One of the most frequent doubts among those wishing to start up a business in Europe is How much money is needed to open a business in Spain as a foreigner?.
There is no single, definitive figure, since the initial capital depends on the type of companythe activitythe location and even the legal structure that is chosen. However, it is possible to establish an estimated range and analyse all the costs involved to get a clear idea of the actual investment.
Spainin 2025, is still a attractive destination for the international entrepreneursThe most important thing is to plan and know in detail the numbers required to set up a project, economic stability, access to the European market, quality of life and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is growing in innovation and diversity. But to take the step successfully, the most important thing is to plan and know in detail the figures required to start up a project.
In this article we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the costs associated with opening a business as a foreignerThe following are some of the most important aspects of the legal form of a company: the basic formalities, capital requirements according to the legal form and practical advice on how to calculate your investment more accurately.
Factors determining the initial investment
To answer the question realistically how much money is needed to open a business in Spain as a foreigner?The main factors influencing the total amount need to be broken down:
- Type of business: it does not cost the same to open a coffee shop as it does to open a technology company or an online consultancy.
- Legal form: a Limited Company (SL) requires a minimum share capital of 3,000 euros, while an SL requires a minimum share capital of 3,000 euros. Public Limited Company 60,000 euros.
- Location: rental prices and licences in Madrid o Barcelona are usually higher than in small towns or rural areas.
- Administrative and legal costs: notaries, commercial registers, administrative offices and municipal permits.
- Working capital: on initial capital should not only cover the opening, but also the first months of operation until stability is achieved.
Share capital according to legal form
At SpainThe legal form of the company is one of the key aspects that defines how much money is needed to open a business in Spain. These are the most common options:
- Self-employed (self-employed): no initial share capital is required. It is sufficient to register at Treasury and in the Social Security, although it is necessary to take into account the costs of monthly fee (around 230 euros in flat rate in 2025, which can then go up).
- Limited Company (SL): minimum share capital of 3,000 euros. It is the most popular way to foreignersbecause it limits liability to the initial contribution.
- Public Limited Company (SA): minimum share capital of 60,000 eurosof which at least 25% must be disbursed at the start. It is used for large or prospective listed companies.
- Sociedad Limitada Nueva Empresa (SLNE): a variant of the SL designed to speed up procedures, also with a minimum of 3,000 eurosbut with turnover ceilings.
- Cooperatives or worker-owned companies: have no fixed minimum capital at national level, but do require contributions from members and more complex statutes.
Administrative and legal expenses
In addition to the share capital, the administrative costs of setting up the company have to be calculated:
- Public deed before a notary: between 300 and 600 euros.
- Registration in the Commercial Register: around 100 to 200 euros.
- Tax on Documented Legal Acts: varies according to the autonomous community, although for SMEs it is usually subsidised.
- Municipal fees for opening licences: from 300 to more than 1,000 euros, depending on the business and the municipality.
- Gestoría or legal advice: highly recommended for foreigners, with rates ranging from 100 to 300 euros per month.
These amounts are essential for any serious calculation about How much money is needed to open a business in Spain as a foreigner?.
Initial operating costs
In addition to the legal framework, thought must be given to the actual operation of the company:
- Rental of the premises or office: In cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, a small local can cost between 800 and 2,500 euros per month, while in more economical areas they can be obtained from 400 euros.
- Adaptation or renovation of space: painting, installing furniture, fitting out the kitchen in the case of a restaurant... here the costs can vary between 2,000 and 20,000 euros depending on the type of business.
- Equipment and technology: computers, software, machinery, electronic payment systems. It can range from €1,000 to €15,000.
- Initial marketing and advertising: website, social media, signage, digital campaigns. A minimum recommended initial investment is €1,000 to €3,000.
- Recruitment of staff: if the business requires employees, the salary and social security contributions must be considered. Social Security from the first month.
Investment case studies
To better illustrate How much money is needed to open a business in Spain as a foreigner?Let's look at some concrete examples from 2025:
- Small café in Valencia:
- Share capital (SL): 3.000 €.
- Opening licence: 600 €.
- Monthly rent: 1.200 €.
- Refurbishment and furniture: 12.000 €.
- Working capital (6 months): 7,200 €.
- Approximate total: 24.000 €
- Share capital (SL): 3.000 €.
- Technology startup in Madrid:
- Share capital (SL): 3.000 €.
- Notary and registration: 500 €.
- Small office: €1,000/month
- Equipment and software: 10.000 €.
- Initial marketing: €3,000
- Working capital (6 months): 6.000 €.
- Approximate total: 23.500 €
- Share capital (SL): 3.000 €.
- Clothing shop in Barcelona:
- Share capital (SL): 3.000 €.
- Licence and permits: 800 €.
- Monthly rent: 2.000 €.
- Refurbishment and decoration: 15.000 €.
- Initial stock: €20,000
- Working capital (6 months): 12.000 €.
- Approximate total: 52.800 €
- Share capital (SL): 3.000 €.
These scenarios show how the response to How much money is needed to open a business in Spain as a foreigner? varies greatly depending on the activity.
Additional requirements for foreigners
In addition to the financial investment, there are specific legal requirements:
- Foreigner Identification Number (NIE): compulsory for all financial transactions.
- Residence permit and work: if you are a non-EU citizen, you need a visa to be able to work and run your business.
- Bank account in Spain: essential to deposit the share capital and operate the company.
- Registration with the Inland Revenue and Social Security: basic formalities in order to be able to invoice and quote.
In some cases, foreign nationals may opt for the residence for entrepreneurs regulated by the 2013 Entrepreneurship Actother than the Golden Visa, which is awarded when a project of economic, innovative or technological interest is presented.
Working capital: the forgotten key
One of the most common mistakes is to think only about the initial investment and not about the liquidity for the first months. The so-called "working capital"is the cash reserve to cover expenses while the business starts to generate income.
The general recommendation is to have at least 6 months of insured fixed costs. This includes rent, salaries, utilities and social security payments. In many cases, this cushion can amount to an additional 5,000 to 20,000 euros depending on the size of the project.
Benefits of entrepreneurship in Spain in 2025
Although the initial cost may seem high, Spain offers significant advantages for foreigners who decide to become entrepreneurs:
- Access to the European market with more than 450 million consumers.
- Modern infrastructure transport and telecommunications.
- Growing startup ecosystemwith hubs in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
- Institutional support: grants, accelerator programmes and European funds for innovation.
- Quality of life: climate, culture and high-level public health.
Practical tips for calculating your investment
If you are wondering How much money is needed to open a business in Spain as a foreigner?follow these steps:
- Define your exact business model.
- Choose the most appropriate legal form.
- Request real quotes for rentals, licences and equipment in the city where you plan to set up.
- Calculate your working capital for at least 6 months.
- Consult with an agency specialising in foreigners to avoid errors in procedures.
Final keys to start your business successfully
Answer the question How much money is needed to open a business in Spain as a foreigner? means accepting that there is no single figure. A digital project can start with less than 10,000 euros, while a coffee shop or fashion shop can start with more than 50,000 euros.
The essential thing is to plan realistically, choose the right legal form, add up the hidden costs and have a working capital to give you breathing space in the first months.
Spain opens many doors to those who arrive with dreams and discipline. With a clear strategy, you will not only be able to open your business, but also consolidate it in a country full of opportunities.
And since CuriaraWe say this from the heart: we, the VenezuelansWe know what it means to start again far from home. Turning nostalgia into strength, uncertainty into hope and work into future. Entrepreneurship in Spain is not only an economic decision, it is an act of courage, of faith in oneself and of love for one's family.
Because in the end, more than numbers, what really sustains a business is passion, resilience and that creative spirit that defines us. And in CuriaraWe want to accompany you so that your venture is not just a business, but a new life story.