The main steps for setting up a company

Obtaining the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) – The first essential step for any foreign citizen. The NIE is mandatory for banking transactions, tax registrations and administrative formalities.
Verification and reservation of the company name – 3–5 variants are submitted to the Registro Mercantil for approval and official reservation.
Opening a corporate bank account – Requires the deposit of the minimum share capital (Sociedad Limitada – SL: approx. €3,000).
Drafting the articles of association and company statutes – Preparation of the Estatutos Sociales, establishing the shareholders, directors, object of activity and registered office. Official signature at the notary.
Registration with the Registro Mercantil and obtaining the provisional CIF – Allows the issuance of tax documents and authorization of the activity.
Tax registration and registration with the social security system – Registration with the Agencia Tributaria for the NIF/CIF and, where applicable, with the Spanish social security system.