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How to Open a Business in Hospitalet De Llobregat (2026)

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Cost

Free

Tax registration and Social Security: free. Business license municipal fee: varies according to municipality and type of activity (from €100 to several thousand).

Time at office

2-4 hours (basic procedures)

Estimated time

1-4 weeks for harmless activities; months for activities with environmental impact

Quick summary

Guide for opening a business or commercial establishment in Hospitalet De Llobregat. Business license, tax registration and municipal procedures. Updated step-by-step guide for 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Of the owner or founders.

  • Tax registration (form 036 or 037)

    Notification of business start to AEAT.

  • ?

    RET registration if self-employed Optional

    Inscription in the Self-Employed Social Security Regime.

    ⚠️ For physical persons operating as self-employed

  • Business license or declaration of responsibility

    Municipal authorization to operate the business in the premises.

  • Lease contract or property deed

    Documentation confirming use of the premises where the activity is carried out.

0 €
Tax registration and Social Security: free. Business license municipal fee: varies according to municipality and type of activity (from €100 to several thousand). €0.00
€0.00
€0.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Choose your business form and economic classification

    Go to official site

    Decide if you operate as a self-employed person (individual) or as a company (SL, SA). The IAE (Economic Activities Tax) economic classification determines specific tax requirements for your activity.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For starting small, the simplest and most economical option is to be self-employed. A limited liability company offers more protection but comes with higher management costs."

  • 2

    Tax registration — form 036 or 037

    Go to official site

    Notify AEAT of business start by submitting the full form 036 or simplified form 037 for self-employed without intra-community operations. You can do this online through the AEAT portal.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Tax registration must be done before or on the day of business start. It is free."

  • 3

    RET registration if self-employed

    Go to official site

    Within 30 days after tax registration, register in RET (Self-Employed Social Security Regime) through the Social Security Electronic Portal.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The minimum monthly self-employed contribution in 2026 starts at €225 for low incomes (net income system). If you expect to earn little, declare lower real income and pay less."

  • 4

    Apply for the business license with the City Council

    Submit a request for a business license or declaration of responsibility at Hospitalet De Llobregat City Hall according to your type of business. Harmless activities (offices, minor retail) can usually be approved immediately by declaration of responsibility.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check first with the city hall whether your activity requires prior licensing or is sufficient with a declaration of responsibility — it could save you weeks of waiting time."

Offices and service points - Hospitalet De Llobregat

City Council of Hospitalet De Llobregat — Urbanism / Licenses Department

Check the exact address on the City Council of Hospitalet De Llobregat website

Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 14:00 (appointment required in many city halls)

Frequently asked questions

What is CIRCE and what does it do?
CIRCE (Centre of Information and Network for Business Creation) is the government system for online business creation processes. It allows you to simultaneously process all founding steps for a new Limited Liability Company from one point.
Do I need an opening license for my business?
It depends on your activity type. Harmless activities (offices, retail, hair salons) generally require only a declaration of responsibility and prior notification, allowing you to start operating immediately. Activities with greater impact (bars, workshops, discos) may need prior licensing which can take months.
How much does it cost to become self-employed?
Tax registration and Social Security are free. The monthly self-employed contribution in 2026 starts at €225 for low incomes up to €500 for high incomes. There are incentives for new self-employed individuals (flat-rate) during the first year.

Official sources and useful links

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