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How to open a business in Marbella (2026)

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Cost

Free

Variable according to municipality and type of activity. The declaration of responsibility is free in many cases. The business license may cost between €150 and €2,000 depending on the municipality and activity.

Time at office

30-60 minutes (first appointment)

Estimated time

Declaration of responsibility: immediate opening. Full business license: 1-4 months.

Quick summary

Complete guide for opening a business in Marbella, Andalucía. Business license, declaration of responsibility, municipal procedures and legal requirements in 2026.

Required documents

  • DNI or NIE of the owner

    If a company, incorporation deed and CIF of the enterprise.

  • Registration in Hacienda (Form 036/037)

    You must be registered as self-employed or have a constituted company before opening.

  • Registration in the Social Security

    Register as self-employed in RETA or registration of employees if you hire workers.

  • Lease agreement or property deed for the location

    Documentation that proves the right to use the location where your activity will take place.

  • ?

    Technical project (if required by the activity) Optional

    For activities with environmental, acoustic impact or requiring works, you need a signed technical project from a competent professional (architect, engineer).

    ⚠️ Only for classified activities or when involving works
  • ?

    Urban compatibility certificate Optional

    Confirms that the location can be used for the activity you want to develop. Requested at Marbella City Hall before renting the property.

    ⚠️ Recommended before signing the lease agreement

0 €
Variable according to municipality and type of activity. The declaration of responsibility is free in many cases. The business license may cost between €150 and €2,000 depending on the municipality and activity. €0.00
€0.00
€0.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Check urban compatibility of the location

    Go to official site

    Before leasing or purchasing, check with Marbella City Hall whether your desired activity is compatible with the local. This step saves you unnecessary delays and costs.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Most city halls resolve urban compatibility inquiries within 5-10 business days. Always request a written response."

  • 2

    Register with Hacienda and Social Security

    Go to official site

    If you haven't already registered as self-employed, do it first. Form 037 at AEAT and registration in RETA through Importass. Without this step, you cannot proceed with opening the business.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If your company is already constituted, just provide the CIF of the enterprise and the registration in AEAT."

  • 3

    Submit declaration or license at Marbella City Hall

    Go to official site

    For many commercial and service activities, a declaration of responsibility for opening is sufficient. For more impactful activities (bars, workshops, industries), you need a full business license. The Junta de Andalucía offers Business Window Services (VUE) in each province's Chamber of Commerce. They allow coordinated municipal permits and business openings online through the Junta’s portal.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Use the Andalucian Business Window Service portal to determine which type of application is required for your activity before visiting the city hall."

  • 4

    Obtain any additional sector-specific authorizations

    Depending on the type of business, you may need additional authorizations: sanitary (food service, hospitality), environmental (workshops, industries), tourism (lodging), or entertainment (venues with music).

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check the IPYME Ministry portal for a full list of necessary authorizations based on your CNAE activity code."

Offices and service points - Marbella

Marbella City Hall — Licensing and Business Activities Office

Plaza de los Naranjos, 1 29601 Marbella

Monday to Friday: 08:30 - 14:00

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an opening license and a declaration of responsibility?
The declaration of responsibility allows you to open immediately, assuming that all legal requirements are met by the owner. The municipality can verify this later. A business license requires prior inspection by the city hall and may take months. For most commercial activities with no special impact, a declaration of responsibility is sufficient.
How much does an opening license cost in Marbella?
The cost of the opening license varies according to Marbella City Hall and the type of activity. For non-hazardous activities (offices, small shops), municipal fees typically range from €100 to €300. For classified activities (restaurants, workshops), it can exceed €1,000 due to required technical reports.
Can I open a business from home in Spain?
Yes. Many service, consultancy or online sales activities can be conducted from your private residence. In this case, the 'location' is your home and, if there's no public presence, it usually doesn't require a municipal license. However, you must register with Hacienda and Social Security.
What happens if I open without an opening license?
Opening without the appropriate license or declaration of responsibility can result in municipal fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros, potentially including sealing off the business. City halls have activity inspectors who conduct regular checks.
Do I need to make renovations to adapt my location?
If your location requires renovations, you must apply for a construction permit or prior notice of work at the city hall before starting any works. Minor works (painting, light installations) can usually be handled via prior notice. Major works require a technical project and a construction permit.

This procedure in other cities

Official sources and useful links

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.