H&CO Spain

We combine local expertise with the strength of a global network to help businesses and individuals navigate the Spanish market with confidence. Our team provides comprehensive tax, accounting, and business advisory services tailored to both domestic and international clients. 

Spain is a gateway to Europe and Latin America, offering unique opportunities in trade, investment, and expansion. With our in-depth understanding of Spanish regulations, tax incentives, and corporate frameworks, we assist companies in establishing and growing their operations while ensuring compliance with local and international standards. 

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Doing Business

Spain offers a strategic gateway to Europe and Latin America, with a strong economy, skilled workforce, and attractive tax incentives. Our guide provides key insights into the legal, tax, and regulatory environment to help businesses succeed in the Spanish market. 

Doing Business

How to open a Business

Starting a business in Spain requires choosing the right legal structure, registering with local authorities, and meeting tax and labour obligations. With proper planning and expert guidance, foreign investors can efficiently establish operations in one of Europe’s most dynamic markets. 

Starting a Business

Tax Treaty with the U.S

The Spain-U.S. tax treaty prevents double taxation on income, reduces withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties, and provides clarity for cross-border investors. It ensures that businesses and individuals can operate efficiently while complying with both countries’ tax regulations. 

Tax Treaty

Most relevant industries in Spain 

 

Tourism 

Tourism has a significant impact on the economy, contributing roughly 13.4% to GDP in 2023. Spain is ranked among the world's top destinations, drawing millions of international visitors each year. 

 

Agriculture   

Agriculture remains a vital part of Spain’s economy, contributing around 3–4% of GDP and driving exports. The country is the world’s largest producer of olive oil, a leading exporter of wine, and a major supplier of citrus fruits, vegetables, and grains to both European and global markets. 

Manufacturing 

Pharmaceuticals, metals, machine tools, and other products are among the primary export commodities from Spain's manufacturing industry. 

 

Services 

The services sector drives Spain’s economy, accounting for more than 75% of GDP. Key areas include finance, real estate, education, healthcare, and public administration. With a skilled workforce and strong infrastructure, Spain’s service industry offers vast opportunities for investors and global businesses.
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FAQs About Doing Business in Spain

Why Invest in Brazil?

Brazil is one of the largest economies in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the gross domestic product (GDP) recorded in 2023. In that year, the value of goods and services produced in Brazil reached an estimated $2.12 trillion USD, based on current values.

The country boasts a diverse and robust economy driven by key industries such as agribusiness, where it leads global production and exports of soybeans, sugarcane, and coffee; mining, as the largest exporter of iron ore and a significant producer of gold, aluminum, and oil; and renewable energy, with hydropower as its main energy source and growing investments in wind, solar, and ethanol production.

This economic strength, combined with abundant natural resources and opportunities for growth, makes Brazil a prime destination for investment.
invest-in-brazil
Source: Gross domestic product (GDP) in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024, by country (in billion U.S. dollars).

Top Business-Friendly Spots in Spain:
 Restaurants, Hotels & Cultural Sites 

 
  • Disfrutar (Barcelona) 
     Ranked No. 1 in the 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants, this three-Michelin-star venue delivers creative, playful cuisine in an innovative setting—ideal for high-impact business dinners.  
  • DiverXO (Madrid) 
     Holding a top spot in that same ranking, DiverXO brings bold, avant-garde flavors—perfect for leaving a memorable impression. 
  • Asador Etxebarri (Axpe, Basque Country) 
     Recently named World’s Best Restaurant, this intimate, fire-focused grill offers unmatched quality and authenticity—a standout choice for executive tastemakers. 
  • Arzak (San Sebastián) 
     A three-Michelin-star institution known for evolving Basque cuisine and deep culinary heritage—excellent for refined, high-level business dining. 
  • Via Veneto (Barcelona) 
     A Michelin-starred classic in Barcelona since 1967, offering elegant, traditional dining amidst a professional atmosphere—great for formal meetings or client dinners. 
  • Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid 
     A historic Belle Époque gem beside the Prado Museum—ideal for executive stays with refined ambiance and prestige. 
  • Ohla Barcelona 
     Located in Barcelona’s historic Ciutat Vella, this stylish hotel features the Michelin-starred restaurant Caelis and a rooftop bar—perfect for blending business and hospitality. 
  • Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Center 
     Strategically placed between Madrid’s airport and the city center, this is a prime venue for large conferences or events, with extensive meeting space. 
  • Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona 
     A modern business-oriented hotel offering a business center, roomy meeting facilities, and an executive lounge—plus proximity to the beach. 
  • Meliá Castilla, Madrid 
     Positioned in Madrid’s financial district, this sizable hotel delivers spacious rooms, restaurants, and solid conference support infrastructure. 

Here’s a curated Top 5 list of cultural and museum experiences in Spain that are perfect to include on a business trip. They offer world-class art, history, and a touch of Spanish identity — ideal if you want to blend work with cultural enrichment:

1. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) – Madrid

  • Spain’s most famous art museum and one of the best in the world.

  • Highlights include works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Titian.

  • Ideal for a quick cultural escape between meetings in the capital.

2. Reina Sofía Museum – Madrid

  • Home to Picasso’s Guernica, one of the most powerful modern art pieces in history.

  • Also features Dalí, Miró, and contemporary Spanish artists.

  • A must if you enjoy modern and political art.

3. Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao

  • An architectural icon designed by Frank Gehry, often considered a masterpiece itself.

  • Exhibits focus on contemporary and avant-garde art.

  • Perfect if your business takes you to northern Spain or if you want to impress international colleagues with Spain’s modern edge.

4. Sagrada Familia & Gaudí’s Works – Barcelona

  • The Sagrada Familia is not just a basilica, but a symbol of Spain’s cultural innovation.

  • Combine with a visit to Casa Batlló or Parc Güell to explore Gaudí’s unique modernist architecture.

  • Excellent for hosting business partners in a setting that blends culture with inspiration.

5. Alhambra – Granada

  • A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Islamic art and Moorish architecture.

  • One of Spain’s most visited landmarks, offering a different cultural angle compared to Madrid and Barcelona.

  • Particularly impressive for business travelers seeking a mix of history, art, and breathtaking scenery.

Tip for business trips: Madrid and Barcelona are the main hubs, so Prado, Reina Sofía, and Gaudí’s works are the most practical. Guggenheim and Alhambra are great if you extend your trip or meet clients in those regions.

Key Contacts

Our Offices
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Madrid

C/ Castelló 8
2ª B
28001 Madrid

 
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Barcelona

Rambla Catalunya 60
Segundo 2ª A
08007 Barcelona

 

Start doing business in Spain

 

Why H&CO?

We specialize in guiding global investors, families, and multinational businesses through the complexities of cross-border investments and business expansion. With offices in over 30 countries, we are a trusted partner for those seeking to relocate, invest, or expand their business abroad providing tax, advisory, and integrated global solutions.

  • 1,000+ multilingual professionals, providing local expertise with a global perspective.
  • Client-focused leadership with deep industry experience in global markets.
  • Forbes America’s Top 200 CPAs, 2025
  • Forbes Best in State Top CPAs, 2025
  • USA Today America’s Most Recommended Tax and Accounting Firms, 2025
  • IPA Top 100 Accounting Firms, 2025 – Ranked #66
  • IPA Fastest Growing Firms, 2025
  • SFBJ Largest Accounting Firms by Billings, 2025
  • SFBJ Largest Accounting Firms by CPAs, 2025

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