Opening a shop or business in Barcelona (activity notification)
Abrir un local o negocio en Barcelona (comunicado de actividad)
What it is
In Barcelona, depending on the regime that applies to the activity, you either file an activity start notification (comunicado) or first apply for a municipal licence or an environmental authorisation. Beforehand you must complete the procedure "Consulta del permiso para iniciar una actividad o una instalación" and have the consultation code. The notification is filed when the activity is ready to start (works and installations finished) and, as a general rule, you can start the day after filing it with complete documentation and the tax paid: the Construction, Installations and Works Tax is 4 % of the cost of the works or installations. The ordinary environmental or recreational licence has a fee of €1,555 and is requested before any installation; if there is no decision within 6 months, it is deemed refused. The Business Advice Office (OAE) gives information and advice on the procedures. When choosing premises, bear in mind that exterior signage and fixed information at the establishment (opening hours, notices) must be, at a minimum, in Catalan.
Official wording
con carácter general, el ejercicio de la actividad o la utilización de las instalaciones puede iniciarse al día siguiente de la presentación o aportación de la documentación completa y con el impuesto pagado.Official sources
- Where it applies
- Barcelona (city)
Official information
Official sources
When
Before starting the activity: the municipal licence is compulsory and must come before any business activity starts. The Business Service Office (OAE) informs and advises on the procedures.
Official wording
Solicitarla es un acto obligatorio y previo al inicio de cualquier actividad empresarial.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Make the prior consultation
The person applying must be the same one who made the prior consultation, because the consultation number is linked to their ID.
Official wording
la persona que haga la tramitación debe ser la misma que efectuó la consulta previa
Official sources
Step 2: Submit the notification or application
Go to the official website: Activity procedures (Virtual Office)Online you fill in the application, attach the documents and submit it to the electronic registry; companies and professionals must do it online. In person, by appointment at the Business Service Office.
Official wording
Las personas jurídicas, entidades y profesionales deberán hacer el trámite necesariamente a través de medios telemáticos
Official sources
Step 3: Pay and start
You pay the self-assessment (online or with the payment slip at a bank) and complete the procedure. For notifications with a technical certificate, you already have the permit to start; environmental licences are assessed and the decision is notified.
Official wording
Ya dispondrá del permiso para poder empezar la actividad.
Official sources
Documents
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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
FAQ
Must I use Catalan in the shop?
You must guarantee service in Catalan and have basic information in Catalan; outdoor signs and fixed information (opening hours, notices) must be at least in Catalan, and customer documents (invoices, receipts, contracts, quotes) available in Catalan. The CPNL offers help.
Official wording
la rotulación exterior y la información fija del establecimiento (horarios, carteles, etc.) deberán estar, como mínimo, en catalán.Official sources
What else do I need to open?
Register with the Tax Agency (NIF and IAE), with Social Security as self-employed and register your staff; and bear in mind municipal charges such as commercial waste collection.
Official wording
Antes de abrir al público, tendrás que inscribirte en el régimen de personas autónomas de la Administración de la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social.Official sources
Related procedures
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