• Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo):

Foreign nationals (non-EU/EEA) can apply for a self-employment visa.

Key requirements:

• Business plan with financial projections
• Proof of sufficient capital
• No criminal record
• Medical insurance

• EU Citizens:

Free to work and establish businesses. Registration at the local town hall and with social security is required.

Most hospitality businesses are registered as:

• Autónomo (sole proprietor) – low startup costs, personal liability
• SL (Sociedad Limitada / limited company) – preferred for higher liability protection

Setup Process (for SL):

• Obtain NIE (foreigner tax number)
• Open a Spanish business bank account
• Reserve company name at the Central Commercial Registry
• Register with the Tax Authority (AEAT)
• Submit incorporation deeds via notary
• Register for social security and local business license (Licencia de Apertura)

Typical Setup Time: 4–6 weeks

• Licencia de Apertura (Opening Licence): Issued by the local municipality based on property use
• Sanitary permits for kitchens and hygiene protocols
• Alcohol license if serving alcohol – varies by region
• Terraza license if outdoor seating is planned

Spain has region-specific regulations. Working with a local gestor (administrative consultant) is highly recommended.

• Corporate Tax (Impuesto de Sociedades): 25%
• VAT (IVA): 10% for food services; 21% for alcohol
• Self-employed Tax: Progressive rates from ~19% to 47%
• Quarterly tax returns and annual summary statements required

English-speaking tax advisors are available, especially in expat-heavy areas like Costa del Sol and Barcelona.

• Minimum wage (2025): Approx. €1,260/month gross
• Contracts: Written contracts are mandatory
• Probation period: 1–6 months
• Common roles: kitchen staff, waiters, cleaners – often seasonal
• Payroll obligations: Employers must register employees for social security and handle monthly contributions

• Typical lease terms: 5–10 years with renewal options
• Security deposit: 2–3 months’ rent
• Commercial real estate agents specialize in restaurant spaces, especially in touristic areas
• Property purchase (buy-to-operate): Foreigners can purchase freely. NIE is required.

Listings often include “traspaso” (key money)—a transfer fee for taking over an existing licensed venue.

• Strong demand in tourist zones, coastal towns, and cultural cities
• Spanish dining hours are different (late lunch/dinner culture)
• High competition in popular areas – differentiation and niche targeting are key
• Locals expect menu del día (fixed lunch menus)
• Bilingual or multilingual staff highly valued in tourist zones

• Gestores (local consultants): handle paperwork, permits, and payroll
• Chambers of Commerce (Cámaras de Comercio): offer startup workshops and local insight
• Business associations for hoteliers and restaurateurs
• Co-working kitchens & food incubators in larger cities

• EU startup support programs and tourism innovation grants
• ICO Loans: Publicly backed credit lines via Spanish banks
• Private funding via investors, especially in sustainable or boutique hospitality concepts

• Spanish Chamber of Commerce: https://www.camara.es
• Invest in Spain (ICEX): https://www.investinspain.org
• Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo: https://www.mincotur.gob.es

Don't try to copy-paste your home concept. Spain has its own rhythm, taste, and habits. Adaptation is not a compromise—it’s your competitive edge.

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