Screen whether a founder or consultant should consider autonomo registration, an SL company, or a company-plus-visa plan.
Updated 12 May 2026. This tool is a planning screen, not legal or tax advice. Use it to identify issues before deciding the next step.
Private client decision tool
Founder Spain setup planner: Autonomo, SL, or entrepreneur route
Screen whether a founder should start with self-employment, a Spanish company, or a visa/company formation plan.
Best used before registering activity, invoicing clients, or forming an SL.
Enter the required numbers in Step 1 before opening the calculator.
Enter the details on the left to generate a planning summary.
Updated 13 May 2026. This tool screens structure fit; company and visa filings require document review.
USD conversion uses ECB euro foreign exchange reference rates from 2026-06-09. 1 EUR = 1.1573 USD.
Sources and assumptions
- Company formation, tax registration, and immigration route should be coordinated before activity begins.
What this tool checks
- Revenue, profit, staffing, and Spanish-client exposure.
- Self-employment vs company setup fit.
- Entrepreneur/startup route prompts.
- Company formation, tax registration, and immigration sequencing.
Book a founder setup consultation before registering activity or forming the company.
Sources and assumptions
- Company and immigration structure should be coordinated before activity begins in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
Is autonomo or SL better for a founder in Spain?
It depends on revenue, profit, client location, employees, funding, liability, immigration needs, and whether there is an existing foreign company. The tool screens structure fit, not final tax treatment.
Why does Spanish client revenue matter?
Spanish source revenue can affect visa strategy, tax registration, permanent establishment analysis, and whether a foreign company structure is still appropriate.
When should company formation be reviewed?
Before issuing invoices, hiring in Spain, moving management to Spain, raising investment, or choosing between self employment and an SL.
Does forming an SL solve immigration or tax by itself?
No. An SL can help with liability and operations, but immigration status, Social Security, VAT, payroll, related party payments, and management location still need separate review.
Can I keep billing through a foreign company after moving to Spain?
Sometimes, but if the founder manages the company from Spain, hires locally, or serves Spanish clients, the structure may create corporate residence, permanent establishment, payroll, or VAT questions.
Tool changelog and legal update log
- 13 May 2026: Added source checked FAQ exception notes, a visible legal update log, custom review notes, and consultation brief handoff for the public tools.
- 13 May 2026: Expanded founder/company structure screening around Spanish clients, management location, intercompany flows, and Spain side activity.