Free PDF guide · Foreign Investors
ES / ENInvesting in Spain as a non-EU resident: complete legal framework 2025-2026
Spain is one of the most attractive foreign investment destinations in Europe. This 40-page bilingual (ES/EN) guide covers the entire legal framework for non-EU resident investors: from choosing the right legal form to FDI Screening, post-Golden Visa visas and favourable taxation.
What you'll find in this guide
Spain as an investment destination
Macroeconomic data, the sectors most attractive to foreign capital, tax incentives and Spain's position in international investment rankings. Why Spain in 2025-2026.
Available legal forms
A comparison table of SL (minimum capital €3,000), SA (€60,000), branches and joint ventures (UTEs). When to choose each one, liability, taxation and requirements for non-residents.
Incorporating a company step by step
The 8 stages from NIE to first transaction: NIE, company name, bank account, notarial deed, registration with the Commercial Registry, tax ID (NIF) and tax registrations. Real timeframes: 6-8 weeks.
FDI Screening: the RD 571/2023 triple test
Do you need Council of Ministers authorisation? The triple test: non-EU investor + more than 10% of capital + strategic sector (energy, defence, data, biotechnology, media). Process and timeframes.
Residence visas after the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa for real estate investment was abolished in April 2025 (Organic Law 1/2025). The three routes currently available: Entrepreneur Visa (30-90 days), Highly Qualified Professional (20-day fast-track) and Digital Nomad (15-45 days).
The Beckham Law: a flat 24% rate for 6 years
Eligibility conditions, how to apply, compatibility with the three residence visas, family reunification, the €600,000 cap and treatment of capital income.
M&A due diligence in Spain
The 6 dimensions of due diligence: legal and corporate, regulatory, environmental, employment, tax and real estate. Usual timeframe: 3-8 weeks. Critical SPA clauses: R&Ws, indemnities, earn-out/escrow and RWI insurance.
Tax regime (overview)
The general 25% corporate income tax rate, a reduced 15% rate for new entities, VAT, withholding on dividends to non-residents, double taxation treaties and non-resident income tax (IRNR).
The investor checklist: 40 points
A complete checklist before committing: from choosing a legal form through to closing, covering FDI Screening, due diligence and SPA negotiation.
Bilingual ES/EN glossary
More than 50 legal and tax terms with their English equivalents and a practical definition: SL/SRL, notarial deed, FDI Screening, NIF, IRNR, Beckham Law, NIE and more.
The Lex Prudens network
How Dobarro y Asociados' membership in Lex Prudens lets you manage cross-border transactions with the backing of local firms across multiple European jurisdictions.
Who this guide is for
- Executives and boards of non-EU resident companies
- Family offices and international private investors
- Investment funds interested in the Spanish market
- Legal and tax advisors to foreign investors
- Non-resident entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Spain
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