Relocation
Setting up, step by step
Moving or expanding to the islands is very doable in the right order. We handle the property side and point you to the right partners for the tax, corporate and licensing work — so the four stages below run in sequence, not chaos.
The path to go-live
A relocation to the Canary Islands has four moving parts: the corporate and tax structure, the premises, the licences and the people. They overlap, but the order matters — getting the structure right first keeps the ZEC and REF benefits on the table, and a clear premises brief lets the licensing start without backtracking.
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Plan & tax structure
Decide how you enter the islands. Most companies set up a Canary entity (an SL) or a branch to access the ZEC and the wider REF. Incorporating an SL through a notary typically takes 2 to 4 weeks; ZEC registration needs prior approval from the Consorcio de la ZEC. This step is best done with a tax adviser before anything else moves.
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Premises
We find the unit or land that fits the operation. To search well we need the activity, the floor area you need, the clear height, the power supply (in kW) and your preferred zone and timing. With that brief we shortlist rental units, units to buy or serviced land to build on.
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Licences & fit-out
The town hall issues the activity licence (licencia de actividad); a technical project (proyecto) is required where the use demands it. Processing times range from roughly 1 to 6 months depending on the municipality and the activity. In parallel we handle utility connections and the fit-out of the unit.
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People & go-live
Local hiring, registration with Social Security and the sector collective agreement (convenio colectivo) that sets pay and conditions. Public employment services (SEPE and the Canary service) support recruitment. Then the practical steps to start operating.
How long does it take end to end?
Every project differs, but the indicative phases below give a realistic picture. Treat the ranges as orientation, not a commitment — municipal processing times and the activity itself drive the real schedule.
- Incorporate a Canary company (SL)
- 2–4 weeks via a notary
- ZEC registration approval
- up to a few months, via the Consorcio de la ZEC
- Activity licence (licencia de actividad)
- 1–6 months, by municipality
- Fit-out and utility connections
- runs in parallel with licensing
Where you land on premises shapes the timeline: a ready rental unit goes live fastest, buying adds conveyancing, and building on land is the longest route but lets you spec the facility. The ZEC guide explains the tax side that step 1 turns on.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to set up a company in the Canary Islands?
- Incorporating a Canary company (SL) through a notary typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. ZEC registration approval can add a few months.
- Can I operate as a branch of my foreign company?
- Yes. A branch (sucursal) is one option. A new Canary entity is more common where you want full ZEC benefits, so weigh both with an adviser.
- Do I need a local company to access ZEC benefits?
- You need an entity incorporated in Spain, registered in the ZEC, with management in the islands. Ownership can be foreign; nationality is not a barrier.
- Do I need a Spanish tax number to start?
- Yes. Foreign directors and the company need Spanish tax numbers (NIE for individuals, CIF for the entity) before signing contracts or leases.
Timelines are indicative and the tax and corporate setup should be confirmed with a qualified adviser; this is general guidance. Last reviewed: June 2026.