If you're thinking about starting a business on the Costa Blanca, the first thing you should know is that it’s an amazing place for entrepreneurship. With tourism, great weather, and a mix of cultures, the opportunities are endless. But of course, like anywhere else, there are certain steps you need to follow to make sure everything is in order. Business licenses are one of those topics that might seem a bit boring (and sometimes they are, we won’t lie to you), but without them, you can’t get started. So, where do we begin?

In this post, we’ll go over the entire process, the licenses you need, the mistakes to avoid, and, of course, how we can help you save time. I assure you that with a bit of organization, you can have everything ready and start generating income as soon as possible.

The most common types of business licenses

Let’s get straight to the point. Depending on the type of business you want to open, you’ll need one or more licenses. Here are the most common ones and what you need to know about them.

• Opening license: This is the basic one that everyone needs. It’s the permit that authorizes you to open your business to the public. To obtain it, the local council must verify that your premises comply with all safety, accessibility, and health regulations, among others. If you don’t have this license, forget about opening. So, it should be the first thing you take care of.
• Activity license: Now, if your business could have any kind of environmental impact (such as noise, smoke, or waste), this license is mandatory. Think about bars, restaurants, workshops... They all need to go through this process, where the local council will assess whether your activity is compatible with the area and if you comply with environmental regulations.
• Health permits: If you’re going to work with food or any health-related services (restaurants, clinics, etc.), this permit is essential. Basically, it certifies that your business meets the necessary hygiene standards.
• Public space occupancy permit: This is one that many people forget about. If you plan to place tables on a terrace or any structure on the street, you’ll need this permit. It’s very common for restaurants and bars, so make sure to apply for it in advance.

The license application process

Alright, now you know which licenses you need. Now comes the real task: the application process. I’ll be honest, it can be a bit tedious, but if you follow the right steps and get help, it’s not that bad. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.

1. Gather all the documentation: This is the first step and probably the most time-consuming. Depending on your type of business, you’ll need to submit floor plans, a technical project, safety and accessibility certificates... Basically, a long but essential list. If you don’t have everything in order, you won’t even be able to submit the application.
2. Submit the application to the local council: Once you have all the documents, it’s time to go to the local council. They will review everything and assign you a case number. From this point, the waiting period begins.
3. Inspection of the premises: In many cases, after submitting the application, a council technician will visit the premises for an inspection. This step is crucial because if something is missing (like a proper ventilation system in a restaurant, for example), they may ask you to make adjustments before approving the license.
4. Waiting time: This is where many people get frustrated. The waiting time can vary greatly depending on the type of license and the administrative workload at the council. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Patience is key. The best approach is to plan ahead and not leave everything until the last minute.
5. Obtaining the license: The big moment! Once everything is approved, you’ll receive your license and can start operating. And believe me, having that document in hand is a huge relief.

Specific requirements depending on the type of business

Not all businesses are the same, and neither are the requirements. Depending on the activity you plan to carry out, you’ll need to comply with certain regulations. Here are some examples to give you an idea:

• Restaurants and bars: Ventilation systems are crucial here. If you don’t have a proper extraction system, forget about cooking. Additionally, health permits are mandatory to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety regulations.
• Retail stores: If you have a clothing store, shoe shop, or similar, the opening license is usually enough. However, pay attention to the security and accessibility of the premises. Everything must be up to code.
• Clinics or health centers: For these businesses, in addition to the standard licenses, you’ll need to comply with very specific health sector regulations. Make sure you understand all the details before getting started.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

It’s very common to make mistakes when applying for business licenses. The good news is that they’re all avoidable. Here are the most common ones:

• Lack of documentation: Submitting an incomplete application is a mistake that will delay the entire process. Make sure you have everything required before going to the local council.
• Not adapting the premises to regulations: Imagine renting a place for a restaurant and later realizing it doesn’t have a proper ventilation system. A disaster! Always check that the premises meet your activity’s requirements before signing any contract.
• Forgetting additional permits: Some businesses require permits that aren’t obvious from the start, such as a public space occupancy permit for terraces. Always ask if there are any additional permits you might need.

How Business in Spain can help you

And this is where we come in. We know this whole process can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time dealing with it. At Business in Spain, we not only help you identify which licenses you need, but we also guide you through the entire process, from gathering documents to submitting and tracking your application.

Additionally, we have a team of professionals (architects, lawyers, engineers) who make everything much easier. Our goal is for you to focus on what really matters: your business, while we take care of the bureaucracy.

Do you have any questions? Want to know more about how we can help? Check out our services here, and you’ll see how we can make the entire process much smoother.

We know that obtaining business licenses may seem complicated, but with a bit of organization and, of course, the right help, it’s much easier than it seems. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more information or just want some extra support. We’re here to help you make your project a reality on the Costa Blanca. Let’s go for it!