What Documents Do You Need to Open a Cafe in Spain?

Spain's licensing process for food and beverage businesses is thorough, and missing a document can delay your opening by weeks or months. Here's a breakdown of the paperwork you'll typically need to open a cafe.

1. NIE or NIF (Tax Identification Number)

Foreigners need a Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) to do almost anything official in Spain, including opening a business. Spanish nationals use their NIF. This is the first document you'll need before anything else can move forward.

2. Business Registration Documents

If you're registering as an autónomo, this means a 'Declaración de Alta' with the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) and Social Security registration. If you're forming a Sociedad Limitada, you'll need the company's incorporation deed (escritura), tax ID (CIF), and registration in the Mercantile Registry.

3. Municipal Opening License (Licencia de Apertura)

This is issued by your local town hall (ayuntamiento) and confirms your premises is approved for use as a food and beverage business. It usually requires a technical project report from an architect or engineer confirming the space meets safety and accessibility standards.

4. Food Handling and Health Permits

Anyone handling food in your cafe needs a food hygiene certificate (carnet de manipulador de alimentos). Your premises will also need to comply with health and sanitation regulations, which local health inspectors will check before and after opening.

5. Fire Safety Certificate

Depending on the size of your premises, you may need a fire safety inspection and certificate confirming that exits, extinguishers, and other safety measures meet local requirements.

6. Civil Liability Insurance

Most municipalities require proof of liability insurance before granting an opening license. This protects you if a customer or third party is injured on your premises.

7. Terrace Permit (If Applicable)

If you plan to place tables outside, you'll need a separate terrace permit (licencia de terraza) from your local council, which often comes with its own rules on table count, hours, and noise.

8. Employment Contracts and Social Security Registration

Once you hire staff, each employee must be registered with Social Security before their first day, and contracts must follow Spain's hospitality sector labor agreements.

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Final Thoughts

Working with a local gestor (administrative agent) is common practice in Spain and can save significant time navigating this paperwork. Many cafe owners say the licensing process took longer than building out the space itself, so it's worth starting early.