Opening a Small Business in Marbella
Starting a Marbella business can be equal parts exciting and confusing. There’s the paperwork, hoops to jump through, and not to mention the Spanish system can feel like another world when you first arrive. That’s where we come in. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Think of us as your eyes and ears in Marbella. We’ll help you find the right people, the right space, and the right rhythm so you can get your business running smoothly.
1. Get your NIE
Before anything else, you’ll need your NIE (the identification number that every foreign resident or business owner needs in Spain). It’s required for opening a bank account, signing contracts, and registering your business.
According to the Spanish National Police, your NIE can be requested in Spain or through your local consulate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that you can apply in person or through a representative, and you’ll need to book an appointment via the official Cita Previa system.
We can help you secure your appointment, gather the right documents, and connect you with a local gestor to handle the paperwork while you focus on the exciting parts of setting up your new life and work here.
Image © Expedia
2. Choose your structure
There are two main ways to set up your Marbella business:
1. Autónomo: Perfect for freelancers or solo entrepreneurs. It’s simple and quick to register.
2. Sociedad Limitada (SL): A limited company that works better for partnerships or growing businesses wanting a formal structure.
Each option comes with its own tax and legal responsibilities, so it helps to talk with a local accountant or advisor to decide what fits best. We can introduce you to people who make this process easy and understandable.
3. Register for tax and social security
Once you’ve chosen your structure, it’s time to register officially. The Agencia Tributaria is where you’ll file your Modelo 036 or 037 to enter the business census (Censo de Empresarios). After that, you’ll need to join the Social Security system (known as RETA), which covers health, pension, and worker protection for the self-employed.
We can help you coordinate both steps so nothing slips through the cracks. It’s all about having the right people on your side from the beginning.
4. Secure your local licence
In Marbella, every business needs a local licence from the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). The type of licence depends on your activity. Some only need a Declaración Responsable, while others require a Licencia de Apertura, especially for cafés and restaurants.
The Ayuntamiento de Marbella’s Business Licence page explains the different permit types and documentation required. We help clients prepare everything, from the fire and safety certificates to the environmental checks. With the right support, this step feels much less stressful.
5. Find your place
The next question is where your business should live. Marbella has distinct areas, each with its own personality. The Golden Mile has a polished, beachside energy. San Pedro is more relaxed and local. Nueva Andalucía has space to grow and great access for clients.
We often take new business owners on local tours at different times of day. Seeing a place in the morning and again after sunset can tell you a lot about whether it fits your rhythm. If you need help scouting spaces or connecting with real estate agents, we can organise it all. Viewings, transport, and translation included.
6. Build your local network
Running a Marbella business is about people (we know this first hand). The relationships you build will not only shape your success but also dictate how much fun you’ll have in creating it. We’ll introduce you to local professionals who share your values, such as accountants and decorators, bilingual staff, and event planners.
We also help clients join community groups and business networks that make settling in feel natural. You’ll meet other entrepreneurs who were in your shoes not long ago, and you’ll find that collaboration comes easily here.
7. Keep things running smoothly
Once your doors are open, the real fun begins. This is when you get to focus on what you love: serving your clients and building your dream team.
We’ll still be here for all the practical bits: renewals, translations, staff support, even introductions when you need them. Starting a business in Marbella isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about creating a lifestyle that blends work with the beauty of where you live.
Let’s make it happen
If you’re fantasising about starting a Marbella business, we’d love to help you turn that idea into something real. We’ll create a personal plan that covers each step, connects you with the right people, and gives you a clear timeline to launch. Send us a message to begin your start-up journey. We’ll be right here, every step of the way.
References
Policía Nacional, 2025. Extranjería: trámites de documentación para ciudadanos extranjeros. Available at: https://www.policia.es/_es/extranjeria_portada.php
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, 2025. Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) – request in Spain or at the Consular Office. Available at: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/telaviv/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIE.aspx
Gobierno de España, 2025. Cita Previa Extranjería – appointment booking portal. Available at: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/icpplus/language/en
Agencia Tributaria, 2025. Modelo 036 – Censo de empresarios, profesionales y retenedores. Available at: https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/procedimientos/G322.shtml
Seguridad Social, 2025. Alta en el Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA). Available at: https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Trabajadores/Afiliacion/32765/32774/32817
Ayuntamiento de Marbella, 2025. Licencia de Apertura – Actividad Calificada. Available at: https://ayuntamiento.marbella.es/gestion-municipal/delegaciones/38-fomento-economico-y-pymes/41-guia-del-emprendedor/42-autorizaciones-establecimiento/476-licencia-de-apertura-actividad-calificada.html
Ayuntamiento de Marbella, 2025. Sede Electrónica – trámites y servicios municipales. Available at: https://marbella.sedelectronica.es/