Spain Plus More

A Guide to owning a business in Costa del Sol & Almeria

Costa Del Sol and Almeria are probably the easiest European holiday areas for buying and running a business of your own, whether you have experience or not. We have many years experience in Spanish business sales and we are here to guide you through the whole process.

We offer a personal and on going service which extends long after you have settled into your new lifestyle, we will always be on hand to help and assist. Currently we have more than 400 businesses in our portfolio and this is expanding daily ranging from small, budget bars to hotels, nightclubs, offices and shops. We offer businesses from Marbella to Malaga and the whole of Costa Almeria and can proudly boast one of the widest selections on the coast. We also have a residential department to help you with rental accommodation or a home purchase. In this brief guide, we hope to answer your immediate questions. If however there is anything else you wish to know, do not hesitate to contact us.

Unless stated otherwise in our publicity, all businesses are sold leasehold. This means that once you have purchased the lease, there will be a monthly rental applicable. You will pay rent all the time you are the leaseholder. You can of course, at any time, sell the lease. If you purchase the freehold of a business, it is the same as buying a house in your own country. You will own the bricks and mortar.

Businesses in Spain are sold in euros. If prices are quoted in Sterling it is a guide only and are subject to fluctuation, depending on exchange rates any Sterling deposits are calculated at the rate of exchange on the day of transferring the business. In some cases the seller wants to be paid in Sterling in this case we negotiate an exact price for you. You will also be liable for any bank charges incurred in exchanging your currency. These however are minimal.

A lawyer will be used to prepare the new lease and check the business, its permits and a debt free check, on your behalf, before you part with your money. You should allow approx 1500 euros per couple for this service which will include the transfer of the lease, registration on the Spanish National Health Service, registration with the Hacienda, (Tax Dept), transfer of all services such as electric-water-phone to your name and, most important, obtaining your NIE a legal requirement before you can operate a business.

All businesses in Spain require a licence to open. This will have been granted or applied for already and your lawyer will check this for you. You personally, do not need a licence to run a business in Spain. As a foreigner, you will however, need a National Insurance number (NIE) this application is done on your behalf and is nothing for you to be concerned about.

Everyone asks this question and the answer is no, not necessarily. Throughout the Costas there is a huge English speaking community. All your suppliers will speak English and if you do get stuck, there will always be someone to help you out. However, you will find it useful and enjoyable to learn basic Spanish and there are ample courses available at reasonable costs plus one to one tuition.

Tell us what kind of business you are looking to purchase and we will endeavour to find the right one for you.