Why open a US LLC from Spain?
Spain has a well-established entrepreneurial ecosystem, but local corporate structures such as the Sociedad Limitada (SL) come with significant barriers to entry: a minimum capital of €3,000, notary fees, and red tape that can drag on for weeks. By contrast, a US LLC can be formed in days and with no minimum capital.
But the main reason Spanish entrepreneurs open an LLC goes beyond simplicity: it's expansion into English-speaking markets. If your business model is digital (software development, marketing, design, consulting, e-commerce), having an American company opens doors that stay closed with a Spanish SL.
✓ Invoice in dollars to clients in the US, UK, Canada and Australia
✓ Access to Stripe Atlas, AWS Credits and programs for American startups
✓ International corporate image and credibility with investors
✓ US bank account without the restrictions of European banks
✓ Protection of your personal assets through limited liability
LLC vs SL: What are the key differences?
| Feature | LLC (USA) | SL (Spain) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | No minimum | €3,000 (reduced to €1 with an SL-S) |
| Formation time | 1–5 business days | 2–6 weeks with a notary |
| Formation cost | From $50 USD in state fees | €500–2,000 (notary + registry) |
| Physical presence required | No | No (with a notarized power of attorney) |
| Annual report to the state | Optional depending on the state | Mandatory filing of annual accounts |
| Best suited for | International / US market | Spain / Europe |
The LLC doesn't replace the SL if your activity is mainly in Spain and you invoice Spanish clients with VAT (IVA). In that case, the SL remains the right structure. But if you have international clients or want to scale globally, the LLC is an essential strategic complement.
Required documents for Spanish residents
Forming an LLC from Spain is a fully remote process. The documents you need are:
- Valid passport: this is your main identification document before the state. It must be current.
- NIE (Foreigner Identification Number): it isn't required to form the LLC, but some banks or platforms may ask for it for additional verification.
- Spanish DNI: valid as supporting documentation in some banking processes.
- Mailing address in Spain: for corporate records. The US registered agent (included in your Start Companies plan) covers the official address in the US.
- Email and phone number: for verification on banking and payment platforms.
The NIE is not required to form the LLC or to obtain the EIN. It may only be requested in specific cases by some European banking platforms to prove Spanish tax residency.
Bank account and payments from Spain
Once your LLC is formed and you have your EIN, the next step is opening a bank account in the United States. The best options for Spanish entrepreneurs are:
Mercury Bank
The number one choice. Designed for startups and digital businesses, Mercury offers a USD account with no fees, virtual and physical debit/credit cards, an API for integrations, and excellent support. Remote approval with LLC + EIN + passport.
Relay Bank
Ideal for managing multiple projects or clients from the same company. It allows up to 20 sub-accounts and is free on its basic plan.
Wise Business
If you already use Wise personally, Wise Business is an alternative for receiving payments in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) with optimized conversion. It isn't a traditional bank, but it's excellent for international transactions.
Do I have to register as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain if I have a US LLC?
It depends on how you structure your activity. If the LLC bills clients and you receive a distribution of profits, you may not need to be registered as self-employed in Spain for that activity. However, Spanish regulations are complex and vary depending on whether you are considered to carry out an economic activity habitually in Spain. Consult a Spanish tax advisor.
Do I need to speak English to run the LLC?
No. Start Companies handles all the paperwork in Spanish. Once it's up and running, most platforms (Mercury, Stripe, etc.) have Spanish-language interfaces.
Can I have partners in Spain and the US at the same time?
Yes. An LLC can have members (partners) from any country, with no residency restrictions.
What happens if I don't report my LLC in Spain?
If you hold assets abroad worth more than €50,000, you are required to file Modelo 720. Failing to do so carries severe penalties. Always act with tax transparency.
Empezá hoy
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Written by
Ignacio Navarro
Ignacio Navarro is a Certified Public Accountant, founder of Start Companies and a specialist in U.S. companies for entrepreneurs, freelancers and digital businesses in Latin America. With training in international taxation and studies at UCEMA, he advises non-resident clients on forming and maintaining LLCs, opening bank accounts, invoicing, accounting and taxes. His experience combines tax strategy, compliance and practical vision for operating in the U.S. in a simple, organized and professional way.
