Procesli
ES EN

How to open a business in Bilbao (2026)

Verified on:

Cost

Free

Variable according to the 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 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 Bilbao, País Vasco. Business license, declaration of responsibility, administrative procedures and legal requirements in 2026.

Required documents

  • DNI or NIE of the owner

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

  • Tax registration (Modelo 036/037)

    You must be registered as an individual self-employed or have your corporation constituted before opening.

  • Social security registration

    Registration as a self-employed in RETA or workers' registration if you hire employees.

  • Lease agreement or property deed of the premises

    Documentation that proves your right to use the premises where the activity will be conducted.

  • ?

    Technical project (if required by the activity) Optional

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

    ⚠️ Only for classified activities or those requiring works
  • ?

    Urban compatibility certificate Optional

    Confirms that the premises can be used for the activity you wish to develop. Apply at the Bilbao City Council before renting the premises.

    ⚠️ Recommended before signing the lease agreement

0 €
Variable according to the 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 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 purchasing, check with the Bilbao City Council if your desired activity is allowed in the location. This step saves you unnecessary time and costs.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 2

    Register with tax and social security authorities

    Go to official site

    If you are not yet registered as self-employed, do so first. Use Modelo 037 at AEAT and register in RETA via Importass. This step is necessary to process the opening.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If your company or S.A. is already constituted, you only need its CIF and social security registration in AEAT."

  • 3

    Submit declaration of responsibility or license at Bilbao City Council

    Go to official site

    For many commercial activities, a simple declaration of responsibility for opening the business before the Bilbao City Council is sufficient. For higher impact activities (bars, workshops, industries), you need a full activity license. In Euskadi, opening business procedures are processed at the corresponding city council and, if necessary, the Diputación Foral. The SPRI portal centralizes information and forms. Each historical region has its own particularities.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Use the SPRI / Euskadi Enpresa portal to determine what type of procedure applies to your activity before visiting the city council."

  • 4

    Obtain any additional sector-specific authorizations

    Depending on the type of business, you may need additional permits: sanitary (food, catering), environmental (workshops, industries), tourism (lodging), or entertainment (venues with music).

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check the IPYME website for a full list of necessary permits according to your CNAE code."

Offices and service points - Bilbao

Bilbao City Council — Licenses and Activities Office

Ernesto Erkoreka plaza, 12, 48007 Bilbao

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 for immediate opening, with the owner assuming that all legal requirements are met. The municipality can verify this later. A business license requires prior inspection by the municipality and may take months. For most commercial activities, a declaration of responsibility is sufficient.
How much does a business license cost in Bilbao?
The cost of a business license varies according to the Bilbao City Council and type of activity. For harmless activities (offices, small shops), the municipal fee usually ranges between 100€ and 300€. For more 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 conducted from your private residence. In that case, the 'business premises' are your home and, if there is no public customer service, it usually does not require municipal licensing. However, you must register with tax authorities and social security.
What happens if I open without a business license?
Opening without the required license or declaration of responsibility can lead to municipal fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros, as well as seizure of your establishment. City councils have inspectors who conduct periodic controls.
Do I need renovations for my premises?
If your premises require renovations, you must apply for a renovation permit or prior notice of works at the city council before starting any work. Minor works (painting, light installations) are usually processed through a prior notice. Major works require a technical project and a 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.