Requirements for buying commercial premises in Spain (2025)

How to Buy a Commercial Space Step by Step

First, you need to search for, locate, and purchase the right commercial space. This is the foundation for building your business. Here are the basic steps to do so:

• Define your objective: before starting the search, consider whether you will use the premises for your own business or if you are looking to obtain profitability from it, either through rental or sale.
• Search for the right premises: assess aspects such as location, square footage, visibility, access, and the general condition of the property. Seek professional advice if you need to calculate these data accurately for your company.
• Request registry information: check that the premises are free of charges, mortgages, or liens. This can be verified at the Land Registry.
• Signing of the deposit agreement (contrato de arras): this is a prior document that secures the intention to purchase and sets conditions such as price, deadlines, and penalties.
• Signing before a notary: the sale is formalized with the public deed and the payment of corresponding taxes.
• Registration in the Land Registry: once the contract is signed, the new owner must register the premises in their name.

Legal requirements for buying commercial premises

Based on current legislation, the requirements for buying commercial premises in Spain include the following:

• Identification of the buyer: with a valid DNI or NIE if you are an individual; deed of incorporation and CIF if you are acting as a company.
• Energy certificate: currently, this is a document that the seller must provide as a mandatory requirement.
• Deeds and land registry report: these serve to verify the ownership of the property and that it is free of charges.
• Activity license (subsequent): if you are going to open a business in the premises, you will need the corresponding municipal license, which will differ according to the type of activity.
• Payment of taxes: generally ITP (Property Transfer Tax) or VAT if the seller is a company.

What to consider before buying commercial premises

Beyond the legal aspects, when buying commercial premises, it is worth considering other factors such as the following:

• Expected profitability: if the purchase of the premises has a subsequent economic profitability goal, it is important to analyze prices in the area and potential opportunities.
• Necessary renovations: evaluate the costs of adapting the commercial premises for its intended use.
• Regulations: consult with the city council to see if there are limitations on the use of the premises and other regulations that must be met, such as the requirement for smoke vents if a hospitality business is to be set up, accessibility requirements, etc.
• Community and maintenance expenses: these represent a negative factor for profitability, so it is advisable to consider them from the start.

Frequently asked questions (faqs)

In practice, buying a premises involves many more aspects to consider. At Realia, we accompany you throughout the entire process and resolve any queries you may have regarding these operations. From experience, these are the most common questions raised by buyers:

What is needed to buy commercial premises?

Broadly speaking, you will need an identity document, justified means of payment, to sign the deed before a notary, and to complete the registration in the Land Registry.

How much tax is paid when buying a premises?

This investment depends on several factors. If it is a first transfer and the seller is a company, VAT (21%) and AJD (Stamp Duty) are paid. If it is a second or subsequent transfer between individuals, ITP is paid (between 6% and 10%, depending on the autonomous community).

What licenses are needed to use a premises as a store?

Among the procedures for buying a premises, you should also consider the activity license that you must obtain, as well as, in some cases, an opening or building license, depending on the adaptation the property requires.

Can I buy a premises as an individual or do I need to do it as a company?

You can buy as an individual without any problem. The legal entity is only relevant if you are going to carry out a business activity from the premises.

Are you looking for commercial premises for sale or rent?

At Realia, we have commercial premises for sale available in major cities. Boost your business with the best premises in Madrid and Barcelona, with different surface areas, types of installations, and always in strategic locations to increase the visibility of your company or brand.

Additionally, you will also find commercial premises for rent, located in some of the busiest shopping centers in the country.