María
Lawyer · Estepona, Spain
- 184 cases handled
- 8+ years in practice
- Speaks: Spanish, English
- Law, University Granada
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4.60(5 reviews)
Buying a Business in Spain
Buying a business in Spain raises tax, accounting and legal questions that decide whether the investment is sound. An English-speaking tax lawyer reviews the plan, reports on its impact and can manage the purchase.
About Buying a Business in Spain
Buying a business in Spain means buying a bar, restaurant, shop or company that is already trading, taking over a going concern or acquiring a Spanish company. Buyers search for it as buy a business in Spain, business acquisition, business for sale in Spain or, locally, a traspaso. This page covers the tax, accounting and company-law side of the purchase. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Buy Business”.
Who it concerns and when
Individuals and companies investing in a Spanish business, including foreigners moving to Spain. Advice is most useful before an offer is made or a contract is signed, when the structure can still be chosen.
How a purchase is usually structured
- Buying the shares of a company: the buyer takes over the company with its history, assets and debts.
- Buying the business assets and taking over the lease: common for a bar or a shop and often called traspaso.
Each route has different tax and liability consequences, which is why the structure is discussed with an adviser first.
How a lawyer or tax adviser helps
An English-speaking tax lawyer starts with a talk about your project, reports on the tax impact and on ways to structure the investment efficiently, and, once you agree on a course, can implement and manage the purchase. Checking the target first is called due diligence.
Related services
- Setting up a new company or activity: business set-up.
- Accounting after the purchase: tax and accounting for limited companies.
Questions and answers
Is it better to buy a business or start one?
It depends on the sector, the price and the risks. An adviser compares both routes, including tax and licences.
Should I buy the shares or the assets?
Each has its own tax and liability effects. The choice depends on the facts and is made before signing.
Which checks come first?
A review of the accounts, tax and Social Security position, contracts, lease and licences, known as due diligence.
Can a foreigner buy a business in Spain?
Generally yes. Residence and work permissions are a separate question, see self-employed visa.
3 lawyers who provide Buying a Business in Spain
Sorted by experience in this service. Write to any of them — the reply comes from the lawyer, without obligation.
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David
Accountant · Barcelona, Spain
- 103 cases handled
- 11+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Spanish
- Economia, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
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Aleix
Lawyer · Barcelona, Spain
- 30 cases handled
- 4+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Spanish
- Business-Management, Universitat de Barcelona
Contact form · a chat with a lawyer
Talk to a lawyer about Buying a Business
3 registered lawyers provide this service in Spain. Describe your situation in a short chat — what happened, where, and how to reach you. Your enquiry is reviewed and passed to a lawyer who handles exactly this kind of case, with no obligation.
We are not just a place to list a profile: we work with every lawyer individually. Each one is registered with a bar association, and their experience, languages and client reviews are shown openly on their card.
Enquiries are answered by lawyers of AdvocateAbroad. This site provides legal information, not legal advice.
What our clients say about our service in Spain
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Without my asking, he spotted a way to obtain financial help from the state after I lost my one and only client as a self-employed worker. I had not even realised I could qualify, because I thought my particular case did not apply. He also told me whom to contact, and I was very satisfied with his help. I have already suggested him to my partner, who will soon be contacting him about her own finances.
— Martina08 Feb 2024 -
The lawyer was capable, punctual and knew his subject, and answered every question I asked. The help was excellent.
— Richard11 Aug 2022 -
Communication with the lawyer is quick and easy. He is trustworthy and goes above and beyond, so I feel comfortable leaving everything in his hands. He is extremely professional and supportive and always gives clear explanations, in excellent English. I would highly recommend him, and I have in fact already recommended him to friends and colleagues.
— Lisa14 May 2020 -
I am delighted with the help and service the lawyer has given me on my tax information and on setting up my freelancer documents. I definitely recommend him!
— Richard13 May 2022 -
The lawyer took on our case at very short notice and kept to the deadline.
— Ben08 Apr 2021 -
The lawyer was happy to call me and discuss my situation before sending a proposal. His English is excellent and he explained everything really well. The service is very good value for money, I was very satisfied, and I would not hesitate to recommend him!
— Makis16 Nov 2022 -
His English was excellent, and he explained everything to me, because honestly I do not understand the tax system. He has not finished yet: so far he has sorted out my 2015 taxes, and a couple more years remain. I could not have done this myself, and I am very grateful for his help.
— Christina18 Nov 2020 -
I am very satisfied with the service and would definitely recommend it to friends.
— Laurence15 Sep 2020 -
The lawyer was so amazingly helpful, assisting me remotely while I was in Haiti and in person when I visited Spain. She has a fantastic personal manner and is super approachable, her English is flawless, and I would 100% use her again for future legal advice in Spain.
— Matt11 Sep 2026 -
She was always very helpful, and I would recommend her.
— Jeffrey07 Jul 2026 -
I used the lawyer to witness my Irish passport application, and the experience was excellent. She was professional and accommodating, her English was perfect, and she made the entire process straightforward and stress-free. I really appreciate all her help.
— Jake05 May 2026 -
He was very responsive and went through the details in depth.
— Jiby24 Mar 2026