You do not need to fly to Spain to register a company there. Through a Power of Attorney (PoA), you can legally authorize a representative to handle the entire incorporation process — notary signing, Registro Mercantil registration, and even bank account opening — without setting foot in the country.
This guide covers the exact remote registration process, the documents you need to prepare from your home country, which Spanish banks accept remote account opening, and what can and cannot be done without your physical presence.
For the complete company registration overview (entity types, costs, compliance), see our main Spain Company Registration guide. This article is specifically for founders who want to set up remotely.
Can You Register a Company in Spain Without Going There?
Yes — and thousands of foreign entrepreneurs do it every year. Spain’s incorporation system allows full remote setup using a Power of Attorney (PoA), meaning you never need to set foot in Spain during the registration process.
The Power of Attorney you sign in your home country must be:
- Notarized by a local notary public in your country
- Apostilled under the Hague Convention (India, UK, USA, UAE and most countries are signatories)
- Translated into Spanish by a certified sworn translator if it is in another language
Once your PoA is valid, your appointed representative in Spain can legally act on your behalf for all registration steps.
What Your Representative Can and Cannot Do?
| Task | Possible Remotely? | Notes |
| Obtain your NIE (Foreigner ID) | YES — via PoA | Representative applies at Spanish police station with your docs |
| Reserve company name | YES | Fully online via Registro Mercantil Central |
| Open corporate bank account | DEPENDS on bank | Some banks require video call or in-person. See Section 4 |
| Sign Deed of Incorporation | YES — via PoA | Representative signs at notary on your behalf |
| Register with Spanish Tax Agency | YES | Online submission by representative |
| Register for Social Security (if hiring) | YES | Online through TGSS portal |
| Wet-ink signature on notarial originals | NO | You sign, courier original. Allow 2 weeks |
Steps to Set up a Company in Spain Remotely
Step 1: Appoint a representative in Spain
Our experts at OnDemand International act entirely on your behalf.
We appoint a local representative in Spain who manages the full process — from documentation to government coordination — eliminating the need for your physical presence.
Step 2: Prepare the Power of Attorney
We provide a ready-to-use Power of Attorney (PoA) template tailored to your case.
We guide you to:
- Sign and notarize the document
- Apostille it as per international requirements
- Courier the original to Spain
This enables us to legally act on your behalf across all authorities.
Step 3: Secure Your NIE
Our Spain team applies for your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) using your PoA.
- No travel required
- We handle appointments and documentation
- Faster processing through local coordination
Step 4: Reserve Your Company Name
We handle the company name reservation with the Spanish Central Registry.
- Submit multiple name options
- Secure approval within 3–5 business days
- Reserve validity for 6 months
Step 5: Open Your Corporate Bank Account
We assist in opening your Spanish corporate bank account remotely.
- Coordinate with banks that support non-residents
- Guide capital deposit
- Secure bank certificate required for incorporation
Step 6: Complete Incorporation via Notary
Our representative signs the incorporation deed on your behalf before a Spanish notary.
- No travel required
- All legal formalities handled
- Registration with Commercial Registry completed
Step 7: Activate Your Company
We register your company with the Spanish Tax Authority.
- Obtain CIF (Corporate Tax Number)
- Ensure full compliance
- Your company becomes fully operational
How to Get Your NIE Number Without Traveling to Spain?
Every director and shareholder needs a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros). You have two options for getting it remotely:
| Option | How It Works | Timeline |
| Apply at Spanish Consulate in your country | Book appointment at nearest Spanish consulate, submit EX-15 form + passport + reason for NIE | 4–8 weeks |
| PoA representative applies in Spain on your behalf | Representative appears at Spanish police station with your PoA and certified documents | 2–4 weeks |
Timeline to Set Up a Company Remotely in Spain
| Week | What Happens |
| Week 1 | PoA drafted, you sign before local notary |
| Week 2–3 | Apostille obtained, translation completed |
| Week 3–4 | NIE application submitted (via consulate or PoA rep) |
| Week 4–5 | PoA originals arrive in Spain, company name reserved |
| Week 5–6 | Bank account opened, share capital deposited |
| Week 6–7 | Deed of Incorporation signed before Spanish notary |
Conclusion
Setting up a company in Spain without traveling is completely legal and commonly done by international founders. Spain allows you to give authority to a local representative through a Power of Attorney, so they can handle everything for you.
The process itself is not complicated, but most problems happen due to poor execution. Delays usually come from mistakes in documents, slow NIE processing, choosing the wrong bank, or poor coordination between different steps like notary, bank, and registration.
If everything is planned and handled properly, you can set up your company in about 6–8 weeks without visiting Spain at all.
At OnDemand International, we don’t just guide you — we handle the entire process for you. If you want a hassle-free setup, get in touch with our business experts today.
FAQs
1. Can I really open a company in Spain without visiting?
Yes. Through a properly executed Power of Attorney, your representative can complete the entire process — including notary signing and registration — without your presence.
2. Do I need to travel at any stage of the process?
No. The only physical requirement is signing the Power of Attorney in your home country and couriering the original to Spain.
3. Is the NIE mandatory for incorporation?
Yes. Every shareholder and director must have a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) before incorporation.
4. How long does remote company setup in Spain take?
Typically 6–8 weeks, depending on:
NIE processing speed
Bank account approval
Document courier timelines