Six Must-Have Guides for Expanding Your Business in Catalonia

27 Nov 2025

Discover six practical guides that help international companies start, grow, hire, relocate talent, understand taxes, and invest successfully in Catalonia.

Expanding into a new market requires clarity, speed, and reliable information. That's exactly why Catalonia Trade & Investment has created a complete set of six downloadable guides, each designed to help international investors, founders, and business leaders make informed decisions when entering or growing in Catalonia.

From company formation and employment law to taxes, incentives, talent relocation, and startup scaling, these guides offer clear, practical insights based on up-to-date regulations and on-the-ground expertise. Whether you're starting a business, relocating key staff, or exploring funding opportunities, you'll find exactly what you need to accelerate your plans in one of Europe's most dynamic business ecosystems.

Below is an overview of the six guides and how each one can help you shape your expansion strategy.

1. How to Start a Business in Catalonia

Catalonia has become one of Southern Europe's most dynamic hubs for entrepreneurship and foreign investment. This guide walks you through the whole process of setting up a company in Catalonia, from choosing a legal structure and securing your company name to obtaining a tax ID (NIF), opening a bank account, and completing final registration.

You'll also get insights into administrative timelines and costs, as well as the advantages that make Catalonia a top location for startups and global companies: strong talent, innovation hubs, and strategic access to European and Mediterranean markets.

Download the guide on how to set up your business in Catalonia.

2. International Mobility in Catalonia

Moving key staff across borders can be complex, but Catalonia's streamlined regulatory framework makes the process efficient and predictable. This guide offers step-by-step explanations of residence permits for highly qualified professionals, work permits, intra-company transfers, entrepreneurial visas, and international postings.

You'll also learn how to obtain a NIE or TIE and how national frameworks like the Entrepreneurs Law and EU Blue Card enable fast-track processing, family grouping, and mobility within the Schengen Area.

Download the guide to international mobility and relocation in Catalonia.

3. Hiring in Catalonia: Employment Contracts & Compliance

Hiring employees in Catalonia means operating in a clear, well-regulated system. This guide breaks down contract types, employer obligations, salary structures, and labor costs, all explained in a straightforward, actionable format.

It also addresses practical questions, including working hours, vacation days, termination rules, payroll requirements, and compliance with local labor regulations. By comparing Catalonia with other European countries, the guide helps companies understand Catalonia's competitive labor landscape.

Download the guide to hiring talent and understanding employment law in Catalonia.

4. Understanding Taxes in Catalonia

A solid fiscal strategy begins with clarity. This guide helps companies understand the full tax framework in Catalonia, including corporate tax, VAT for companies, local taxes, deductions, and incentives for R&D, employment generation, and charitable contributions.

It also explains Spain's double taxation agreements and the ETVE regime, an advanced holding structure designed to attract foreign investors through international income exemptions.

Download the guide to understanding business taxes in Catalonia.

5. Investment Opportunities & Incentives in Catalonia

Catalonia is home to one of Europe's most competitive business ecosystems, attracting companies across life sciences, mobility, green energy, deep tech, and more. This guide provides an overview of high-potential sectors and the full range of incentives available: tax deductions, innovation grants, soft loans, EU-funded programs, and support mechanisms for local and foreign companies.

It also outlines funding routes for new projects, including public-private partnerships and R&D programs that help companies scale with confidence.

Download the guide on incentives, funding, and investment opportunities in Catalonia.

6. How to Expand Your Startup in Catalonia

Catalonia's startup ecosystem is among Europe's most vibrant, and this guide shows founders exactly how to take advantage of it. From early-stage incentives and co-investment schemes to Activa Startups, NEOTEC, tax benefits, and the Start-Up Law, the guide offers a complete overview of the funding and support landscape for entrepreneurs.

You'll also learn how local and international networks help founders accelerate innovation, attract talent, and refine their go-to-market strategies.

Download the guide to expanding your startup in Catalonia.

Ready to explore all your options with one click? Download all six guides and start shaping your business success in Catalonia.

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