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
- Identify your business needs: registration, taxes, labor law, compliance.
- Choose a law firm with experience working with foreign investors.
- Arrange a legal audit and company Due Diligence.
- Set up tax support and optimization.
- Ensure compliance and adherence to the law.
- Draw up employment contracts and HR documentation.
- Obtain the necessary licenses and permits.
- Arrange litigation support and asset protection.
- Regularly conduct legal audits and Due Diligence.
- 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
| Practice area | Key services | For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| company registration | Registration of SL and SA, preparation of charter documents, due diligence | Foreign investors, startups | Fast processing, legal review |
| Corporate law | Transaction support, legal audit, restructuring | Companies, investors | risk management, asset protection |
| Tax support | Tax optimization, tax consultations, reporting | All companies | International tax law, VAT optimization |
| Employment law | Employment contracts, compliance, dispute resolution | Companies with staff | Compliance with legislation, protection against disputes |
| Real estate transactions | Transaction support, contract review | Investors, companies | Asset protection, legal expertise |
| Licenses and permits | obtaining licenses, permit documentation | All companies | Regulatory compliance, business protection |
| Litigation support | Court representation, pre-trial procedures | Companies, investors | Protection of interests, risk minimization |
| Legal startup support | Legal support, cybersecurity | Startups, IT companies | Support for innovation, IP protection |
| Legal outsourcing | Subscription services, consulting | All companies | Resource savings, professional support |
Practical steps for entrepreneurs
- Identify business needs: registration, taxes, labor law, compliance.
- Choose a law firm with experience working with foreign investors.
- Arrange a legal audit and due diligence of the company.
- Set up tax support and optimization.
- Ensure compliance and adherence to legislation.
- Prepare employment contracts and HR documentation.
- Obtain the necessary licenses and permits.
- Arrange litigation support and asset protection.
- Conduct regular legal audits and due diligence.
- 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.