Coredo

In 2025 Spain became one of the most attractive markets in Europe for international entrepreneurs: according to EY, more than 38% of foreign investors name the country a priority for expanding business in the EU. Nevertheless, 67% of companies face legal risks already at the registration stage, and more than 80% during scaling and entering new markets. Why does such a high percentage of businesses fail or lose profits due to legal mistakes? How can you avoid common pitfalls and ensure sustainable development?

My experience and the practice of the COREDO team show: legal support is not just a formality, but a strategic asset that allows you to minimize risks, protect capital and ensure compliance at all stages of a company’s development.

Main legal services in Spain

Legal services in Spain cover the entire business life cycle – from company registration to support for complex transactions, tax optimization and protection of intellectual property. Our experience at COREDO has shown: the success of international business is impossible without a comprehensive approach that includes corporate law, tax support, labor law, compliance and litigation representation.

Company registration in Spain: forms, documents, timelines

Starting a business in Spain begins with choosing the optimal legal form. For foreign investors the most in-demand are Sociedad Limitada (SL) and Sociedad Anónima (SA). SL – the European GmbH equivalent, suitable for small and medium businesses, SA – for large projects and public companies.

The COREDO team has implemented dozens of cases of registering SL and SA in Spain for clients from the EU and Asia. Key stages:

• Due Diligence (legal due diligence) of the structure and beneficiaries.
• Preparation of the company’s statutory documents in Spain: articles of association, decision on the appointment of directors, meeting minutes.
• Legal Opinion (legal opinion) on compliance of the business model with the requirements of Spanish legislation.
• Registration of trademarks in Spain to protect the brand.
• Obtaining a tax identification number (NIF), Opening bank accounts, obtaining licenses and permits.

Spanish corporate law: management and transactions

Spanish corporate law is not only registration, but also transaction support, legal audit, corporate restructurings and company liquidations. COREDO’s practice confirms: competent management of legal risks allows avoiding conflicts between shareholders, minimizing tax losses and ensuring protection of business owners’ assets.

Key areas:

• Support for M&A transactions: Legal review of contracts, deal structuring, Due Diligence of the target company.
• Legal audit in Spain: analysis of corporate structure, compliance, identification of risks.
• Corporate restructurings: optimization of group structure, liquidation of inefficient units, protection of shareholders’ interests.
• Legal support for international investments: preparation of legal opinion for investors, support for cross-border transactions.

Tax support in Spain: optimization, reporting, consulting

Tax support in Spain is a key element of a successful business. Spanish tax law is characterized by a complex structure, many local and national taxes, and strict reporting requirements.

The COREDO team carries out projects to optimize taxation in Spain for companies from the EU and the CIS:

• Tax planning and optimization: selection of the tax regime, structuring transactions taking into account international tax law.
• Tax audits and reporting: preparation and submission of declarations, support during tax audits, protection of the client’s interests.
• Optimization of VAT and corporate tax: implementation of VAT refund mechanisms, reduction of the tax burden on profits.
• Tax consulting for foreign entrepreneurs: advice on double taxation issues, structuring international operations.

Spanish labor law: contracts, disputes

Spanish labor law is one of the most regulated in Europe. Errors in drafting employment contracts, HR documentation or failure to meet compliance requirements can lead to serious fines and litigation.

COREDO’s practice includes:

• Drafting employment contracts under Spanish law: preparation of contracts, confidentiality agreements, data protection policies (GDPR).
• Compliance with the Whistleblowing Act: implementation of internal control procedures, protection of employees’ rights.
• Resolution of labor disputes: pre-trial settlement, representation in Spanish courts, protection of employers’ interests.
• Legal support for business processes and HR recordkeeping: audit of HR documents, staff training.

Support for real estate transactions and contracts

Real estate transactions are one of the most complex and risky segments for business in Spain. Legal review of lease and supply contracts, support for the purchase and sale of commercial real estate, asset protection for business owners are key tasks that the COREDO team handles for clients from the EU and the CIS.

Key stages:

• Legal review of lease and supply contracts: analysis of terms, protection of the interests of the tenant and the landlord.
• Legal support for real estate transactions: preparation of documents, title checks, agreement of terms.
• Asset protection for business owners: structuring transactions taking into account tax and legal risks.

Obtaining licenses and permits in Spain

For conductingFor businesses in Spain, in a number of sectors, obtaining licenses and permits is required:financial services, e-commerce, construction, tourism, healthcare.

The COREDO team supports clients at every stage:

• Obtaining licenses and permits: document preparation, interaction with regulators, Legal support for financial institutions.
• Licensing of businesses and permitting documentation: requirements analysis, structuring compliance processes.
• Support in obtaining licenses for crypto, payment, banking and forex companies.

Legal support for startups and IT companies

Startups and IT companies face unique legal challenges: intellectual property protection, cybersecurity, e-commerce regulation, structuring venture investments.

COREDO’s practice includes:

• Legal support for IT companies and startups: registration of trademarks, patents, copyrights.
• Cybersecurity and new technology law: implementation of data protection procedures, compliance with GDPR.
• Legal support for e-commerce in Spain: contract preparation, personal data protection, structuring online business.
• Venture investment support: preparation of investment agreements, legal due diligence of projects.

Litigation support in Spanish courts

Court dispute resolution is an inevitable part of business in Spain. Court representation, pre-trial procedures, and protection of company and shareholder interests are key areas that the COREDO team provides for international clients.

Key services:

• Representation in Spanish courts: protecting interests in commercial, administrative and labor disputes.
• Litigation and pre-trial procedures: mediation, arbitration, negotiations.
• Legal business protection from risks: analysis of litigation prospects, minimizing losses.

Legal support for foreign investors

Doing business in Spain for foreign investors requires a special approach: knowledge of local and international standards, integration into corporate governance, asset protection and compliance with the requirements for obtaining a residence permit and residency.

The COREDO team assists clients from Europe and Asia in the following areas:

• Support for foreign investments in Spain: legal due diligence of investment assets, deal structuring, protection of the investor’s interests.
• Legal support for foreign investors: obtaining a residence permit through business activity, preparation of documents for obtaining residency.
• Legal aspects of doing business for foreign companies: integration into corporate governance, ensuring compliance, protection of intellectual property.

How to choose a law firm in Spain?

Choosing a law firm is a strategic decision for any business. What should you pay attention to?

• Experience working with foreign investors and international projects.
• Comprehensive approach: Legal outsourcing for businesses in Spain, retainer services, consulting on corporate, tax and employment law.
• Deep expertise in transaction support, litigation, licensing and compliance.
• Transparent processes, clear communication, regular reports on results.

Legal support for businesses in Spain

1. Identify your business needs: registration, taxes, labor law, compliance.
2. Choose a law firm with experience working with foreign investors.
3. Arrange a legal audit and company Due Diligence.
4. Set up tax support and optimization.
5. Ensure compliance and adherence to the law.
6. Draw up employment contracts and HR documentation.
7. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits.
8. Arrange litigation support and asset protection.
9. Regularly conduct legal audits and Due Diligence.
10. Use legal outsourcing to save resources.

Minimize risks and scale your business in Spain

legal protection for businesses from risks in Spain, is not a one-time service, but an ongoing process that requires a comprehensive approach, professionalism and strategic vision. Legal business security, management of legal risks, protection of owners’ assets – key elements of long-term success.

COREDO’s solutions allow entrepreneurs, managers and investors:

• To focus on business development without being distracted by legal issues.
• To minimize risks related to taxes, employment law, transactions and litigation.
• To effectively scale the business in Spain using legal outsourcing and consulting for international business.

Legal services in Spain

Practical steps for entrepreneurs

1. Identify business needs: registration, taxes, labor law, compliance.
2. Choose a law firm with experience working with foreign investors.
3. Arrange a legal audit and due diligence of the company.
4. Set up tax support and optimization.
5. Ensure compliance and adherence to legislation.
6. Prepare employment contracts and HR documentation.
7. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits.
8. Arrange litigation support and asset protection.
9. Conduct regular legal audits and due diligence.
10. Use legal outsourcing to save resources.

Legal business support in Spain – is a strategic tool for minimizing risks, ensuring compliance with legislation and effective scaling. Solutions developed by COREDO enable entrepreneurs and investors to build a sustainable business, protect capital and implement international projects with confidence in legal security.

Why do even experienced executives waste time and resources trying to figure out the nuances of Polish corporate and labor law? How can you avoid legal pitfalls and ensure process transparency when entering the EU market through Poland?

If you are looking not for abstract advice but for concrete solutions, read the article to the end. Here you will find practical recommendations, case studies and tools that will help minimize risks, save time, and build effective legal support for your business in Poland.

Main areas of legal support in Poland

Company registration in Poland: basics

The solution developed at COREDO includes a detailed analysis of the client’s objectives, selection of the ownership form taking into account tax planning and corporate governance requirements. For example, for tech startups and companies focused on international investments, Sp. z o.o. provides flexibility, minimal share capital and ease of attracting new partners. For large holding structures, S.A. opens access to the stock market and corporate governance instruments.

Special attention is paid to issues of legalizing foreign business and corporate governance. It is important not only to correctly draft meeting resolutions and the articles of association, but also to build an internal control system that complies with the requirements of Polish law and EU standards.

Corporate law and contract support

Within contract law and contract drafting, special importance is given to adapting documents to international standards (for example, ICC, UNIDROIT), as well as considering the specifics of Polish and European legislation. For COREDO’s clients we develop comprehensive contract packages that include not only the main terms but also dispute resolution mechanisms, intellectual property protection, confidentiality and compliance provisions.

Legal consultations and business support

The COREDO team supports clients at all stages: from pre-trial dispute resolution to representation in arbitration and administrative proceedings. Special attention is paid to legal due diligence of counterparties and risk audits – these tools allow identification of potential threats even before concluding a transaction and minimize the likelihood of financial and reputational losses.

Legal audit and risk assessment are not one-time procedures but systemic tools of business management that include analysis of corporate structure, compliance procedures, tax obligations and employment relations.

Employment law and taxes in Poland

At COREDO we develop bespoke employment contracts and internal regulations that take into account the specifics of the industry, the scale of the business and GDPR requirements for the protection of employees’ personal data. Preparing employment contracts and regulations in Poland includes agreeing on pay terms, work schedules, incentive systems and procedures for resolving labor conflicts.

Legal assistance during tax audits in Poland includes document preparation, support for communication with tax authorities, appealing decisions and defending the company’s interests in court.

AML services and compliance for businesses in Poland

legal services for startups and innovative companies include not only basic compliance procedures, but also the development of tailored solutions for working with new financial instruments, digital assets, and cross-border operations.

Legal support for real estate and intellectual property

Intellectual property protection in Poland is another important aspect for companies operating in the innovation and IT sectors. trademark registration and patents, as well as legal support for licensing and certification, provide not only asset protection but also competitive advantages in the market.

The COREDO team supports clients at all stages: from filing an application with the UPRP (Polish Patent Office) to defending rights in case of infringement and appealing decisions of government authorities.

Legalization and immigration law for entrepreneurs

The solution implemented by the COREDO team includes analysis of the client’s individual situation, preparation and support for submitting documents, and interaction with voivodeship authorities and migration services. Particular attention is paid to issues of legalizing foreign businesses, verifying sources of investments and ensuring transparency of the ownership structure.

Legal assistance in resolving immigration issues allows clients not only to obtain a residence permit but also to build a long-term strategy for staying and developing a business in Poland.

Practical tips for entrepreneurs

Choosing a reliable legal partner in Poland: a strategically important decision for any business focused on long-term development and risk minimization. COREDO’s experience shows: the key mistakes in legal support of business are related to underestimating compliance procedures, a formal approach to document execution, and the lack of systematic risk audits.

I recommend paying attention to the following aspects:

• Check the team’s experience and expertise in supporting international projects.
• Assess the transparency of processes, the presence of clear regulations and internal control systems.
• Use legal audits and counterparty due diligence as regular risk management tools.
• Implement modern compliance procedures that meet EU standards and the requirements of Polish law.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of legal support through ROI metrics: reduction in the number of disputes, acceleration of transactions, minimization of fines and delays.

Table of legal services and benefits

Conclusion

Poland remains one of the most attractive markets for entrepreneurs entering the European Union. But along with open opportunities come concrete legal requirements, ignoring which turns a strategic move into an expensive risk. COREDO’s experience shows: companies that build a sound legal architecture from the earliest stages — from registering the structure to implementing compliance and tax planning — not only avoid difficulties but also gain a real competitive advantage.

Properly prepared corporate documents, a transparent contractual framework, an internal control system, legal cleanliness of transactions and compliance with labor, tax and AML legislation — all of this forms the foundation on which a business can be safely scaled. In the context of strict European regulation, those who act based on data, expertise and a strategic approach win.

Success in the European market begins with the right legal decisions.

Why, despite the apparent simplicity, are many applications rejected or delayed for months? How can you avoid common mistakes, ensure full compliance with ACRA requirements, and obtain not just a certificate but real access to global opportunities?

I, Nikita Veremeev, founder of COREDO, face the questions daily: “How long does company registration in Singapore actually take? What documents are needed? What are the risks and hidden costs?” Over the years, the COREDO team has implemented dozens of successful projects to launch businesses in Singapore: from fintech startups to international holdings. In this article I will not only explain the step-by-step registration procedure in detail, but also share strategic advice that will help you not just open a company, but build a transparent, sustainable and scalable structure for entering the markets of Asia and the world. If you want not a theoretical instruction but a practical guide that takes into account the latest changes in legislation, read the article to the end: you will find answers to key questions and be able to avoid common mistakes.

Company registration in Singapore for business

company registration in Singapore: this is far more than a formal procedure — it opens access to a powerful international infrastructure, a favorable tax system and one of the most stable financial centres in the world. That is why this step is critical for international business: effective entry into global markets and sustainable development largely depend on choosing the right jurisdiction and understanding Singapore’s regulatory environment.

The role of ACRA in regulating business in Singapore

Benefits of registering a company in Singapore

• Legal operation in a global hub: Singapore ranks among the top 3 jurisdictions worldwide for ease of doing business and provides direct access to Southeast Asian markets and the rest of the world.
• Transparency and speed: The process is fully digitized, and most applications are approved within 1–3 days.
• Unified regulatory standards: Compliance with international AML/CTF standards, which facilitates opening accounts and working with investors.
• Trust of partners and clients: The reputation of the Singapore jurisdiction facilitates attracting investment and entering into partnership agreements.
• Flexibility to scale: The ability to quickly expand operations, open branches and obtain licenses for specific types of business.

Types of businesses requiring registration in Singapore

• Financial services: Fintech, payment systems, cryptocurrency platforms, investment funds.
• Technology startups: AI, SaaS, blockchain, cybersecurity.
• International trade and holdings: Companies operating in foreign markets.

Types of legal entities and business licenses

Types of legal entities and licenses are key parameters that determine the strategy and success of your business on the international market. The right choice of company form and required license defines not only the legal structure, but also the level of protection, management flexibility and tax advantages for your project. Below we will review the main options and features to consider when launching a business abroad.

Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd): what is it?

Licenses for specialized activities

• financial licenses (EMI, payment, cryptocurrency): Required for companies issuing electronic money, providing payment services or working with crypto assets. The licensing procedure is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and requires a separate set of documents, a business plan, an AML/CTF system and internal controls.
• Technology licenses: For IT companies working with personal data, registration with the PDPC is required and compliance with cybersecurity standards must be ensured.

Step-by-step company registration in Singapore

The step-by-step procedure for company registration in Singapore allows you to structure the process from analyzing the business idea to obtaining the legal status of a new enterprise. Let’s review the key stages to organize preparation and avoid common mistakes when starting a business in one of the world’s most attractive jurisdictions.

Preparation and analysis — Stage 1

• Choosing a name: The name must be unique and comply with ACRA requirements. Checking and reservation are carried out via the BizFile+ online portal.
• Determining the structure: Appointment of at least one resident director (a citizen or resident of Singapore), determination of the composition of shareholders, the company secretary, and the registered address.
• Preparing the document package: Founding documents, the constitution, information about directors and shareholders, proof of address, a business plan, information about beneficiaries and sources of funds.

Submission of the application via BizFile+ and payment of fees

• All documents are submitted through the BizFile+ electronic system. Payment of the government fee is a mandatory step (from 315 SGD).
• After submission, ACRA conducts an automatic check and, if necessary, requests additional information.

Obtaining the registration certificate and UEN

• Upon successful consideration, the company receives a certificate of registration and a Unique Entity Number (UEN), which is required to open bank accounts and conduct business.

Post-registration requirements

• Maintaining registers of controllers and directors: From 2025, a mandatory requirement for all companies to maintain up-to-date registers of controllers and nominee directors.
• Annual reporting: Filing the Annual Return, financial statements, and confirmation of controller details.
• Compliance with AML/CTF requirements: For licensable activities: implementation of KYC, transaction monitoring, and reporting suspicious transactions.

Financial and operational requirements

Financial and operational requirements are the basic conditions that any business must meet at the stage of launch and while operating. Within these requirements it is important to determine the minimum capital, estimate the cost of registration, and properly organize all necessary financial and operational processes.

Minimum capital and registration costs

• Minimum share capital – 1 SGD, but to open an account and obtain licenses it is recommended to have 10,000–100,000 SGD, depending on the field of activity.
• Government fees from 315 SGD for registration; additional expenses for document preparation and legal support – 2,000–10,000 SGD.

Operating costs and compliance

• Annual expenses: bookkeeping, audit (for companies with turnover above 10 mln SGD), legal services, compliance support.
• Penalties for breaching ACRA requirements: up to 600 SGD for late filing, up to 50,000 SGD and criminal liability for violations of the new rules on corporate service providers.

Compliance and Data Protection Requirements

Modern compliance requirements, AML/CTF and data protection are becoming a mandatory part of the operations of all companies involved in finance and the processing of personal information. Adherence to these standards not only helps minimize the risk of legal violations but also ensures the trust of clients, regulators and partners. Below we will examine the specifics of approaches to AML/CTF and KYC, which are key elements of an effective compliance system.

AML/CTF and KYC

• Companies operating in the financial sector are required to implement KYC procedures, transaction monitoring and reporting of suspicious activities in accordance with MAS requirements and the international FATF standards.
• Internal audit, risk management systems and regular reviews are mandatory elements for preventing financial crimes.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

• For IT companies and fintech, mandatory implementation of cybersecurity standards (ISO 27001 and higher), data encryption, protection of customer information, and uninterrupted platform operation.
• Violation of PDPC data protection requirements may result in fines and restrictions on operations.

Business expansion and additional licenses

Business expansion is often associated with entering new areas or adding additional services, which may require obtaining new permits. In some cases, conducting certain types of activities requires obtaining additional licenses to comply with legal requirements and avoid legal risks.

When an additional license is needed

• When adding new types of activities (for example, launching payment or cryptocurrency services) a sector-specific MAS license is required.
• For crowdfunding platforms – a separate licensing procedure and compliance with investor protection requirements.

Scaling and entering international markets

• Registration in Singapore opens up opportunities for rapid scaling, opening branches in other countries, participating in international accelerators, and attracting investment.
• COREDO solutions allow integrating a Singaporean structure into global holdings taking into account the requirements of the EU, the UK, Dubai and other jurisdictions.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Typical registration mistakes and business support errors in Singapore can significantly reduce its efficiency and partners’ trust. To avoid unnecessary problems and losses, it is important to identify the main mistakes in advance and know how to prevent them. In this section we will look at the key groups of mistakes and simple ways to prevent them.

Documentation errors

• Incomplete set of documents, inaccurate information about beneficiaries, weak business plan, lack of a description of the risk management system – the main causes of delays and refusals.
• COREDO practice: double-checking documents and preliminary coordination with ACRA help minimize risks.

Management qualifications

• Lack of a resident director, insufficient management experience, reputational risks – common reasons for rejection.
• Solution: engaging professional directors and corporate secretaries with experience working in Singapore.

Insufficient financial preparation

• Capital below the minimum, lack of reserves, unrealistic financial forecasts.
• Recommendation: maintain capital sufficient to cover 6–12 months of operating activity.

Registration timelines: realistic expectations

Causes of delays: incomplete documentation, complexity of the business model, additional ACRA requests, need for licensing.

Practical Recommendations and Checklist

• Conduct a business model audit: Determine whether a license is required and which type of company suits your business.
• Prepare documents in advance: Use COREDO checklists and coordinate the structure with consultants beforehand.
• Appoint a resident director and a corporate secretary: This is a mandatory requirement for registration.
• Invest in compliance and cybersecurity: This is not only a legal requirement but also helps build trust with partners and clients.
• Plan your budget with a buffer: Account for not only registration costs but also operating expenses for the first year.
• Be prepared for annual audits and reporting: Non-compliance with requirements can result in fines and suspension of operations.