The importance of knowing how to establish a company in Spain for foreign investors who want to enter the Spanish and European markets. The great news is that the incorporation process does not require travel to Spain! If you have a Power of Attorney (PoA), the local representative can take care of most of the formalities for you.
This guide provides detailed instructions on steps to set up a company in Spain remotely, including how to obtain an NIE, how to prepare the necessary paperwork, open a corporate bank account, and hold the company registration without visiting Spain.
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 the 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
- A secure bank certificate is 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 the Commercial Registry is 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
What Are the Documents Required for Remote Company Registration in Spain?
Foreign founders usually require the following documents to register a company in Spain remotely:
- Copies of valid passports of all shareholders and directors
- Documents proving residency (from the past three months)
- A signed and notarized Power of Attorney (PoA)
- PoA must be apostilled or legalized (where applicable)
- Sworn Spanish translation of foreign-language documents
- Shareholder and director information
- Description of the proposed business activities
- Address of the registered office in Spain
In addition, banks can ask for further paperwork, such as proof of source of funds, in compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company Remotely in Spain?
The expenses for the remote incorporation of a company in Spain will vary depending on your country of origin, the legalization of documents and the professional service fees. Typical expenses include:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Company Name Reservation | €15–€20 |
| NIE Government Fee | €10–€20 |
| Sworn Translation | €50–€250+ |
| Notary Fees | €150–€500 |
| Commercial Registry Fees | €100–€300 |
| PoA Notarization and Apostille | Varies by country |
| Professional Service Fees | Depends on the provider |
Furthermore, founders of a Spanish SL usually invest at least €3,000 in capital, but this requirement can be lowered in accordance with the current regulations.
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 the Spanish Consulate in your country | Book an appointment at the 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 a 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 a Spanish notary |
Conclusion
The process of establishing a company in Spain can generally be carried out remotely, making Spain an attractive place for international founders. Most companies can be incorporated in a timely manner, within 6-8 weeks, without visiting the country, with proper planning, with a valid Power of Attorney and with coordinated support.
We help entrepreneurs complete the remote incorporation process at OnDemand International, from applying for a NIE and preparing documents to opening a bank account and registering the company, ensuring a seamless and compliant incorporation experience.
FAQ’s
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.
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.
Is the NIE mandatory for incorporation?
Yes. Every shareholder and director must have a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) before incorporation.
How long does the remote company setup in Spain take?
Typically 6–8 weeks, depending on:
1. NIE processing speed
2. Bank account approval
3. Document courier timelines