What are the types of business entities in Spain?

Spain’s Companies Act offers a flexible menu of corporate vehicles, each designed for specific funding needs, liability shields and governance styles. The overview below highlights the essential features, capital thresholds and tax angles you should weigh before drafting your articles or inviting investors.

Limited Liability Company (Sociedad Limitada – SL)

Spain’s go-to vehicle for start-ups and family SMEs, the Sociedad Limitada (SL) offers limited liability capped at its €3 000 share capital. One shareholder suffices and governance is light, with directors free to operate remotely.

Profits face the standard 25 % corporate tax rate. Annual accounts are simpler than an SA. Ask us to register your SL in ten days or less.

Public Limited Company (Sociedad Anónima – SA)

Designed for larger ventures and future listings, a Sociedad Anónima (SA) requires €60 000 minimum capital divided into transferable shares. A formal board and audited accounts bolster investor confidence, yet liability stays limited to contributions.

Share offerings facilitate big funding rounds. Corporate tax is 25 %. Let our lawyers prepare compliant statutes and secure your SA’s registration seamlessly within a fortnight.

General Partnership (Sociedad Colectiva)

An Sociedad Colectiva suits professions where partners’ reputations drive sales. Members contribute capital or labour and assume unlimited joint liability for debts, encouraging high trust and direct involvement. No minimum capital exists, but Articles must detail profit shares.

Income is taxed at 25 % corporate rate. Consult us today and future-proof your collective venture with tailored tax, audit and governance guidance.

Limited Partnership (Sociedad Comanditaria Simple)

An Sociedad Comanditaria Simple mixes two partner classes: managing partners with unlimited liability and silent investors liable only up to their stake. There is no capital floor, yet the structure unlocks private funding without surrendering control.

Income is taxed corporately at 25 %. Talk to us about drafting balance-of-power clauses that protect both sides and satisfy lenders in long-term growth deals.

Partnership Limited by Shares (S. Com. p. A.)

A Sociedad Comanditaria por Acciones combines shareholder capital with at least one general partner who retains management power and unlimited liability. The €60 000 minimum capital mirrors an SA, enabling sizeable equity injections while founders keep control.

Governance standards remain stringent, including audited accounts. Let our corporate team orchestrate the notarial deed and investor agreements without delays or extra costs.

Cooperative Society (Sociedad Cooperativa)

A Sociedad Cooperativa unites professionals or suppliers who share an economic goal and democratic governance. Statutes set minimum capital, but liability stays limited to contributions, and certain regions grant tax relief. Surpluses are distributed equitably, reinforcing member loyalty. Social purpose can boost EU funding eligibility.

Ask us to register your cooperative and design member agreements that withstand growth and challenges.

Sole Trader (Autónomo)

A sole trader (autónomo) launches in 24 hours with no capital deposit or mercantile registry entry. Flexibility suits freelance designers, plumbers or consultants testing a concept. The price is unlimited personal liability and progressive income tax up to 47 %.

Social Security contributions are mandatory. We handle high-speed registration, flat-rate contributions and deductible-expense planning from day one to secure your venture.