Start a business in Spain with a clear legal structure
Corporate legal advice for U.S. founders and businesses planning to establish a company or commercial presence in Spain.
Discuss your plans
Define what the business will do
Begin with the activity, location, founders and commercial relationships you have in mind. A useful formation brief explains how the business will operate, who will own it and how decisions will be made.
Choose and document the structure
Discuss the entity options relevant to the project and the corporate documents needed to put the chosen structure into place. The conversation should cover ownership, governance, contributions and the arrangements between shareholders.
Look beyond incorporation
The legal work may also involve leases, commercial agreements, intellectual property and international taxation. Identify those needs early so the incorporation project connects to the business you intend to run.
Areas to discuss
- Advice on the corporate structure
- Formation documents and bylaws
- Shareholders’ agreements and governance
- Contracts supporting the launch
A useful starting brief.
These questions help frame a first conversation. The documents and work required will depend on your project.
- What activity will the Spanish business carry out?
- Who are the proposed founders and shareholders?
- Where will management and operations be based?
- Will the company trade with a U.S. parent or affiliate?
Is an existing U.S. company treated as a Spanish company?
The relationship between your U.S. entity and the proposed Spanish operation is a question for the initial structuring review. This page does not assume the entities are interchangeable.
Can the formation work include shareholder arrangements?
Gowper’s published corporate offering includes incorporation, bylaws and shareholders’ agreements. Agree the specific scope for your project with the team.
U.S.–Spain international taxation
Consider the cross-border tax questions alongside the investment structure, business activity and transaction.
02Commercial contracts
Drafting, review and negotiation of the agreements supporting your Spanish investment and cross-border operations.
03Business relocation
Corporate and contractual advice for U.S. businesses considering a full or partial move of their operations to Spain.
Discuss your company formation plans.
Tell us about your proposed investment and the legal questions you want to resolve.