Doing Business with Spain

Exporting goods to Spain involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Research Market Requirements

   • Understand Spain’s import regulations and product standards.

2. Identify Your Product’s HS Code

   • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code for tariff and regulation details.

3. Prepare Documentation

   • Gather necessary export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading.

4. Check Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers

   • Verify any tariffs and ensure compliance with non-tariff measures.

5. Select a Reliable Freight Forwarder

   • Choose a logistics provider experienced in shipping to Spain.

6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Regulations

   • Ensure your products meet EU labeling and packaging standards.

7. Arrange for Insurance

   • Secure insurance to cover potential shipping risks.

8. Submit Customs Declaration

   • Work with your freight forwarder to submit the necessary customs declaration.

9. Track and Confirm Delivery

   • Monitor the shipment to ensure it reaches the destination safely.

Key Contacts

• Spanish Customs and Excise Department
  • Website: Agencia Tributaria
• ICEX Spain Trade and Investment
  • Website: ICEX

Importing goods into Spain involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Register as an Importer

   • Ensure your business is registered with Spanish authorities and obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

2. Classify Your Goods

   • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code for your products to understand tariffs and duties.

3. Check Import Requirements

   • Verify if your goods need specific licenses or permits under EU regulations.

4. Prepare Documentation

   • Gather necessary documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and certificate of origin.

5. Select a Customs Broker

   • Engage a licensed customs broker to assist with the import process.

6. Submit Import Declaration

   • File the import declaration through the Spanish Customs Electronic System.

7. Pay Duties and Taxes

   • Calculate and pay any applicable import duties and VAT.

8. Arrange for Cargo Clearance

   • Coordinate with your freight forwarder or customs broker for the clearance and delivery of goods.

Key Contacts

• Spanish Customs and Excise Department
  • Website: Agencia Tributaria
• ICEX Spain Trade and Investment
  • Website: ICEX

Incorporating a company in Spain involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Choose a Business Structure

   • Decide on the type of company, such as a Sociedad Limitada (S.L.) or Sociedad Anónima (S.A.).

2. Reserve a Company Name

   • Request a certificate of uniqueness from the Central Commercial Registry.

3. Obtain a Fiscal Identification Number (NIF)

   • Apply for a tax identification number from the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).

4. Open a Bank Account

   • Deposit the minimum share capital in a Spanish bank account and obtain a deposit certificate.

5. Draft the Articles of Association

   • Prepare the company’s articles of association and have them notarized.

6. Register the Company

   • Submit documentation to the Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil).

7. Register for Taxes

   • Register the company for corporate tax and VAT with the Agencia Tributaria.

8. Register for Social Security

   • Register employees with the Spanish Social Security system.

Costs

• Notary and Registration Fees: Vary depending on the company type and size.
• Minimum Share Capital: Typically €3,000 for an S.L.

Key Contacts

• Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency)
  • Website: Agencia Tributaria
• Registro Mercantil (Mercantile Registry)
  • Website: Registro Mercantil

Setting up a manufacturing plant in Spain involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Conduct a Feasibility Study

   • Assess market demand, location suitability, and resource availability.

2. Choose a Business Structure

   • Decide on the type of business entity, such as a Sociedad Limitada (S.L.) or Sociedad Anónima (S.A.).

3. Register the Company

   • Register your business with the Registro Mercantil (Mercantile Registry).

4. Secure Financing

   • Arrange funding through banks or investors.

5. Select a Location

   • Choose an industrial area with access to necessary infrastructure and resources.

6. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

   • Apply for environmental, health, and safety permits from local authorities.

7. Design and Construct the Facility

   • Hire architects and contractors to design and build the plant according to regulations.

8. Purchase and Install Equipment

   • Acquire machinery that meets safety and operational standards.

9. Hire and Train Employees

   • Recruit skilled workers and provide necessary training.

10. Set Up Supply Chain and Distribution

    • Establish relationships with suppliers and distributors.

Key Contacts

• ICEX Spain Trade and Investment
  • Website: ICEX
• Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism
  • Website: Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo

Registering a trademark in Spain involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

   • Check the availability of your trademark on the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) database.

2. Prepare Your Application

   • Gather necessary details, including the trademark design and list of goods/services.

3. File the Application

   • Submit your application online or in person to the OEPM.

4. Pay the Application Fee

   • Fees vary depending on the number of classes; typically around €150 for the first class.

5. Application Examination

   • The OEPM examines the application for compliance and potential conflicts.

6. Publication for Opposition

   • If approved, the trademark is published for opposition, allowing others to contest it.

7. Receive Registration Certificate

   • If no oppositions are filed, you receive the official trademark registration certificate.

Costs

• Application Fee: Approximately €150 for the first class, plus additional fees for extra classes.

Key Contacts

• Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM)
  • Website: OEPM

Resolving commercial disputes in Spain involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Consult Legal Counsel

   • Engage a lawyer experienced in Spanish commercial law for advice.

2. Attempt Negotiation

   • Try to resolve the dispute amicably through direct negotiation with the other party.

3. Mediation

   • Use mediation services to facilitate a resolution. This approach is often faster and less costly.

4. Arbitration

   • Consider arbitration for a binding decision. This can be an effective alternative to court proceedings.

5. Litigation

   • If necessary, file a lawsuit in the Spanish courts. Prepare for a formal legal process.

6. Enforcement of Judgments

   • Ensure the court’s decision is enforced through the relevant authorities.

Costs

• Legal Fees: Vary depending on the complexity and duration of the dispute.
• Court Fees: Required for litigation and depend on the case specifics.
• Mediation/Arbitration Fees: Vary based on the service provider.

Key Contacts

• General Council of the Judiciary (Consejo General del Poder Judicial)
  • Website: CGPJ
• Spanish Court System
  • Website: Justicia

When considering doing business in Spain, it’s important to understand various factors that can impact your operations. Here’s an overview:

Social Factors

• Language
  • Spanish is the official language. English is commonly used in business, but local language skills are beneficial.
• Work Culture
  • Emphasis on building relationships and trust. Business hours often include a long lunch break.

Cultural Factors

• Business Etiquette
  • Punctuality is appreciated, but flexibility is common in meetings.
  • Personal relationships are important; expect to engage in small talk.
• Dress Code
  • Business attire is generally formal, especially in conservative industries.

Political Factors

• Stable Democracy
  • Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a stable political environment.
• Regulatory Environment
  • EU membership means compliance with EU regulations and standards.

Foreign Exchange

• Currency
  • Euro (€) is the official currency.
• Exchange Rate
  • Exchange rates can fluctuate; it’s important to monitor them for financial planning.

Rule of Law

• Legal System
  • Strong legal framework in place, with protections for businesses and contracts.
• Intellectual Property
  • Robust intellectual property laws enforced through the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office.

Additional Resources

• ICEX Spain Trade and Investment
  • ICEX
• Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM)
  • OEPM
• Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism
  • Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo