\"card-sub\">Rapidly emerging as a southern European tech hub. Google&#8217;s Tech Hub, Amazon Web Services, and the Sparkco incubator are anchoring a growing startup cluster.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"lw-entry-mini-card\">\n    <div class=\"lw-entry-icon\">\n      <div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border:2px solid #8B4444;transform:rotate(45deg);\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <span>Valencia<\/span>\n    <p class=\"card-sub\">Strong community-driven ecosystem. Lanzadera, backed by Mercadona founder Juan Roig, has accelerated over 700 startups and is one of Spain&#8217;s most active incubators.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Funding_for_Startups_in_Spain_Which_Sources_Are_Actually_Realistic_for_Foreign_Founders\"><\/span>Funding for Startups in Spain: Which Sources Are Actually Realistic for Foreign Founders?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain has a substantial public and private funding ecosystem. The problem for foreign founders is that several of the most visible sources have eligibility constraints that are not obvious from the outside. We generally recommend mapping funding by accessibility before investing time in applications, because the preparation required varies significantly and some instruments are simply not available to foreign-owned startups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accessible_Immediately_Before_or_During_Incorporation\"><\/span>Accessible Immediately (Before or During Incorporation)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Angel investment (private):<\/strong> The Startups Law&#8217;s 50% investor deduction for individuals investing up to \u20ac100,000 in certified startups has increased angel investment activity. Foreign-owned startups can access this channel once ENISA certification is in place. No Spanish shareholding requirement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>EU Horizon Europe grants:<\/strong> Available to Spanish-registered entities regardless of shareholder nationality. Competitive and requires significant preparation, but accessible to foreign founders from day one of registration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Venture capital:<\/strong> Spanish VC funds, including Kibo Ventures, K Fund, Samaipata, and Seaya Ventures, invest in foreign-founded companies. Madrid and Barcelona both have active VC ecosystems. No nationality requirement, though network access matters practically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accessible_After_Incorporation_and_ENISA_Certification\"><\/span>Accessible After Incorporation and ENISA Certification<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ICO financing lines:<\/strong> Spain&#8217;s official credit institution provides financing for businesses with longer payback horizons, distributed through commercial banks. Available to incorporated companies regardless of shareholder nationality. Requires a business bank account in Spain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CDTI grants (NEOTEC programme):<\/strong> Partially repayable grants for technology-based startups. Competitive but accessible to foreign-owned companies. Requires an incorporated entity and a credible R&amp;D plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lanzadera and Demium:<\/strong> Accelerator programmes with seed funding components. Open to foreign founders. Lanzadera is particularly active in Valencia; Demium operates across multiple cities. Acceptance is competitive and typically requires physical presence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accessible_Only_with_Spanish_or_EU_Majority_Shareholding\"><\/span>Accessible Only with Spanish or EU Majority Shareholding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ENISA participative loans:<\/strong> Despite being the agency that certifies startup status, ENISA&#8217;s lending programmes historically require majority Spanish or EU shareholding. Foreign-owned startups with a non-EU majority shareholder typically cannot access ENISA loans directly, even after certification. This is one of the most frequently misunderstood constraints in the Spanish startup funding landscape.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Some regional grants:<\/strong> Regional programmes (Catalonia, Madrid, Basque Country) vary significantly in their eligibility rules. Some require local majority ownership or minimum local employment thresholds that foreign-owned startups may not initially meet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-cta-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 100px;gap:24px;align-items:start}\n@media(max-width:600px){.lw-cta-grid{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column-reverse!important;align-items:center!important;gap:20px!important}.lw-cta-grid>div{width:100%!important}.lw-cta-grid img{width:90px!important;height:90px!important}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-cta-container\" data-cta-type=\"mediana\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #e7e1e1;border-radius:18px;padding:28px 30px;margin:0 0 40px 0;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(20,20,20,.03);\">\n  <div class=\"lw-cta-grid\">\n    <div>\n      <span style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;font-size:10px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8B4444;background:#faf6f6;border:1px solid #efe4e4;border-radius:999px;padding:4px 11px;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Startup Incorporation<\/span>\n      <p style=\"color:#1d1d1d;font-size:19px;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 12px 0;line-height:1.38;letter-spacing:-.01em;\">Fast-track incorporation takes six hours. The preparation that makes it go smoothly takes longer.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"color:#5f5f5f;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Lawants handles startup incorporation in Spain alongside the ENISA certification process, NIE and NIF applications for foreign founders and shareholders, and startup visa documentation, so the legal and immigration tracks run in parallel rather than sequentially.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"color:#8a8a8a;font-size:12px;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 20px 0;\">Ranked among the <strong style=\"color:#8B4444;\">Best Law Firms Spain<\/strong> \u00b7 Offices in Barcelona and Madrid<\/p>\n      <div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/contact\/\" data-cta-click=\"mediana\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;background:#8B4444;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.08);box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.12);color:#ffffff!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:#ffffff;font-size:12.5px;font-weight:600;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:999px;text-decoration:none;letter-spacing:.15px;flex-shrink:0;\">Plan your startup setup in Spain<\/a>\n        <div style=\"font-size:11.5px;color:#8a8a8a;line-height:1.5;\"><strong style=\"color:#8B4444;font-weight:600;\">Roberto Bosco<\/strong><br>Managing Director, Lawants<br>Response within 24 business hours<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width:100px;height:100px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;border:2px solid #f7f2f2;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px #ece3e3;filter:grayscale(12%);display:block;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width:100px;height:100px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;border:2px solid #f7f2f2;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px #ece3e3;filter:grayscale(12%);display:block;\"><\/noscript>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Foreign_Founders_Open_Their_Startup_in_Spain_with_Lawants\"><\/span>Why Foreign Founders Open Their Startup in Spain with Lawants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most foreign founders who contact us about opening a startup in Spain arrive with the same two questions: does the Startups Law apply to their business, and what does the setup process actually involve? In our experience, the first question is answered correctly less often than founders expect. The law&#8217;s innovative character requirement is substantive, not formal, and the gap between &#8220;I think we qualify&#8221; and &#8220;ENISA has confirmed we qualify&#8221; is one that affects both the tax position and the visa pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-insight-box{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#7a2535 0%,#8B4444 100%);border-radius:10px;padding:18px 20px;margin:20px 0;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.12)}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-insight-box\">\n  <div style=\"font-size:10px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;font-weight:700;color:rgba(255,255,255,.72);margin-bottom:8px;\">insight<\/div>\n  <p style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.92)!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:rgba(255,255,255,.92)!important;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\">We regularly see founders who build their financial model around the 15% startup tax rate before ENISA certification has been confirmed. When the certification is not granted, or is granted for a shorter period than expected, the entire financial plan needs to be revisited. Verifying eligibility is not a formality we do after incorporation. It is the first thing we do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawants works exclusively with foreign companies and entrepreneurs in Spain, with lawyers and tax advisors under one roof. For a startup, that matters because the legal setup, the tax certification, and the visa process are not independent tracks: they share documentation, they share timelines, and a decision made in one affects the others. The startup visa business plan is the same document that supports the ENISA application. The corporate structure chosen at incorporation determines which tax incentives apply and how investor equity is structured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Most founders think they are opening a company. In reality, they are building the legal structure their startup will live with for years. The company can be incorporated in hours. The preparation cannot.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-cta-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 100px;gap:24px;align-items:start}\n.lw-cta-footer-grid{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;flex-wrap:wrap}\n@media(max-width:600px){.lw-cta-grid{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column-reverse!important;align-items:center!important;gap:20px!important}.lw-cta-grid>div{width:100%!important}.lw-cta-grid img{width:90px!important;height:90px!important}.lw-cta-footer-grid{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.lw-cta-footer-grid a{width:100%;text-align:center}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-cta-container\" data-cta-type=\"mediana\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #eee5e5;border-radius:18px;padding:28px 30px;margin:28px 0 48px 0;box-shadow:0 8px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.035);\">\n  <div class=\"lw-cta-grid\">\n    <div>\n      <span style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;font-size:10px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8B4444;background:#faf6f6;border:1px solid #eee2e2;border-radius:999px;padding:4px 11px;margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Your legal and tax partner in Spain<\/span>\n      <p style=\"color:#1f1f1f;font-size:19px;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 12px 0;line-height:1.42;letter-spacing:-.01em;\">Getting the startup law benefits requires more than incorporating a company. It requires preparing for certification before the company exists.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"color:#666;font-size:13.8px;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 22px 0;max-width:720px;\">Lawants accompanies foreign founders through the full startup setup process: eligibility assessment, ENISA certification, incorporation, startup visa or residence permit application, and ongoing tax compliance. One point of contact for every track that runs in parallel.<\/p>\n      <div style=\"background:#faf7f7;border:1px solid #eee5e5;border-radius:14px;padding:18px 20px;\">\n        <div class=\"lw-cta-footer-grid\">\n          <div style=\"max-width:520px;\">\n            <div style=\"font-size:11px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1.3px;font-weight:700;color:#8B4444;margin-bottom:8px;\">First assessment directly from the Managing Director<\/div>\n            <p style=\"color:#555;font-size:13px;line-height:1.7;margin:0;\">Roberto Bosco reviews every project personally within 24 business hours. <strong style=\"color:#8B4444;\">Lawants \u00b7 Best Law Firms Spain.<\/strong><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/contact\/\" data-cta-click=\"mediana\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;background:#8B4444;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.08);box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.12);color:#ffffff!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:#ffffff;font-size:12.5px;font-weight:600;padding:10px 18px;border-radius:999px;text-decoration:none;letter-spacing:.15px;flex-shrink:0;\">Open your startup in Spain<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width:100px;height:100px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;border:1px solid #ece2e2;box-shadow:0 0 0 4px #faf7f7;filter:grayscale(12%);display:block;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/roberto-bosco-def-500x500.webp\" alt=\"Roberto Bosco, Managing Director of Lawants\" style=\"width:100px;height:100px;border-radius:50%;object-fit:cover;border:1px solid #ece2e2;box-shadow:0 0 0 4px #faf7f7;filter:grayscale(12%);display:block;\"><\/noscript>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Startup_in_Spain\"><\/span>FAQ: Startup in Spain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The questions below come up most often when foreign founders are deciding whether to open a startup in Spain and how the Startups Law applies to their situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.lw-faq-container{margin:24px 0}\n.lw-faq-item{background:#faf7f7;border:1px solid #efe4e4;border-radius:12px;margin-bottom:14px;overflow:hidden}\n.lw-faq-summary{display:flex!important;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;padding:20px 22px;list-style:none;cursor:pointer;user-select:none;position:relative}\n.lw-faq-summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none!important}\n.lw-faq-summary::marker{display:none!important}\n.lw-faq-summary::after,.lw-faq-summary::before,.lw-faq-summary>*:not(h3):not(.lw-faq-icon){display:none!important;content:none!important;opacity:0!important;visibility:hidden!important}\n.lw-faq-summary h3{color:#1d1d1d!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:#1d1d1d!important;font-size:15.5px!important;line-height:1.4!important;font-weight:600!important;margin:0!important;padding-right:20px;text-align:left}\n.lw-faq-summary .lw-faq-icon{flex:0 0 12px!important;width:12px!important;height:8px!important;min-width:12px!important;max-width:12px!important;display:block!important;overflow:visible!important;transition:transform .25s ease}\n.lw-faq-summary .lw-faq-icon path{stroke:#8B4444!important;stroke-width:2!important;fill:none!important}\n.lw-faq-item[open] .lw-faq-icon{transform:rotate(180deg)}\n.lw-faq-content{padding:0 22px 20px 22px}\n.lw-faq-content p{color:#444!important;-webkit-text-fill-color:#444!important;font-size:13.5px!important;line-height:1.68!important;margin:0!important}\n@media(max-width:600px){.lw-faq-summary{padding:18px}.lw-faq-summary h3{font-size:14.5px!important}.lw-faq-content{padding:0 18px 18px 18px}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lw-faq-container\">\n\n  <details class=\"lw-faq-item\">\n    <summary class=\"lw-faq-summary\"><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Startup_Law_in_Spain\"><\/span>What is the Startup Law in Spain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><svg class=\"lw-faq-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1 1L6 6L11 1\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary>\n    <div class=\"lw-faq-content\"><p>Law 28\/2022 (Startups Law) came into force in January 2023. It introduced a 15% corporate tax rate for qualifying innovative startups (for the first four years of profitability), a 50% investor deduction for angel investors up to \u20ac100,000, improved stock option conditions with a \u20ac50,000 annual exemption, fast-track incorporation using standard bylaws, and a dedicated startup visa pathway for non-EU founders. Companies must be certified by ENISA to access the tax benefits.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/details>\n\n  <details class=\"lw-faq-item\">\n    <summary class=\"lw-faq-summary\"><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_qualify_as_a_startup_under_Spanish_law\"><\/span>How do I qualify as a startup under Spanish law?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><svg class=\"lw-faq-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1 1L6 6L11 1\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary>\n    <div class=\"lw-faq-content\"><p>To qualify, the company must be incorporated within the last five years (seven for strategic sectors), have its registered office or permanent establishment in Spain, not have distributed dividends, not be listed on a regulated market, not exceed \u20ac10 million in annual revenue, and have an innovative character assessed and certified by ENISA. The innovative character assessment is the most selective criterion and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/details>\n\n  <details class=\"lw-faq-item\">\n    <summary class=\"lw-faq-summary\"><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Spain_startup_visa_and_who_can_apply\"><\/span>What is the Spain startup visa and who can apply?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><svg class=\"lw-faq-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1 1L6 6L11 1\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary>\n    <div class=\"lw-faq-content\"><p>The startup visa is available to non-EU nationals who want to establish an innovative business of particular economic interest in Spain. Applicants outside Spain apply at the Spanish consulate and receive a one-year visa, with a decision in 10 working days. Those already in Spain apply for a two-year residence permit at the UGE-CE, with a decision in 30 working days. No minimum capital or minimum job creation is required. Family members can apply simultaneously.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/details>\n\n  <details class=\"lw-faq-item\">\n    <summary class=\"lw-faq-summary\"><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_it_take_to_open_a_startup_in_Spain\"><\/span>How long does it take to open a startup in Spain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><svg class=\"lw-faq-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1 1L6 6L11 1\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary>\n    <div class=\"lw-faq-content\"><p>The company itself can be incorporated in as little as six working hours using standard bylaws via the CIRCE platform, with notarial and registry fees waived for qualifying startups. In practice, the total timeline depends on the NIE and NIF applications for founders and foreign shareholders, which typically take longer. The ENISA certification process and the startup visa are separate and run in parallel; the visa decision takes 10 to 30 working days depending on whether a visa or residence permit is requested.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/details>\n\n  <details class=\"lw-faq-item\">\n    <summary class=\"lw-faq-summary\"><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_corporate_tax_rate_for_startups_in_Spain\"><\/span>What is the corporate tax rate for startups in Spain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><svg class=\"lw-faq-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1 1L6 6L11 1\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary>\n    <div class=\"lw-faq-content\"><p>Qualifying startups certified by ENISA pay corporate income tax at 15% for the first four years in which taxable income is reported, against the standard rate of 25%. Companies can also defer tax payment for the first two years without interest or guarantees. The 15% rate applies automatically once ENISA certification has been granted and the company begins reporting taxable income.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/details>\n\n  <details class=\"lw-faq-item\">\n    <summary class=\"lw-faq-summary\"><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_foreign_company_or_non-EU_founder_open_a_startup_in_Spain\"><\/span>Can a foreign company or non-EU founder open a startup in Spain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><svg class=\"lw-faq-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1 1L6 6L11 1\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary>\n    <div class=\"lw-faq-content\"><p>Yes. There are no nationality restrictions on startup incorporation in Spain. A foreign company can be the sole shareholder of a Spanish S.L. (as an S.L.U.), and non-EU founders can apply for the startup visa or residence permit under the Startups Law. The foreign corporate shareholder must obtain a Spanish NIF before the incorporation deed is signed. Non-EU individual founders can apply for the visa and residence permit simultaneously with the incorporation process.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/details>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_articles\"><\/span>Related articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/sl-spain\/\">Sociedad Limitada (S.L.) in Spain: Formation and Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/types-company-spain\/\">Types of Companies in Spain: the Different Business Structures<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/corporate-tax-spain\/\">Corporate Tax in Spain: Guide for Foreign Companies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/hiring-employees-spain\/\">Hiring Employees in Spain: Guide for Employers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/pros-cons-starting-business-spain\/\">Pros and Cons of Starting a Business in Spain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An Overview of Spain Startup Law and Ecosystem Lawants Guide \u00b7 Startup in Spain Spain changed the practical equation for [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/startup-spain\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Startup in Spain: How to Open It, Incentives, Startup Visa<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20668,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-company-formation"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/startup-spagna-1-2.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lawants","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawants.com\/en\/author\/l4wan7s\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Startup in Spain: Law, Visa and Incentives - Lawants<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Spain&#039;s Startups Law: 15% tax, startup visa, 6-hour incorporation. 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