When we incorporate a Spanish company, we do the following:

• Obtain a provisional CIF identification number so the company can be incorporated and registered
• Convert this into a definitive CIF, when the company’s deeds have been filed with the Mercantile Register

When the company is fully incorporated, we register your company for taxes, this usually includes:

• Register for IVA
• Register for Corporation Tax and Business Activity Tax (IAE)
• Register for Social Security; if a company is to have employees
• Get a digital signature, so that notifications and tax returns can be filed online

The CIF number becomes the VAT number when the company registers formally for VAT and can be converted into a Europe VAT number on the VIES register.

VIES Register

A Spanish IVA number does not appear on the European register unless you apply for it.

This restriction is to prevent tax fraud, any company which has real business in Spain say with premises or staff or a tax agent can convert their IVA number into a European VIES number within 5 days. The company must be in good standing with the Spanish Registry in order to gain a European VAT number.

• We apply online as we are authorised to do so
• If require urgently we will go to the tax office with evidence to support your request.
• All overseas companies who wish to sign public documents in Spain need a CIF number.
• We can obtain one within 5 days, and the tax office will accept our translations of the original deeds of incorporation as legal translations.

In order to gain a VIES number we require proof of trading within Europe for example:

• details of contracts or business relations with companies in Europe outside Spain- both purchase and sale

We apply for the company tax identification code (código de identificación fiscal/CIF) and register for VAT (IVA).

Your CIF acts as your VAT number and allows you to open a bank account in the company’s name and deposit the share capital.