A representative office in Spain allows foreign companies to establish a local presence for non-commercial activities such as market research, promotion, and liaison work. Unlike a branch or subsidiary, a representative office cannot conduct direct business operations or generate revenue, making it an ideal option for companies testing the Spanish market or supporting their main operations abroad.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
At Lawhill, we simplify the process of setting up a Representative Office in Spain. Here’s what we offer:
- Define the purpose of the representative office
Clarify the non-commercial activities the office will undertake, such as marketing, market analysis, or customer support. - Prepare the required documentation
Gather essential documents from the parent company, including the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and proof of legal existence, all officially translated into Spanish and apostilled if required. - Appoint a legal representative
Designate a local representative responsible for the office’s compliance with Spanish regulations. - Register with the Spanish Commercial Registry (Registro Mercantil)
Submit the representative office registration application along with all required documents to obtain legal recognition. - Obtain a tax identification number (NIF)
Apply for a NIF for the representative office from the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) for tax and administrative purposes.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
The parent company must be legally registered and active in its home country to open a representative office in Spain.
The representative office can only perform non-commercial activities such as marketing, promotion, or market research.
A legal representative residing in Spain must be appointed to act on behalf of the representative office.
A Spanish tax identification number (NIF) must be obtained for the representative office.
WHY CHOOSE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE?
Establishing a Representative Office in Spain is an excellent way for foreign businesses to enter the Spanish and EU markets. Here are the key benefits:
- Easy market entry: Enables presence in Spain without establishing a full legal entity.
- Parent company control: Operations remain fully controlled by the headquarters.
- Non-commercial activities: Ideal for promotion, research, and liaison functions.
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 process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on documentation and registration requirements
No, it cannot engage in commercial or trading activities; it only supports the parent company’s business development.
Since it does not carry out commercial activities, it is generally exempt from corporate taxes but must comply with local reporting requirements.
