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How to open a business in Alicante (2026)

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Cost

Free

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

Time at office

30-60 minutes (first appointment)

Estimated time

Responsible declaration: immediate opening. Full business license: 1-4 months.

Quick summary

Complete guide for opening a business in Alicante, Community of Valencia. Business license, responsible declaration, 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.

  • Tax registration (Model 036/037)

    You must be registered as self-employed or have the company incorporated before opening.

  • Social Security registration

    Registration as a self-employed person in RETA or workers’ registration if employees are hired.

  • Lease agreement or property deed of the commercial space

    Documentary evidence that confirms ownership rights to the location where the business will be conducted.

  • ?

    Technical project (if required by activity) Optional

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

    ⚠️ Only for classified activities or those involving construction
  • ?

    Urban compatibility certificate Optional

    Confirms that the location can be used for the activity intended. This should be obtained from the Alicante City Council before renting the property.

    ⚠️ Recommended before signing a lease agreement

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

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Check urban compatibility of the commercial space

    Go to official site

    Before leasing or purchasing, check with the City Council of Alicante if the location allows the activity you wish to develop. This step saves you unnecessary delays and costs.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 2

    Register with the Tax Office and Social Security Agency

    Go to official site

    If you are not yet registered as self-employed, do it first. Model 037 at AEAT and registration in RETA via Importass. Without this step, you cannot proceed with opening.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you already have an LLC or SA established, just need the company’s CIF and self-employed registration in AEAT."

  • 3

    Submit responsible declaration or business license at the City Council of Alicante

    Go to official site

    For many commercial and service activities, a simple responsible declaration for opening is enough with the City Council of Alicante. For more impactful activities (bars, workshops, industries), you need a full business license. The Generalitat Valenciana provides the Business Start-up Points (PAE) and the RED PROP network for guidance in starting businesses. Business licensing procedures are carried out at the corresponding city council.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Use the portal RED PROP — Business Start-up Points to determine which type of procedure corresponds to your activity before visiting the city council."

  • 4

    Obtain other sector-specific authorizations

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

    !

    Expert tip

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

Offices and service points - Alicante

City Council of Alicante — Licenses and Activities Office

Plaza del Ayuntamiento 03002 Alicante

Monday to Friday: 08:30 - 14:00

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a business license and a responsible declaration?
A responsible declaration allows you to open immediately, assuming that all legal requirements are met. The city council can verify this later. A full business license requires prior inspection by the city council and may take months. For most commercial businesses without special impact (offices, small shops), a responsible declaration is sufficient.
How much does a business license cost in Alicante?
The cost of a business license varies according to the City Council of Alicante and the type of activity. For minor activities (offices, small retail), the municipal fee typically ranges between €100 and €300. For more classified activities (food service, workshops) it may exceed €1,000 due to required technical reports.
Can I open a business from home in Spain?
Yes. Many service, consulting or online sales businesses can be run from your private residence. In this case, the ‘business location’ is your home and you do not usually need a municipal license if there is no public service. However, you must register with the Tax Office and Social Security Agency.
What happens if I open without a business license?
Opening a business without the required license or responsible declaration can result in municipal fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros, as well as property sealing. City councils have inspectors who conduct regular spot checks on activities.
Do I need renovations for my commercial space?
If your location needs renovation, you must apply for a works permit or prior notice of works at the city council before starting work. Minor works (painting, light installations) are usually processed through prior notice. Major works require a technical project and a works 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.