Forming an association in Spain is an ideal way for groups of individuals or entities to come together and pursue common social, cultural, educational, or charitable goals without commercial intent. Associations operate as non-profit organizations governed by Spanish Law 1/2002, which ensures transparency and legal recognition. This structure provides flexibility and is widely used by NGOs, community groups, clubs, and foundations.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
At Lawhill, we guide you through every step of forming an Association in Spain. Our services include:
- Define purpose and draft bylaws: Clearly outline the association’s objectives, governance rules, membership criteria, and operational procedures in the bylaws.
- Hold constitutive meeting: Gather founding members to approve the bylaws and appoint the governing board, including president, secretary, and treasurer.
- Prepare required documentation: Collect necessary documents, including the founding act, bylaws, identification of founding members, and any other legal paperwork
- Register the association: Submit the documentation to the National Registry of Associations or regional registry, depending on the association’s scope.
- Obtain Tax Identification Number (NIF): Apply for a NIF for the association through the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) to enable legal and financial activities.
- Open Bank Account: Open a bank account in the association’s name to manage funds and donations.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
At least three natural or legal persons must come together to form the association.
The association must operate without profit-making intent and reinvest any income in its activities.
Under Spanish law, the governance of an association typically consists of a General Assembly of members, a Governing Board (Junta Directiva) responsible for daily management, and, when applicable, a Supervisory Board (Órgano de Control) to oversee compliance and financial matters.
Every Association must have a registered office in Spain. We can provide a registered address to meet this obligation.
WHY CHOOSE AN ASSOCIATION?
An Association is a versatile legal structure ideal for individuals or entities seeking to collaborate on non-commercial activities. Key benefits include:
- Non-profit nature: Associations are designed for public benefit purposes rather than generating profits for members.
- Collaborative approach: Allows individuals and organizations to unite and pursue shared goals.
- Tax benefits: Depending on its activities, an Association may qualify for tax exemptions and government support.
- Access to funding: Associations can apply for public grants and subsidies to support their projects.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
At Lawhill, we provide comprehensive accounting and payroll services tailored to meet the needs of your business. From bookkeeping to tax filings, we ensure your financial records are compliant with Spanish regulations. Our team handles payroll management, ensuring timely and accurate payment for your employees.
Navigating the banking system in a foreign country can be challenging. We assist you in opening local and international bank accounts, guiding you through compliance requirements and documentation. Whether for operational needs or capital deposits, we streamline the process to secure your accounts efficiently.
Establish a professional presence in Spain with our virtual office services. We provide a legal address required for company registration and offer correspondence management to ensure you never miss important communication. This service is ideal for businesses operating remotely or without a physical office in Spain.
Certain industries in Spain require specific licenses to operate legally. At Lawhill, we help you obtain necessary licenses such as transport, pharmaceutical and temporary employment licenses. Our experts ensure the application process is smooth, saving you time and effort while adhering to all legal requirements.
We offer a full range of legal services tailored to businesses, including contract drafting, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, mergers, and acquisitions. Our experienced legal team ensures that your business is fully protected and operates within the framework of Spanish and EU laws.
F.A.Q
The registration typically takes between 1 to 3 months, depending on the registry and documentation completeness.
Yes, both residents and non-residents can be founders or members of an association.