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VAT Registration in Spain

VAT or Value Added Tax in the EU is consumption tax assessed on the added value of all goods and services. Chern & Co offers smooth VAT registration services in Spain and here’s what you should know before initiating the process.

There is no VAT registration threshold in Spain; this applies to both resident and foreign businesses. Any business conducting taxable transactions must register for VAT. However, a €10,000 per annum threshold applies to foreign companies selling goods online to Spanish consumers.

A Spanish VAT number consists of the country code “ES” followed by nine digits, including two alphabetical letters. The standard VAT rate in Spain is 21%.

What is a Taxable Transaction?

A non-resident business must register for VAT in Spain when conducting a taxable transaction. Common examples include:

Domestic Supply of Goods (Not Reverse Charged): A supplier must register for VAT when supplying goods located in Spain to a Spanish customer unless the reverse charge mechanism applies. For non-established suppliers, this scenario is rare, as domestic reverse charge is often applicable.
Domestic Purchase of Goods (Reverse Charge Applies): If a non-registered business purchases goods from a non-established supplier and must self-account for VAT under the reverse charge mechanism, the buyer must register for VAT in Spain.
Supply of Services (Not Reverse Charged): Non-established businesses providing services subject to Spanish VAT must register. However, this is uncommon, as most B2B services follow the general rule where VAT is self-accounted for by the recipient, or the domestic reverse charge applies.
Export of Goods: A VAT number is required before exporting goods from Spain to a non-EU country.
Intra-Community Acquisition (ICA): Businesses acquiring goods from another EU Member State under intra-Community supply rules must register for VAT. In some cases, a limited VAT registration applies if the goods are resold under certain conditions.
Intra-Community Supply (ICS): Businesses supplying goods to another EU Member State must register for VAT, as these transactions are taxable.

Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC) in Spain

The DRC mechanism shifts VAT payment responsibility from the supplier to the customer for certain transactions. Instead of the supplier charging VAT and remitting it to the Spanish tax authorities, the recipient of the goods or services accounts for VAT themselves.

Requirements for VAT Registration in Spain

To register for VAT in Spain, the following documents must be submitted in Spanish to the local tax office:

Extract from the company’s national trade register
Passport of the legal representative.
Power of Attorney for the company’s fiscal representative (notarised)

Please, make sure you have all the abovementioned before you obtain the service.

Fiscal Representative Requirement

Non-EU businesses must appoint a Spanish fiscal representative when registering for VAT in Spain. Unlike in some other EU countries, a fiscal representative in Spain is not held severally liable for the company’s tax debts.

Register VAT in Spain with Chern & Co

If you need to register VAT number in Spain, contact Chern & Co experts. Our team will provide you professional assistance with registering VAT, reporting, VIES registration, and obtaining the Spanish tax number for the legal representative and the company.

Disclaimer: The content of this page is for acquainting purposes only and is subject to change. It does not constitute any professional advice. No liability is accepted by Chern & Co for any actions taken or not taken in reliance on the information set out in this article. Professional, legal or tax advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action

Why Choose Chern & Co?

Safe & Trustworthy

All payments are encrypted and handled via trusted providers. Your corporate data is processed securely and confidentially.

Flexible Payments

Visa, Mastercard, Crypto, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay. Clear invoices and instant receipts for every order.

Leading Authorised Agent

Certified CRO agent with deep expertise in Irish company law and non‑resident formations.

Transparent Terms

Clear online terms & conditions, fixed prices, and no hidden fees across all services.

Dedicated Support

Guided registration for EU and non‑EU residents with responsive, expert assistance.

FAQ Section

Do I need to be physically present in Ireland to set up a company?

No, physical presence is not required. You can register a private company limited by shares or a company limited by guarantee entirely remotely, with all documents signed digitally and couriered where necessary.

How long does it take to register a company in Ireland?

The process typically takes 7–10 working days after completing AML/KYC checks and preparing your documentation. Timelines may vary depending on CRO processing times and additional registrations, such as intra-EU VAT registration.

What payment methods are accepted for company registration?

We accept bank transfers, major credit/debit cards, crypto payments, and selected online payment systems. All fees must be paid in advance before we start the incorporation and standard business occupation registration process.

Can I set up a business in Ireland from abroad?

Yes. Many of our clients are non-residents. We handle the full process remotely, including providing a registered Irish address, company secretary services, and nominee director options for compliance with Irish law.

Can I register a company without an Irish address?

No, every Irish company must have a registered office in Ireland. Our Prime Business Formation Package includes a compliant Irish address service for official correspondence and CRO filings.

What is the Prime Business Formation Package?

It’s our all-in-one service for non-residents. It covers incorporation, registered office, company secretary, nominee director (if needed), RBO filing, tax registrations, and support with intra-EU VAT registration.

What documentation do I need to incorporate a company in Ireland?

You’ll need passport copies and proof of address for all directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners. Additional documents may be required for specific activities or if you plan an intra-EU VAT registration.

What are the benefits of starting a business in Ireland?

Ireland offers a 12.5% corporate tax rate, EU market access, strong international reputation, and straightforward compliance procedures. We also assist with company strike-off if you later decide to close your business.

What types of companies can I register in Ireland?

Most clients choose a private company limited by shares, but we also assist with company limited by guarantee and other structures depending on your goals and business occupation type.

Regulatory Disclosure

Chern & Co Ltd is a licensed Trust and Company Service Provider (TCSP) in Ireland, authorised and supervised by the Department of Justice.

Our official registration reference is TCSP APP/1211/2018, and we are listed in the public TCSP register maintained by the Irish Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit.

Compliance • AML • TCSP

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Ad.run

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Extremely professional, fast and friendly.
Would recommend them at any time!”

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Photography

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“This company is one of the best in the EU. They know what they are doing and they communicate with you effectively so that they understand your needs”

LTD Companies and Partnerships For Overseas Residents

Not in the Ireland? We offer a wide range of international packages

Chern & Co team offers Registered Office Address, Business Address, Company Secretary, Nominee Director, Nominee Shareholder and other professional services to international customers who need to set up a branch or present in the European Union.