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How to open a business in Santiago de Compostela (2026)

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Cost

Free

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

Time at office

30-60 minutes (first consultation)

Estimated time

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

Quick summary

Complete guide for opening a business in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. Business license, declaration of responsibility, municipal procedures and legal requirements in 2026.

Required documents

  • DNI or NIE of the owner

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

  • Tax registration (Modelo 036/037)

    You must be registered as an entrepreneur or have the company incorporated before opening.

  • Social Security registration

    Register as a self-employed person in RETA or register employees if you hire staff.

  • Rental agreement or property deed for the location

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

  • ?

    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 those involving works
  • ?

    Urban compatibility certificate Optional

    Confirms that the premises can be used for the activity you want to develop. Request it from Santiago de Compostela City Hall before renting the space.

    ⚠️ Recommended before signing a rental contract

0 €
Variable according to municipality and type of activity. The declaration of responsibility is free in many cases. A 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 location

    Go to official site

    Before leasing or purchasing, check with Santiago de Compostela City Hall whether the premises allow the activity you want to develop. This step saves you from unnecessary delays and costs.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Most municipalities resolve urban compatibility checks within 5-10 working days. Always ask for a written response."

  • 2

    Register as an entrepreneur with Hacienda and Social Security

    Go to official site

    If you are not already registered, do so first. Use Modelo 037 at AEAT and register in RETA via Importass. This step is necessary before proceeding.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you already have a corporation or limited company, just need the CIF of the entity and register it at AEAT."

  • 3

    Apply for declaration of responsibility or business license in Santiago de Compostela City Hall

    Go to official site

    For many commercial activities, a declaration of responsibility suffices. For more impactful activities (bars, workshops, industries), you need a full business license. In Galicia, opening procedures are channeled through the Xunta's and Puntos de Atención al Emprendedor (PAE) portals. Local city halls process local business licenses.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Use the Oficina Acelera Empresa / Xunta de Galicia portal to determine what type of procedure 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 permits: sanitary (food and hospitality), environmental (workshops, industries), tourism (lodging), or entertainment (venues with music).

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check the IPYME Ministry's website for a full list of required authorizations according to your CNAE code."

Offices and service points - Santiago

Santiago de Compostela City Hall — Office of Licenses and Activities

Praza do Obradoiro, 15705 Santiago de Compostela

Monday to Friday: 08:30 - 14:00

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a business license and declaration of responsibility?
The declaration of responsibility allows you to open immediately, assuming that all legal requirements are met by the owner. The local authority may verify this later. A full business license requires prior inspection from the city hall and can take months. For most commercial activities without special impact (offices, small shops), a declaration of responsibility is sufficient.
How much does it cost to get a business license in Santiago de Compostela?
The cost of a business license varies according to the Santiago de Compostela City Hall and type of activity. For harmless activities (offices, small shops) municipal fees usually range from 100€ to 300€. For more regulated activities (bars, workshops), it can exceed 1,000€ due to required technical reports.
Can I open a business from home in Spain?
Yes. Many service-related businesses like consultancy or online sales can be run from your personal address. In this case, the 'business location' is your home and, if there's no public presence, you usually don't need a municipal license. However, you must still register with Hacienda and Social Security.
What happens if I open without a business license?
Opening a business without the required license or declaration of responsibility can result in fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros, as well as sealing the premises. City hall inspectors conduct periodic checks for compliance with licensing requirements.
Do I need renovations to adapt the location?
If the premises require renovation, you must obtain a construction license or prior notification of works at the city hall before starting any work. Minor works (painting, light installations) can be done with prior notification. Major works need a technical project and 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.