Updated 14 October 2026: SL share capital, tax and Social Security registration, and access to community resources.
Starting a business in Barcelona means preparing three decisions: your legal structure, the steps required before trading, and funding for your first few months. This guide helps you organise the questions to discuss with your local contacts.
Autónomo or SL: what should you compare?
| Point to consider | Working as an autónomo | SL company |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | Business conducted in your own name | Company with one or more shareholders |
| Capital | No company share capital | Legal minimum of €1, with additional rules below €3,000 |
| Responsibilities | Review your personal assets’ exposure | Review shareholders’ and directors’ obligations, guarantees and exceptions |
| Funding | Define the amount needed and funding arrangements | Prepare for any potential shareholders or investors joining |
| Tax and contributions | To be determined according to your activity and circumstances | To be determined according to the activity, company and director’s status |
| Budget and timetable | Request a quotation and prepare registrations | Prepare capital, professional fees and the registration timetable |
An SL can be formed with a minimum share capital of €1. While capital remains below €3,000, at least 20% of profit must go into the reserve until capital and reserve reach that amount. On liquidation, if assets are insufficient, shareholders are jointly liable for the difference between €3,000 and the subscribed capital. Source: article 4 of the Spanish Companies Act.
Choose your legal structure with professional advice. To find local contacts, browse the directory of French-speaking service providers.
What should you prepare before starting as an autónomo?
Tax registration. Form 037 was withdrawn on 3 February 2025. Consult form 036 and the AEAT instructions to prepare information about your activity and tax obligations.
Social Security. Registration in the RETA must take place before you start trading; you may register up to 60 days in advance. This does not give you an authorised period after starting. Source: Seguridad Social registration procedures.
Contributions. Estimate your income and check the reductions that apply to your case. The rates and conditions published by Seguridad Social are the reference for calculating your position.
How should you prepare business funding?
Start by calculating how much you need, when you need it and which expenses it will cover. Separate initial working capital, setup costs, investments and recruitment needs.
- Consult Barcelona Activa to identify resources for entrepreneurs and their access requirements.
- Prepare your pitch, financial assumptions and project information before approaching a contact.
- Explore community organisations and resources for entrepreneurs in Barcelona to identify relevant contacts.
Check programme availability and requirements with the organiser. A directory listing or introduction does not amount to funding approval.
How should you organise your first months in Barcelona?
If you are also planning your personal move, start with the relocation guide for French-speaking entrepreneurs. Our article on fractional CFO services explains this type of support for financial management.
For recruitment, discover how Talentboard works. To find a workspace, browse the public Officeboard listings. You can also apply to join French Tech Barcelona or view the community events calendar.