After finding a suitable place for your business it is time to fit it for the trading that you mean to carry out there. A bit of paint or more than that? It is customary to rent premises out “as it is”. Any necessary fitting, additional features, or changes must be undertaken (and paid for) by the tenant unless something different is agreed beforehand. You will possibly require a licence to do some work and most likely a trading or “opening” licence.
Work Licence.
This is a requirement when you need to fit the premises for your business. You have to apply for this licence to the Commerce Area of your local Ayuntamiento.
The documents to present may vary from one town to another and it will depend on the size of the works, but generally it includes:
-Application form
-Document stating breakdown of costs involved.
-Description of works and plans. ( location, original state, final state, water & electric plans…)
-Documental proof of the registration of the company / autonomo, ID of applicant
-Title deeds or rental contract of premises.
-Payment of due fee.
How Much?
Apart from the obvious costs of the work itself you possibly need to count on:
1) Engineer fee.
Technical Project.
A registered engineer provides a portfolio with explanations, drawings and other technical details of the work to undertake. The local authorities, based on its content, along with other required documentation will assess a tax and grant a licence. Generally a visit of the engineer is necessary to provide a quote.
2) Council Taxes & Fee ( 5% of total cost of the works)
3) Gestor fee.
Using the services of a local gestor can avoid you a lot of trips to the Ayuntamiento and save you a lot of time.
Trading Licence.
This is a requirement for all business activities open to the public.(In some towns warehouses for storing, even not open to the public also requires it).
The local authorities will grant it after checking that the business and premises will meet the standards for Hygiene, Health and Safety, Noise, Accessibility,…etc.
Depending on its nature the activities are labeled as Disturbing or Innocuous. The requirements vary for each type.
For an Innocuous Activity these might be:
– Application Form.
– ID of applicants and registration of the business.
– Safety Report. ( for Premises)
A technical engineer will certify that the premises are safe for that activity and it meets other standards.
– Copy of contracts with water and electric supply.
– certificate from Fire Extinguisher Supplier.
– Health and Safety ( for Business Activity) .
– Tax and Fees. ( this depends on how many different categories or types of activities you will carry out in your new premises. )
– Public Liability insurance.
In case it involves food storage of food handling.
– Hygiene Plans or Sanitary Registration Number. ( depending on the risks)
– Food handling certificate for all staff members involved.
It is not possible to give here an approximate cost that will fit every business.
Besides, at LimitConsulting we do not provide all the services listed above but we might be able to help to find other professionals if necessary. Call us for a tailored discussion.