15+ years · Madrid · Luxembourg · All of Europe

Your tax & financial partner across Europe.

Tax, corporate, and financial consulting for companies and groups operating in Spain, France, Luxembourg, and all of Europe. The advice that top firms give their best clients, with the direct partner access only a boutique can guarantee.

Tax Strategy
Corporate tax, VAT, Beckham Law
European Reach
Spain, Luxembourg, France, EU
Financial Advisory
External CFO, due diligence, ERP
Legal Compliance
Company law, restructuring, defense
SpainFranceLuxembourgBelgiumNetherlandsGermanyIrelandPortugalItalyColombia
What We Do Best

Four areas where we make the difference

Complex operations made simple. Senior partner involvement from day one.

Structures
HOLDINGOpCo 1OpCo 2OpCo 3TAXFREEDividend exemption · Asset protection

Holdings & Corporate Groups

Tax-optimized group architecture across Europe. Dividend exemption, ETVE, Luxembourg SOPARFI.

95%
95% dividend exemption
10+
10+ jurisdictions
Learn more
Setup
SL48h express · NIF · Notary · Registry

Company Formation in Spain

Express SL setup in 48h. Full legal & tax support from day one.

48h
48h express setup
€3,000
€3,000 min. capital SL
Learn more
Optimization
BeforeAfter↑ EFF-TAXMergers · Spin-offs · Group simplification

Company Restructuring

Tax-neutral mergers, spin-offs, and reorganizations under Art. 76 LIS.

Art. 76
Art. 76 LIS tax neutral
E2E
End-to-end process
Learn more
Advisory
IS · IVATAXLAWCompliance · Defense · Planning

Tax & Company Law

AEAT defense, corporate law, shareholders' agreements, and compliance.

25%
25% corporate tax
24h
24h response time
Learn more
15+
Years of Experience
Since 2011
10
Jurisdictions
Across Europe & LATAM
4
Languages
ES · EN · FR · NL
500+
Operations
Cross-border transactions
16
Specialized Services
Fiscal & Financial
Our Services

Two areas, one total partner

Our Fiscal & Corporate area handles complex operations and structures. Our Financial area provides continuous monitoring, CFO services, and due diligence. Together, they make Aelea your complete financial partner in Europe.

International Tax Advisory

Transfer pricing, double tax treaties, BEPS, PE, DAC6, ATAD. Spain, France, Luxembourg & all of Europe.

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Holdings & Corporate Structures

Group design, ETVE, Luxembourg SARL-S, French SAS. Tax-optimized corporate architecture.

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M&A, Mergers & Acquisitions

Tax & legal due diligence, SPA review, tax indemnities, post-closing integration, carve-outs.

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Tax Defense & Litigation

AEAT & DIAN inspections, TEAC appeals, historical regularization, disclosure models. Full defense.

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International Mobility

Beckham Law, tax residency transfers, France-Luxembourg cross-border workers, exit tax, EU Reg. 883/2004.

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Corporate Law

Shareholders' agreements, cross-border JVs, corporate governance, capital increases/reductions, exits.

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Pre-Insolvency & Restructuring

Law 16/2022, restructuring plans, creditor negotiations, technical support for liquidators.

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Cross-Border Operations

Structuring transactions across European jurisdictions. Spain, France, Luxembourg, Benelux, DACH.

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The Difference

Without Aelea vs. With Aelea

Real situations that CFOs, financial directors, and European business owners face every day.

Without Aelea

Holding structure designed without tax analysis — unmanaged double taxation risk.

With Aelea

Optimized group architecture across jurisdictions. Every entity has a tax-efficient purpose.

Without Aelea

Tax inspection without a specialized advisor — unnecessary penalties and wasted time.

With Aelea

Full defense before AEAT. Appeals, regularization, and resolution by specialists who know the system inside out.

Without Aelea

M&A deal without financial due diligence — post-closing surprises that destroy value.

With Aelea

Integrated financial, tax, and legal due diligence. One firm, one vision. No blind spots.

Without Aelea

Tax residency change poorly executed — dual residency conflict between two countries.

With Aelea

Beckham Law, exit tax, cross-border workers — every move planned and documented.

Without Aelea

European subsidiaries without financial monitoring — the board doesn't know what's happening in each country.

With Aelea

Monthly executive reports, consolidated KPIs, and early warnings across all jurisdictions.

Without Aelea

Company in distress without pre-insolvency advice — avoidable bankruptcy proceedings.

With Aelea

Restructuring plans under Law 16/2022, creditor negotiation, and technical support for a controlled resolution.

Our Methodology

Four steps to clarity

Every engagement follows a structured process that ensures precision, accountability, and measurable results for your business.

01

Diagnosis

Deep analysis of your tax, corporate, and financial situation. We identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities across every jurisdiction where you operate.

02

Strategy

Custom action plan design — structures, jurisdictions, execution timeline, and projected tax and financial impact tailored to your group.

03

Execution

Implementation with legal and tax support in each country. Coordination with trusted local advisors across all of Europe.

04

Monitoring

Continuous review of your structure and numbers. Periodic executive reports. Adaptation to regulatory changes or business shifts.

European Coverage

10 jurisdictions, one firm

We don't just advise from Spain. We operate across Europe with real presence, local knowledge, and trusted networks in every jurisdiction.

🇪🇸

Spain

SL, SA, ETVE

Domestic market. ETVE regime, Beckham Law, AEAT defense, pre-insolvency.

🇫🇷

France

SAS, SARL

SAS structures, FR-LUX treaty, PFU flat tax, cross-border workers, URSSAF.

🇱🇺

Luxembourg

SARL-S, SOPARFI

European hub. Pillar 2, WHT on dividends, CSSF compliance, holding structures.

🇧🇪

Belgium

SRL

Benelux hub. PE risk management, cross-border taxation, Benelux coordination.

🇳🇱

Netherlands

BV

BV holding structures, APA rulings, logistics and financial hub.

🇩🇪

Germany

GmbH

Europe's largest market. Betriebsstätte risk, GmbH structures.

🇮🇪

Ireland

Ltd

Tech & financial hub. 12.5% corporate tax, IP box regime.

🇵🇹

Portugal

Lda

NHR/IFICI regime, international talent attraction, Iberian synergies.

🇮🇹

Italy

SRL

Southern European operations, Italian-Spanish cross-border structures.

🇨🇴

Colombia

LATAM

DIAN, Art. 402, withholding agent, Spanish investment in Latin America.

Offices in Madrid and Malaga · Operations across all of Europe
Corporate Structuring

The holding structure: protect, optimize, grow

A well-designed holding structure separates risk from wealth, optimizes tax flows between group companies, and facilitates succession. Here is a typical FEAC structure we implement for our clients.

Shareholders / Family
The García Family
Natural persons
100% ownership
FEAC / Holding Company
García Inversiones SL
Patrimonial holding — manages assets, IP, treasury
Real Estate
IP & Brands
Treasury
100%Dividends ↑ 95% exempt
100%Dividends ↑ 95% exempt
80%Dividends ↑ 95% exempt
Operating Company
García Tech SL
Software development
Revenue: €1.2M
Operating Company
García Import SL
Import & distribution
Revenue: €800K
Activity Company
García Real Estate SL
Property management
Assets: €2.5M
Shareholders (natural persons)
FEAC / Holding (patrimonial)
Operating companies (activity)

Asset Protection

Separate operating risks from family wealth. If the operating company faces litigation, the holding's assets remain protected.

Tax Efficiency

Dividends between group companies can be 95% exempt under the participation exemption. Reinvest profits without immediate tax leakage.

Succession Planning

Transfer shares of the holding instead of individual assets. Benefit from the 95% reduction in inheritance tax for family businesses.

Centralized Management

Consolidate treasury, IP, real estate, and management services in the holding. Simplify group-wide decision making.

Real Case Study

How we transformed a €2M company

A real case (anonymized) of a technology company with €2M revenue, 12 employees, and a French parent company. Real activity, real problems, real solutions.

Client Profile

Industry
Technology / SaaS
B2B software
Annual Revenue
€2,000,000
Growing 25% YoY
Employees
12 people
Madrid office
Structure
Spanish SL
French parent (100%)

Problems Found at Diagnosis

No transfer pricing documentation
€45K in missed tax deductions
2 misclassified contractors (false autónomos)
€28K in unclaimed VAT credits
No monthly financial reporting
Annual accounts filed 4 months late
DiagnosisWeek 1–2

Full fiscal & financial audit

Reviewed 3 years of corporate tax filings — found €45K in missed deductions
Identified transfer pricing exposure with French parent (no documentation)
Social Security audit revealed 2 misclassified contractors
VAT recovery of €28K from unclaimed input credits
RestructuringMonth 1–2

Corporate & tax optimization

Created holding structure: Iberia Holdings SL (FEAC) + Iberia Tech SL (operative)
Transferred IP and brand to holding — royalty scheme at arm's length
Regularized contractor relationships — converted 2 to employment contracts
Prepared transfer pricing documentation for AEAT compliance
ImplementationMonth 2–4

Systems & processes

Migrated from Excel to Holded — automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, VAT
Implemented monthly financial reporting dashboard for CEO
Set up payroll for 12 employees with proper IRPF calculations
Established quarterly board reporting package
OngoingMonthly

External CFO & compliance

Monthly closings by day 10 — P&L, balance sheet, cash flow
Quarterly tax filings: VAT (303), withholdings (111), payments on account (202)
Annual corporate tax, annual accounts, Registro Mercantil filing
Monthly CFO call with CEO — KPIs, cash forecast, strategic advice

Results After 12 Months

Tax Savings
€73,000
Recovered deductions + VAT credits + optimized structure
Risk Eliminated
100%
Full compliance: transfer pricing, SS, annual accounts
Time Saved
20h/month
CEO freed from admin — focused on growth
Financial Visibility
Real-time
Monthly P&L by day 10, cash flow forecast, KPI dashboard

This could be your company. Every diagnosis starts with a conversation.

Get Your Free Diagnosis
Risk Assessment

Your company's risk map

Every company operating in Spain faces regulatory risks. Without proper advisory, these risks accumulate silently until an inspection triggers severe consequences. This is a typical risk map we build for our clients during the initial diagnosis.

Transfer Pricing
HighCritical

No documentation for intercompany transactions

€1,000–€20,000 per data set + tax adjustment
VAT Compliance
HighHigh

Late or incorrect VAT filings (Modelo 303)

5–20% surcharge + 3.75% late interest
Permanent Establishment
MediumCritical

Unregistered PE in Spain for foreign company

50–150% of unpaid tax + criminal liability
Beneficial Ownership
MediumHigh

No UBO register filing (Modelo 036/Titularidad Real)

€60,000–€1,000,000 (AML violations)
Annual Accounts
HighMedium

Failure to file annual accounts at Registro Mercantil

€1,200–€60,000 per year
Foreign Assets
MediumCritical

Not declaring foreign assets (Modelo 720)

€5,000 per data item (min €10,000)
Social Security
HighHigh

Misclassifying employees as freelancers

€3,126–€10,000 per worker + back-contributions
Corporate Tax
MediumHigh

Aggressive deductions without substance

50–150% of unpaid tax
4 of 8
High Probability Risks
3 of 8
Critical Impact Areas
8 of 8
Risks Mitigated with Aelea

Don't wait for an inspection to discover your risks. Get your free risk diagnosis today.

Request Risk Assessment
Sanctions & Consequences

What happens when you don't comply

Spain's tax authority (AEAT) is one of the most aggressive in Europe. Non-compliance doesn't just mean fines— it can mean prison, asset seizure, and the end of your business. These are real penalties under Spanish law.

1.8M
tax inspection actions by AEAT
Source: AEAT 2024
€17.4B
collected from inspections & fraud
Source: AEAT 2024
42%
of SMEs inspected had irregularities
Source: AEAT 2024
3,200+
criminal complaints filed by AEAT
Source: AEAT 2024

Tax Fraud (Delito Fiscal)

criminal

Defrauded amount > €120,000

Penalty
1–5 years in prison

Fine of up to 6x the defrauded amount. Criminal record. Directors personally liable.

Very Serious Tax Infraction

very serious

Using fraudulent means, concealment > €3,000

Penalty
100–150% of unpaid tax

Public listing on AEAT's debtors list if debt > €600K. Loss of public contracts for 3 years.

Serious Tax Infraction

serious

Unpaid tax €3,000+ or >50% of correct amount

Penalty
50–100% of unpaid tax

Automatic interest at 3.75%. Prohibition from obtaining subsidies. Potential embargo of assets.

Minor Tax Infraction

minor

Unpaid tax < €3,000 and <50% of correct amount

Penalty
50% of unpaid tax

Late payment surcharges: 5% (3 months), 10% (6 months), 15% (12 months), 20% (>12 months).

Social Security Fraud

criminal

Unpaid contributions > €50,000

Penalty
1–6 years in prison

Directors personally liable. Company banned from public tenders. Back-payment of all contributions + 20% surcharge.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

very serious

Failure to comply with UBO/KYC obligations

Penalty
€60,000–€1,000,000

Frozen bank accounts. Mandatory SAR filing. Potential criminal investigation. Public reprimand.

Directors are personally liable

Under Spanish law (Art. 43 LGT), company directors can be held personally liable for tax debts if they fail to exercise due diligence. This includes personal asset seizure, travel restrictions, and criminal prosecution. Ignorance is not a defense.

Prevention costs a fraction of the penalty

A proper compliance framework with Aelea Consulting costs less than a single minor infraction fine. We monitor, file, and defend — so you never face these consequences.

Protect Your Company Now
Special Tax Regime

The Beckham Law: 24% flat tax in Spain

Spain's "Ley Beckham" (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados, Art. 93 LIRPF) allows new tax residents to pay a flat 24% income tax rate instead of the progressive scale up to 47%. Originally designed for football players, it's now available to executives, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.

Key Benefits

Flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income (vs. up to 47% standard)
Foreign-source income generally exempt from Spanish tax
No wealth tax on foreign assets
No obligation to declare foreign assets (Modelo 720)
Applies for 6 tax years (year of arrival + 5 following years)
Available to employees, directors, and entrepreneurs since 2023 reform

Requirements

1
Not been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years
2
Move to Spain due to an employment contract, company directorship, or entrepreneurial activity
3
Register as a tax resident in Spain
4
Apply within 6 months of registration with Social Security or start of activity
2023 Reform

The 2023 Startups Law expanded eligibility to entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, and digital nomads. Directors with >25% ownership can now also qualify.

How much can you save?

€60,000/year
Standard
€15,600 (26%)
Beckham Law
€14,400 (24%)
Save €1,200/year
€100,000/year
Standard
€30,200 (30.2%)
Beckham Law
€24,000 (24%)
Save €6,200/year
€150,000/year
Standard
€52,600 (35.1%)
Beckham Law
€36,000 (24%)
Save €16,600/year
€250,000/year
Standard
€99,600 (39.8%)
Beckham Law
€60,000 (24%)
Save €39,600/year
€500,000/year
Standard
€217,100 (43.4%)
Beckham Law
€120,000 (24%)
Save €97,100/year

* Approximate calculations based on 2025 rates. Includes state + regional surcharges for standard regime. Actual savings depend on personal circumstances.

International Tax Comparison

Tax rates across jurisdictions

Compare the key tax rates across 11 jurisdictions where our clients operate. Understanding these differences is essential for structuring your international operations efficiently.

🇮🇪Ireland
Corporate Tax
12.5%
VAT / Sales Tax
23%
Personal Income
20–40%
Social Security
11.05%
Dividend Tax
25%
Capital Gains
33%
Lowest corporate tax in the EU. Major tech hub.
🇨🇾Cyprus
Corporate Tax
12.5%
VAT / Sales Tax
19%
Personal Income
0–35%
Social Security
8.3%
Dividend Tax
0%
Capital Gains
0% (most)
No dividend tax for non-domiciled residents. IP box regime.
🇷🇴Romania
Corporate Tax
16%
VAT / Sales Tax
19%
Personal Income
10% flat
Social Security
~35%
Dividend Tax
8%
Capital Gains
10%
Micro-company regime: 1% or 3% on revenue under €500K.
🇱🇺Luxembourg
Corporate Tax
24.94%
VAT / Sales Tax
17%
Personal Income
0–42%
Social Security
~25%
Dividend Tax
15%
Capital Gains
Exempt (SOPARFI)
SOPARFI holding regime. Participation exemption on dividends and capital gains.
🇪🇸SpainOUR BASE
Corporate Tax
25%
VAT / Sales Tax
21%
Personal Income
19–47%
Social Security
~36.5%
Dividend Tax
19–26%
Capital Gains
19–26%
15% for new companies (first 2 years). Beckham Law for expats.
🇵🇹Portugal
Corporate Tax
21%
VAT / Sales Tax
23%
Personal Income
14.5–48%
Social Security
~34.75%
Dividend Tax
28%
Capital Gains
28%
NHR regime: 20% flat rate on Portuguese-source employment income.
🇫🇷France
Corporate Tax
25%
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
Personal Income
0–45%
Social Security
~45%
Dividend Tax
30% (PFU)
Capital Gains
30% (PFU)
Highest social charges in Europe. Prélèvement forfaitaire unique (PFU) at 30%.
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Corporate Tax
25%
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
Personal Income
20–45%
Social Security
13.8%
Dividend Tax
8.75–39.35%
Capital Gains
10–20%
Small profits rate: 19% under £50K. No EU directives post-Brexit.
🇲🇨Monaco
Corporate Tax
25%*
VAT / Sales Tax
20% (FR)
Personal Income
0%
Social Security
~28%
Dividend Tax
0%
Capital Gains
0%
*Only on companies with >25% foreign revenue. No personal income tax for residents.
🇺🇸USA
Corporate Tax
21%
VAT / Sales Tax
Sales tax 0–10%
Personal Income
10–37%
Social Security
15.3%
Dividend Tax
0–20%
Capital Gains
0–20%
Federal rate + state taxes (0–12%). GILTI/BEAT for international structures.
🇩🇴Dominican Republic
Corporate Tax
27%
VAT / Sales Tax
18% (ITBIS)
Personal Income
0–25%
Social Security
~18%
Dividend Tax
10%
Capital Gains
27%
Free trade zone regime: 0% corporate tax for qualifying companies.

* Rates shown are standard/headline rates as of 2025. Actual rates may vary based on specific regimes, treaties, and individual circumstances.

Need help choosing the right jurisdiction? We analyze your specific case.

Request a Tax Comparison Analysis
Taxes & Obligations

Understanding taxes in Spain

Running a company in Spain comes with specific tax obligations. Here is a clear overview of the main taxes and filings every company must handle. We take care of all of them for you.

Corporate Tax (Impuesto de Sociedades)

Modelo 200Annual (July)

All companies incorporated in Spain must file an annual corporate tax return. The standard rate is 25%, with reduced rates for new companies (15% for the first two profitable years).

VAT (IVA — Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido)

Modelo 303 / 390Quarterly + Annual Summary

Companies must charge, collect, and remit VAT on goods and services. The standard rate is 21%, with reduced rates of 10% and 4% for certain categories. Quarterly filings are mandatory.

Withholding Tax (Retenciones)

Modelo 111 / 190Quarterly + Annual

Companies must withhold income tax from employee salaries, professional fees, and certain rental payments, then remit these to the tax authorities quarterly.

Intra-Community Operations

Modelo 349Monthly / Quarterly

Companies trading goods or services with other EU member states must file declarations of intra-community acquisitions and supplies.

Annual Accounts (Cuentas Anuales)

Registro MercantilAnnual (within 6 months of year-end)

All Spanish companies must prepare and file annual accounts (balance sheet, P&L, notes) with the Commercial Registry within 6 months of their fiscal year-end.

SII — Immediate Supply of Information

Real-time reportingWithin 4 days of invoice

Companies with turnover above €6M must report invoices electronically to AEAT within 4 days. Smaller companies may opt in voluntarily for faster VAT refunds.

Overwhelmed? Don't be. We handle all of this for you.

Let's Talk
Payroll in Spain

How the payroll system works in Spain

Spain has a structured payroll system with mandatory social security contributions, income tax withholdings, and specific labor regulations. Here is how it works step by step.

€1,134/month
Minimum Wage (SMI) 2025
14 payments/year
~30%
Employer Social Security
On gross salary
~6.5%
Employee Social Security
Deducted from gross
14
Salary Payments/Year
12 + 2 extra pays
30 days
Paid Vacation
Calendar days/year
33 days/year
Severance (Unfair Dismissal)
Max 24 months

The Payroll Process

01

Employment Contract

Every employee must have a written contract registered with the SEPE (public employment service). Contracts can be indefinite, temporary, or part-time, each with specific rules.

02

Gross Salary Calculation

The gross salary includes base pay, bonuses, overtime, and benefits in kind. Spain mandates 14 salary payments per year (12 monthly + 2 extra pays, usually in June and December).

03

Social Security Deductions

The employer contributes ~30% on top of gross salary. The employee contributes ~6.5% from their gross. Both are remitted monthly to the Social Security Treasury (TGSS).

04

IRPF Withholding

Income tax (IRPF) is withheld from the employee's gross salary based on progressive rates (19–47%). The rate depends on salary level, family situation, and contract type.

05

Net Salary Payment

After deducting Social Security and IRPF, the net salary is paid to the employee. A detailed payslip (nómina) must be provided showing all components and deductions.

06

Monthly & Quarterly Filings

Employers file Social Security contributions monthly (TC1/TC2) and IRPF withholdings quarterly (Modelo 111). An annual summary (Modelo 190) is due in January.

Example Payslip Breakdown

Employee earning €30,000 gross annual salary (14 payments)

Monthly Gross Salary
€2,142.86
Employee Social Security (≈6.5%)
-€139.29
IRPF Withholding (≈15%)
-€321.43
Net Salary (Take Home)
€1,682.14
Employer Cost (on top)
€642.86/month
~30% Social Security
Total Cost to Company
€2,785.71/month
Gross + employer SS
Life at Aelea

Where we work

Open Office
Open Office
Our Team
DR
Managing Partner — Fiscal & Corporate
MR
Senior Tax Advisor
LP
Financial Analyst & CFO Services
AG
Corporate Law & M&A
JS
Luxembourg Desk Specialist
Boutique firm, institutional reach
Direct partner access on every engagement
Headquarters
Madrid, Spain
About Aelea

The boutique firm with European reach

Aelea Consulting is the boutique reference firm in fiscal, corporate, and financial consulting for companies and groups operating in Spain and Europe. With over 15 years of real experience in cross-border operations — from Madrid to Luxembourg, from Barcelona to Brussels — we offer the advice that major firms give to their best clients, with the direct partner access that only a boutique can guarantee.

We cover the full cycle: we structure the company, optimize its taxation, analyze its numbers, defend it before tax authorities, and accompany it in its sale or restructuring. In Spanish, English, French, and Dutch.

15+
Years of Experience
2
Offices
10+
Jurisdictions
4
Languages

Our Journey

2011

Founded in Barcelona

Started advising international companies on Spanish tax, corporate structures, and cross-border operations.

2016

Madrid Headquarters

Opened our Madrid office at Calle Pensamiento 27 to serve the capital's growing international business ecosystem.

2020

Malaga Office

Established presence in Malaga to support the booming tech and startup scene in southern Spain.

2023

Luxembourg Operations

Expanded to Luxembourg with real operational presence for holding structures, SOPARFI, and cross-border advisory.

Today

All of Europe

Full-service fiscal, corporate, and financial consulting across 10 European jurisdictions and Latin America.

Who We Serve

Built for companies like yours

We work exclusively with companies and groups — from solo-founder startups to multi-entity holding structures. No private individuals, just focused B2B expertise across Europe.

Family Groups & Holdings

Multi-entity structures requiring consolidated reporting, succession planning, and group tax optimization across jurisdictions.

European Companies in Spain

German, French, Belgian, Dutch, and UK companies establishing or managing operations in Spain. We handle the local complexity.

Private Equity & Venture Capital

PE and VC funds needing due diligence, portfolio company support, and post-acquisition integration in Spain.

Startups & Scale-ups

Fast-growing companies that need agile financial management, investor-ready reporting, and fractional CFO services.

Multinationals & Subsidiaries

International groups with Spanish subsidiaries needing transfer pricing, intercompany management, and local compliance.

Companies in Distress

Businesses facing pre-insolvency, restructuring, or creditor negotiations under Spanish Law 16/2022.

Luxembourg Structures

SOPARFI, SARL-S, and holding companies needing coordinated ES-LUX advisory and ongoing compliance.

Spanish Entrepreneurs

Local entrepreneurs and SMEs seeking professional financial management, digital transformation, and strategic tax advice.

Client Success

Real results for real companies

From Luxembourg holdings to AEAT inspections, from M&A due diligence to fractional CFO services — see how we deliver results across Europe.

200+
Companies Served
15+
Years of Experience
98%
Client Retention Rate
4.9/5
Average Client Rating
Luxembourg Desk

Spanish Group Structures Holding in Luxembourg

Challenge

A Spanish family group with subsidiaries in 3 countries needed a holding structure in Luxembourg to optimize dividend flows and consolidate European operations.

Solution

We designed the SOPARFI structure, constituted the SARL-S, analyzed the ES-LUX double tax treaty, and set up ongoing compliance with CSSF requirements.

SOPARFI holding operational in 6 weeksWHT on dividends optimizedFull Pillar 2 compliance
M&A Due Diligence

Private Equity Fund Acquires Spanish Target

Challenge

A PE fund needed integrated financial, tax, and legal due diligence on a Spanish target with subsidiaries in France and Portugal before closing a mid-market deal.

Solution

We delivered a combined financial DD (Quality of Earnings, working capital, net debt) and tax DD across all 3 jurisdictions. One firm, one vision, one report.

Hidden liabilities identified pre-closePrice adjustment negotiatedPost-closing integration supported
Tax Defense

AEAT Inspection Defense for Tech Company

Challenge

A fast-growing tech company received an AEAT inspection covering 3 fiscal years, with potential penalties exceeding €200K for transfer pricing and VAT issues.

Solution

Full defense before AEAT: documentation review, transfer pricing defense, TEAC appeal preparation, and direct negotiation with inspectors.

Penalties reduced by 85%Transfer pricing validatedNo criminal proceedings
External CFO

Fractional CFO for European Startup Group

Challenge

A startup group with entities in Spain, France, and Germany needed consolidated financial visibility and a CFO-level interlocutor for their Series B investors.

Solution

We provided fractional CFO services: monthly consolidated P&L, cash flow forecasting, KPI dashboards, and direct communication with the investment committee.

Series B closed successfullyMonthly board-ready reports3-country consolidation

What Our Clients Say

"Aelea structured our Luxembourg holding and managed the entire process. Their knowledge of both Spanish and Luxembourg tax law is exceptional. We now have a clean, compliant structure that works."

CM
Carlos M.
CFO, Spanish Family Group
Luxembourg Desk & Holdings · Madrid → Luxembourg
Technology Partners

Powered by the best ERP tools

As certified partners of Odoo and Holded, we implement and customize ERP systems that automate your accounting, invoicing, and business processes. We bring the technology, you focus on growing your business.

O
Odoo
Certified Partner
H
Holded
Certified Partner
Automate Your Processes

ERP Implementation

We set up Odoo or Holded tailored to your business needs — from chart of accounts to automated invoicing workflows.

Process Automation

Automate bank reconciliations, expense categorization, VAT calculations, and recurring journal entries.

Real-Time Dashboards

Get instant visibility into your financials with custom dashboards showing P&L, cash flow, and KPIs in real time.

Ready to structure, optimize, and grow?

Request your free initial diagnosis. We'll analyze your tax, corporate, and financial situation across all your jurisdictions and propose a clear action plan.

Free initial diagnosis
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know

Answers to the most common questions about company formation, taxes, payroll, and corporate structures in Spain.

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A standard SL (Sociedad Limitada) can be incorporated in 2–4 weeks. This includes obtaining a NIF, drafting the articles of association, notarizing the deed, and registering with the Mercantile Registry. If you need an express incorporation, we can set up a PAE-based company in as little as 48 hours with a standard template.

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The minimum share capital for a Sociedad Limitada (SL) is €3,000. It must be fully subscribed and paid at the time of incorporation. For a Sociedad Anónima (SA), the minimum is €60,000 with at least 25% paid at incorporation.

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Yes. A branch (sucursal) is a permanent establishment of the foreign parent, not a separate legal entity. It's registered with the Mercantile Registry and taxed on Spanish-sourced income at 25%. However, a subsidiary (SL) often provides better liability protection and tax planning flexibility, especially for holding structures.

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You qualify if you haven't been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years, you relocate to Spain due to an employment contract or as a company director (with ≤25% ownership), or you're an entrepreneur or investor under the Startup Law. The regime allows you to pay a flat 24% on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 (instead of the progressive scale up to 47%) for 6 years.

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Yes, since the 2023 Startup Law reform, entrepreneurs and digital nomads can also apply. If you're founding or directing an innovative startup in Spain and meet the residency requirements, you can benefit from the flat 24% rate. We handle the full application process, including Form 149 and coordination with the AEAT.

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A holding company owns shares in one or more operating companies. In Spain, the participation exemption allows a holding to receive dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries tax-free (if it holds ≥5% for ≥1 year). This is ideal for groups with multiple business lines, international operations, or succession planning. We design structures like FEAC holding + operative + activity companies to optimize tax efficiency and protect assets.

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Yes. Luxembourg offers SOPARFIs (holding companies) with access to an extensive double tax treaty network, EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive benefits, and no withholding tax on dividends to many jurisdictions. Our Luxembourg Desk designs and manages these structures, ensuring compliance with both Luxembourg CSSF requirements and Spanish CFC rules.

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Every Spanish company must file: quarterly VAT returns (Modelo 303), monthly/quarterly withholding tax returns (Modelo 111 for payroll, 115 for rent), annual Corporate Tax return (Modelo 200, 25% standard rate), annual accounts with the Mercantile Registry, and informational returns like Modelo 347 (third-party transactions >€3,005.06) and Modelo 720 (foreign assets >€50,000). Missing any deadline triggers automatic penalties.

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Late filing triggers automatic surcharges: 1% per month for the first 12 months (no penalty if voluntary), then 15% + late interest after 12 months. If the AEAT issues a formal requirement before you file, penalties range from 50% to 150% of the tax due, depending on severity. For repeat offenders, criminal prosecution is possible for fraud exceeding €120,000 per fiscal year.

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Spanish payroll involves: gross salary calculation, IRPF withholding (progressive, based on personal circumstances), Social Security contributions (employer ~30%, employee ~6.5%), and net pay. Employers must register with the Social Security Treasury, issue monthly payslips (nóminas), and file monthly contribution reports (TC1/TC2). There are 12 monthly payments plus typically 2 extra payments (June and December).

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The employer's Social Security contribution is approximately 30–31% on top of gross salary. This includes: common contingencies (23.6%), unemployment (5.5–6.7%), FOGASA (0.2%), and professional training (0.6%). For a €30,000 gross salary, the total employer cost is approximately €39,000–€39,300. We optimize structures using legal benefits like reduced rates for new hires, R&D deductions, and international mobility schemes.

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A fractional (external) CFO provides senior financial leadership without the cost of a full-time hire. We deliver: monthly consolidated P&L and cash flow reporting, KPI dashboards, budget vs. actual analysis, bank and investor communication, financial due diligence support, and board-ready reporting. Ideal for startups preparing for Series A/B, groups needing consolidated reporting across jurisdictions, or companies in restructuring.

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Our external CFO service is included in the Full CFO plan at €1,400/month for groups of up to 3 companies. This covers monthly closings, consolidated reporting, cash flow management, KPI dashboards, and direct communication with your investors or board. For larger groups or more complex structures, we provide a custom quote based on the number of entities and jurisdictions involved.

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