Spanish Subsidiary of a Foreign Company
When a group from Iran, the UAE, the GCC or Turkey wants its own presence in Spain, the usual vehicle is a Spanish limited company (SL) whose shareholder is the foreign parent company. We incorporate it by power of attorney, including the legalisation and translation of the parent’s corporate documents — the step that usually takes longest — and design it to host any executives the group will transfer to Spain.
Who it is for
- Groups from the region that want a Spanish operating company under their own brand.
- Companies preparing to transfer managers or specialists to Spain through an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT).
- Family businesses that want their European activity held by the parent company rather than by individuals.
What’s included
- Legalisation and sworn translation of the parent company’s corporate documents.
- NIE for the parent company and for each director.
- Notarial power of attorney, so no one needs to travel to Spain.
- Deed of incorporation before the notary and registration at the Commercial Registry.
- Foreign investment declaration (Form D-1A).
- Tax ID and census registration with the Tax Agency (Form 036), and preparation of the bank file.
Not included
- Government fees and administrative charges (tasas).
- The company’s share capital, which remains the company’s own money.
- The bank’s decision to open the account: we prepare the file, the bank decides.
- Residency applications for transferred staff — see Intra-Company Transfer (ICT).
- Ongoing accounting and tax filings — see Accounting & Tax — Companies.
How we work
- 01 · Initial assessment. The group structure, what the Spanish company will do and whether staff will be transferred to it.
- 02 · Strategy and document map. Which corporate documents the parent must provide, and the legalisation route for its country — apostille or consular legalisation.
- 03 · Preparation and filing. Legalisation and translation, NIEs, power of attorney, deed of incorporation and registration.
- 04 · Registration and start of activity. Tax ID, census registration (Form 036), the D-1A declaration and the bank file.
- 05 · Obligations and renewals. Books, annual accounts and filings, handled under Accounting & Tax — Companies.
Subsidiary and Intra-Company Transfer
- An intra-company transfer requires a corporate link between the sending entity and the Spanish company: a subsidiary owned by the parent provides it.
- Our Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) service already includes incorporating the subsidiary, so a group relocating an executive does not need to contract both services.
Frequently asked questions
Does anyone from the parent company need to travel to Spain?
No. The subsidiary is incorporated by power of attorney, and the parent’s documents are legalised in its home country.
Which documents does the parent company need to provide?
Usually a recent registry extract, its articles of association and a board resolution approving the subsidiary and appointing its directors, legalised for use in Spain. We tell you exactly what applies to your country.
What capital does the subsidiary need?
As any SL, it can be formed from €1, with reinforced reserve rules until equity reaches €3,000. The capital is not included in the service and remains the company’s own money.
Can the subsidiary host an intra-company transfer?
Yes. It provides the corporate link the permit requires. If you are relocating an executive, our Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) service covers both the subsidiary and the residency applications.