What it costs to set up an SL depends mainly on the route: through CIRCE, with standard articles, notary and Registry fees are set; through the traditional route, with custom articles, they aren’t. Some of the higher figures you’ll see come from adding the share capital, which isn’t an expense, or a law firm’s fees.
Through CIRCE, with standard articles
This is the most common and cheapest route. Notary and Registry fees depend on the capital:
| Item | Up to €3,100 of capital | Over €3,100 of capital |
|---|---|---|
| Notary | €60 + VAT | €150 + VAT |
| Commercial Registry | €40 + VAT | €100 + VAT |
| Name certificate | A small amount, set by the Central Commercial Registry | Same |
| Accountant | Depends on who handles it | Depends on who handles it |
To file through CIRCE, a partner must top up €121 in the Virtual Wallet. This isn’t an extra expense: the Registry fee is deducted from it and what’s left can be recovered. You do have to pay it up front, though.
An example with our prices
An SL through CIRCE, with standard articles and €3,000 of capital, set up with us:
| Excluding VAT | Including VAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Our service, with the name included | €175 | €211.75 |
| Notary | €60 | €72.60 |
| Commercial Registry | €40 | €48.40 |
| Total expenses | €275 | €332.75 |
On top of that is the €3,000 of capital, which remains your company’s money.
Through the traditional route, with custom articles
This makes sense if you need something standard articles don’t allow, such as a board of directors or specific clauses between partners. Those reduced fees don’t apply here, and the cost depends on each case:
| Item | Rough guide |
|---|---|
| Notary and Registry | Around €200 to €350 in total, based on figures published by accounting firms |
| Drafting the articles and legal advice | Depends on the firm. With a lawyer, some comparisons mention €500 to €2,000 in total |
| Name certificate | A small amount, set by the Central Commercial Registry |
These are commercial figures, not official ones, so treat them as a guide and always ask for a quote. We explain when each route is worthwhile in CIRCE or the traditional route.
What to ask when requesting a quote
Few firms publish their price, which makes comparing hard. Ask whether it includes the name certificate, preparing the documents and the notary appointment, and whether the amounts include VAT.
What isn’t a cost
You can start with as little as €1, and the share capital remains the company’s money. Below €3,000 it comes with two conditions, which we explain in minimum capital for an SL.
What comes after setting it up
The cost of an SL doesn’t end at registration. Also bear in mind:
- Monthly accounting, because a company has accounting and tax obligations from day one. Our SL plans start at €100 + VAT a month.
- The director’s self-employed contribution, if it applies to you. We explain it in company self-employed or general RETA.
- Annual accounts and legalising the books, once a year.
Want a fixed price?
We set up your SL in under a week, with a clear price from the start. If you hire our accounting service, you get 25% off the first fee of the Equipo plan and 50% off the first fee of the Expansión plan.