A practical guide for international entrepreneurs who want to launch fast and securely.
Starting a business in a foreign country can be a real challenge. Especially when you don’t have local contacts, the administrative requirements are unfamiliar, and every delay is a cost. If you’re planning to open a company in Spain, there is one solution that can save you weeks of paperwork and uncertainty: buying a ready-made company.
In this article, we’ll explain what ready-made companies are, how they can benefit international investors, and how LegalTax can help you not only acquire a fully legal company in 24 hours, but also guide you through everything you need to get started.
What Is a Ready-Made Company?
A ready-made company (also known as a shelf company) is a Spanish company that has already been legally incorporated but has never carried out any activity. That means:
- It is registered in the Spanish Commercial Registry.
- It has a valid CIF/NIF (tax ID).
- It has no debts, no contracts, no prior operations.
- It can be transferred to a new owner in less than 24 hours.
This is a fully legal and practical way to skip the normal incorporation timeline (which can take 2 to 4 weeks).
Why Foreign Investors Prefer This Option
Here are the main reasons why ready-made companies are ideal for non-residents or foreign entrepreneurs:
1. Speed
You don’t have to wait for bureaucracy. Once the company is transferred to you, you can start operating immediately: sign contracts, issue invoices, open a bank account, etc.
Let’s compare:
| Process | Standard Incorporation | Ready-Made with LegalTax |
|---|---|---|
| Time to operate | 2–4 weeks | 24–48 hours |
| Steps involved | NIE, name reservation, bylaws draft, notary appointment, tax ID application, registration, etc. | Just the transfer at notary (in-person or via POA) |
| Documents needed | Full set of incorporation documents | Only passport/ID and POA if needed |
| Bank account | After registration is completed | Can be included with the company |
The difference in time and complexity is significant — especially for non-residents unfamiliar with Spanish bureaucracy. With LegalTax, we simplify the process and make it efficient.
2. No Initial Capital Needed
Ready-made companies come with the capital already paid. You don’t have to deposit the €3,000 minimum (or €60,000 for an S.A.) yourself.
3. Customisable
In the same notarial act, you can change the company name, directors, registered address, or corporate purpose.
4. Privacy
The new shareholders and directors don’t appear in the initial public registration. This can be valuable for those who prefer discretion.
5. No need to be in Spain
We can complete the entire process remotely with a power of attorney (POA) if you’re unable to travel.
The 4-Step Process (How It Works)
At LegalTax, we make the process simple and secure:
Step 1: Choose your company
We have a stock of clean, registered, dormant companies. You choose the one that best suits your goals.
Step 2: Send us your information
We’ll ask for ID (or passport), basic personal/company data, and your preferences for the company name, address, etc.
Step 3: Sign the documents
Either in Spain or remotely via POA, we formalize the transfer at the notary.
Step 4: Start operating
You receive the full documentation and can start operating legally on the same day.
Bonus: Need More Than Just a Company?
Most international clients don’t just need a legal company. They also need:
- Tax and accounting support
- Help obtaining a NIE (foreigner ID)
- A virtual office address in Spain
- Assistance opening a bank account
- Digital certificates for tax filings
LegalTax can help you with all of this. We are a bilingual team specialised in assisting foreign entrepreneurs, with decades of experience in corporate, tax, and immigration matters.
Conclusion: A Fast, Legal and Practical Solution
If you want to start doing business in Spain without waiting weeks, ready-made companies offer a safe and fast entry point. At LegalTax, we go beyond the transfer: we make sure your project is fully operational, legally compliant, and guided by experts.
Ready to get started?
Visit our dedicated service page here or contact us directly. We’ll help you own your Spanish company in just 24 hours.
