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How to Open a Business in Alcalá De Henares (2026)

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Cost

Free

Tax and Social Security registration: free. Business license municipal fee: varies from 100 € to several thousand depending on the municipality and type of activity.

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 premises in Alcalá De Henares. Business license, tax registration and municipal procedures. Updated step-by-step process as of 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Of the proprietor or founding partners.

  • Tax registration (model 036 or 037)

    Notify the beginning of activity to AEAT using model 036 (full) or 037 (simplified for self-employed with no intra-Community operations).

  • ?

    RET registration (if self-employed) Optional

    Register in the Self-Employed Special Regime of Social Security.

    ⚠️ For individual self-employed persons
  • Business license or responsible declaration

    Municipal authorization to operate in the premises.

  • Lease agreement or property deed

    Proof of use of the premises where the business operates.

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Tax and Social Security registration: free. Business license municipal fee: varies from 100 € to several thousand depending on the municipality and type of activity. €0.00
€0.00
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: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Choose Legal Form and Activity Epigraph

    Go to official site

    Decide if you operate as an individual self-employed person (individual) or as a company (SL, SA). The IAE epigraph determines the specific taxes and requirements for your activity.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For a simple start-up, the most straightforward and economical option is to be an individual self-employed person. A limited liability company offers more asset protection but requires more management."

  • 2

    Tax Registration — Model 036 or 037

    Go to official site

    Notify the start of activity to AEAT using model 036 (full) or 037 (simplified for self-employed with no intra-Community operations). You can do this online through the AEAT website.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 3

    RET Registration (if self-employed)

    Go to official site

    Within 30 days of tax registration, register in the RET system through the Social Security's electronic portal.

    !

    Expert tip

    "As of 2026, the minimum self-employed contribution rate starts at €225/month for low-income individuals (net income system). If you expect to earn little, declare low real incomes and pay less."

  • 4

    Apply for Business License with City Hall

    Submit a business license or responsible declaration application at the Alcalá De Henares City Hall. Harmless activities (offices, minor retail commerce) usually get immediate approval through a responsible declaration.

    !

    Expert tip

    "First consult with the city hall to determine if your activity requires prior licensing or can be handled with a responsible declaration — it may save you weeks of waiting."

Offices and service points - Alcala De Henares

Alcalá de Henares City Hall — Urbanism / Licenses Department

Check the exact address on the Alcalá de Henares City Hall website

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

Frequently asked questions

What is CIRCE and what does it do?
CIRCE (Centre of Information and Network for the Creation of Enterprises) is the government's system for processing enterprise creation online. It allows you to complete all incorporation procedures of a new limited liability company in one point, simultaneously.
Do I need an opening permit to open a business?
It depends on your activity type. Harmless activities (offices, retail, hairdressing) generally require only a responsible declaration and prior notification, allowing you to start operating immediately. Activities with greater impact (bars, workshops, nightclubs) may require a prior license that can take months.
How much does it cost to become self-employed?
Tax registration and RET registration are free. The monthly contribution for 2026 starts at €225 for low-income individuals up to €500 for high-income earners. There are reduced rates 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.