What we do for businesses in Ibiza
| Service | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Company set-up | Spanish limited company (SL), statutes, partners' agreement |
| Licences | Activity licences, terraces, music, tourism authorisations |
| Contracts | Suppliers, clients, events, agencies, service agreements |
| Employment | Seasonal and permanent contracts, dismissals, disputes |
| Buying a business | Due diligence, lease, licence and liabilities |
| Property holding | Buying and managing property through a company |
Setting up
For most small and medium businesses a Spanish SL (sociedad limitada) is the usual choice, with limited liability and a minimum capital that can be small. Foreign entrepreneurs need NIEs and, if non-EU, a residence route that allows self-employment. See immigration lawyer in Ibiza.
Licences for hospitality
Restaurants, bars and clubs in Ibiza need activity licences that match the premises, capacity, hours and music. Terraces on public land need municipal authorisation. Buying a business whose licence does not match the activity is a common and expensive mistake. See commercial property in Ibiza.
Seasonal staff
The Ibiza season depends on seasonal workers. Fixed-discontinuous contracts, registration with social security, working hours and accommodation offered to staff all have rules. We draft contracts and advise on disputes and dismissals.
Property through a company
Holding a villa through a company can make sense for investment or rental businesses, but it changes taxes on purchase, ownership and sale. We analyse it with your tax advisers before you buy. See property lawyer in Ibiza. Ibiza.law is part of Castell.law.
An illustrative example
Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A couple from Munich planned to open a small restaurant in Santa Eulària and wanted to buy the running business of the previous tenant. Before they paid the premium, we checked the activity licence and the lease. The licence covered a café without a kitchen extraction system, and the lease ended in eighteen months with no right of renewal. We negotiated a new lease directly with the landlord, made the transfer conditional on the licence change being viable and reduced the premium to reflect the works needed. They opened the following season with a business they could legally run.
Before you sign or pay, ask a lawyer
Send us the document, the listing or a short summary of the problem. A lawyer will tell you what matters, what it could cost you and what to do next.
Questions about doing business in Ibiza
How long does it take to set up a company in Spain?
With NIEs and documents ready, a limited company can be incorporated in a few weeks.
Can a foreigner own a Spanish company?
Yes. Non-EU nationals who want to work in it also need a residence route that allows it.
Do I need a licence to open a restaurant in Ibiza?
Yes, an activity licence that matches the premises and activity, plus other authorisations such as terraces.
Should I buy my Ibiza villa through a company?
It depends on your plans and tax position. It is not usually the best option for a family home.