Foreign companies in Spain
Comprehensive advice for foreign companies establishing themselves in the Spanish market: subsidiary or branch incorporation, local contracting, regulatory compliance, relations with authorities and legal adaptation to the Spanish regulatory framework.
How we work
Our methodology for this service
Entry model analysis
We evaluate the various presence models in Spain — subsidiary, branch, distribution agreement, commercial agent — and recommend the most appropriate structure based on the activity, business volume and regulatory requirements.
Incorporation and operational setup
We manage all incorporation or opening formalities, obtain the necessary registrations and authorisations, and coordinate the operational setup with the local contracting and employment areas.
Regulatory adaptation and compliance
We identify applicable regulatory obligations in Spain — sector, product, data processing, local contracts — and support the company in adapting to the Spanish regulatory framework.
Ongoing support for local operations
We act as the foreign company's local legal department, providing ongoing advice on contracts, disputes, relations with authorities and any legal need arising during its operations in Spain.
Who this is for
International companies headquartered outside Spain seeking to establish their presence in the Spanish market, European groups opening subsidiaries in Spain, and multinationals needing a trusted local legal partner to manage their legal operations in the country.
Discover more by sector
Why MES Legal?
- Specialist lawyers with proven expertise in each practice area
- Offices in Barcelona and Madrid with national coverage throughout Spain
- Results-oriented, practical approach with clear risk management
- Direct professional relationship — no large-firm layers or intermediaries
Other services in this area
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Company formation and structure
Design of the most suitable legal structure for your business: SA, SL, SLU, holdings, joint ventures and tax-efficient structures. We advise taking into account the size, activity, growth projection and governance needs of each business.
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Foundations, cooperatives and non-profit entities
Incorporation and legal structure for foundations, associations, cooperatives, federations and other third-sector entities: legal form selection, drafting of articles, registry filing, public utility declaration and document review for entities channelling public or private grants.
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Corporate governance
Drafting and review of articles of association, shareholder agreements, minority shareholder arrangements and rules governing the board and general meeting. Clear rules for decision-making, rights allocation and dispute resolution to reinforce corporate stability.
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Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
Comprehensive advice in business sale and purchase transactions and corporate restructuring. Legal due diligence, SPA and SHA negotiation, deal structuring and assistance at closing, with special attention to contingencies, warranties, liabilities and adjustment mechanisms.