At Lawhill, we provide expert assistance with VAT (Value Added Tax) registration in Spain, ensuring your business complies with all regulatory requirements. Whether you are establishing a local business or expanding your operations into the EU, our team simplifies the VAT registration process and ensures compliance with Spanish tax laws.
What is VAT And Who Needs to Register?
VAT is a consumption tax applied to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution. In Spain, the standard VAT rate is 21%, with reduced rates of 10% and 4% for specific goods and services, such as books and public transport.
You need to register for VAT in Spain if:
- You sell goods or provide services in Spain that are subject to VAT.
- You are a foreign company engaging in commercial activities in Spain, such as operating through a Spanish branch or selling directly to Spanish customers.
- You import goods into Spain from non-EU countries.
- You participate in intra-community acquisitions of goods or services from other EU member states.
- You run an e-commerce business targeting Spanish consumers, including distance selling above the EU-wide threshold (€10,000) under the OSS (One-Stop Shop) scheme.
- You store goods in Spain for sale through platforms like Amazon (FBA) and are deemed to have a taxable presence.
- You want to recover VAT on business-related expenses incurred in Spain.
Key Requirements
Spanish companies need a corporate NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal).
Documentation showing your intention to carry out VAT-taxable operations, such as:
– Commercial contracts
– Invoices
– Office or warehouse leases
– Agreements with Spanish clients or suppliers
Every company must have a registered office in Spain. We can provide a registered address to meet this obligation.
Our Services
At Lawhill, we streamline the VAT registration process for your business by offering:
- Consultation: Personalized advice on VAT requirements tailored to your business activities.
- Documentation: Preparation and submission of all necessary documents to the State Tax Inspectorate.
- Representation: Acting on your behalf in all communications with Spanish tax authorities.
- Compliance checks: Ensuring that your business meets all VAT obligations, avoiding fines and complications.
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 usually takes between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the completeness of your documentation and the workload at the Spanish Tax Agency.
Any business or professional performing taxable activities in Spain must register for VAT. This includes Spanish companies, foreign businesses with a presence in Spain, and e-commerce sellers targeting Spanish customers.
No, Spanish businesses must register for VAT immediately upon starting taxable activities, regardless of turnover. For EU-based e-commerce sellers, the OSS scheme threshold is €10,000 across the EU.
Non-EU companies generally must appoint a fiscal representative in Spain. EU companies may not require one but must comply with local rules.
Yes, once registered for VAT, you can reclaim VAT on eligible business expenses incurred in Spain, following applicable rules.
