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How to open a business in Valencia (2026)

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Cost

Free

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

Time at office

30-60 minutes (first appointment)

Estimated time

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

Quick summary

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

Required documents

  • DNI or NIE of the owner

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

  • Tax registration (Modelo 036/037)

    Must be registered as self-employed before opening or have the company established.

  • Social Security registration

    Register as a self-employed in RETA or register employees if hiring staff.

  • Lease agreement or deed of ownership of the premises

    Documentation that proves the right to use the premises where the activity will be carried out.

  • ?

    Technical project (if required by the 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 with works
  • ?

    Urban compatibility certificate Optional

    Confirms that the premises can be used for the activity you want to develop. It should be obtained from the Valencia City Hall before renting the premises.

    ⚠️ Recommended before signing the lease agreement

0 €
Variable according to municipality and type of activity. The responsibility declaration is free in many cases. The business license can 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 premises

    Go to official site

    Before leasing or buying, check with the Valencia City Hall whether the premises allow the activity you wish to develop. This step saves you from potential delays and unnecessary expenses.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 2

    Register with the Tax Office and Social Security

    Go to official site

    If not already registered as self-employed, do it first. Use Modelo 037 at AEAT and register in RETA through Importass. Without this step, you cannot process opening.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If your company or S.A. is already established, only need the CIF and registration of the entity in AEAT."

  • 3

    Submit a business declaration or license at Valencia City Hall

    Go to official site

    For many commercial and service activities, a simple business opening declaration to the Valencia City Hall is sufficient. For more impactful activities (bars, workshops, industries) a full business license is required. The Generalitat Valenciana offers the Empreendedor Portal (PROP) for guidance on opening businesses. Business license applications are handled at the corresponding city hall.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Use the PROP — Empreendedor Portal to get guidance on which type of procedure corresponds to your activity before going to 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), tourist (accommodations), or entertainment (venues with music).

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check the Ministry of Industry (IPYME) portal for a complete list of necessary authorizations based on your CNAE activity code."

Offices and service points - Valencia

Valencia City Hall — Licensing and Activities Office

46002

Mo-Th 08:00-14:00

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a business license and a responsibility declaration?
A responsibility declaration allows immediate opening, assuming that the owner complies with all legal requirements. The city hall may verify this later. A full business license requires prior inspection by the city hall and can take months. For most commercial businesses or offices without special impact, just a responsibility declaration is sufficient.
How much does it cost to get a business license in Valencia?
The cost of a business license varies depending on the Valencia City Hall and the type of activity. For harmless activities (offices, small shops) the municipal fee usually ranges between 100€ and 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 carried out from your personal residence. In that case, the 'premises' is your home and no municipal license is usually required if there's no public presence. However, you must register with the tax office and social security.
What happens if I open a business without a business license?
Opening a business without the corresponding license or responsibility declaration can lead to municipal fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros, up to sealing off the premises. City halls have activity inspectors who carry out periodic controls.
Do I need to make changes to the premises?
If the premises require renovations, you must apply for a construction permit or prior notification of works at the city hall before starting work. Minor renovations (painting, light installations) can be processed through prior notification. Major renovations require a technical project and a construction license.

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.