Opening a shop or business in Madrid (declaración responsable)
Abrir un local o negocio en Madrid (declaración responsable)
What it is
To start or change an economic activity in the city of Madrid, including the necessary works, the general procedure is the declaración responsable: a signed document in which the person states, under their own responsibility, that they meet the legal requirements, hold the documentation proving it and undertake to keep meeting them. If all requirements are met, it takes effect from the moment it is filed in the register; the City Council may inspect afterwards. An urban planning licence is only needed when justified by safety, public health or the environment. It can be filed directly with the City Council or through an Entidad Colaboradora Urbanística (ECU). Filing with the City Council is online (with electronic identification and signature) and includes, among other things, the relevant technical documentation and the paid self-assessment of the urban planning services fee; if there are works, also the self-assessment of the Construction, Installations and Works Tax (ICIO), provisionally 3.75 % of the works budget. If the holder is a company, its deed of incorporation is provided.
Official wording
Si se cumplen todos los requisitos, la declaración responsable produce efectos desde el momento de su presentación en el registro.Official sources
- Where it applies
- Madrid (city)
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When
Before starting or changing an economic activity in the city of Madrid. In general a responsible declaration is enough; an urban planning licence is only required when justified by safety, public health or environmental reasons.
Official wording
Solicitud de licencia urbanística, únicamente en aquellos casos en los que esté justificada por razones de seguridad, salud pública o protección del medio ambiente.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Choose where to apply
You can apply to the Ayuntamiento or through an authorised urban planning collaborating entity (ECU). It is advisable to read the Decálogo for responsible declarations for economic activities first.
Official wording
En una Entidad Colaboradora Urbanística (ECU) autorizada e inscrita en el Registro de la Comunidad de Madrid.
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Step 2: Submit the declaration online
Go to the official website: Declaración responsable urbanística (e-office)It is submitted online, with electronic identification and signature. If you carry out works, also the ICIO self-assessment (provisional, 3.75% of the works budget).
Official wording
La autoliquidación provisional será del 3,75% del importe del presupuesto de ejecución material
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Step 3: Open the business
If you meet all the requirements, the declaration takes effect from its registration. Afterwards, the Ayuntamiento or the ECU may inspect.
Official wording
Si se cumplen todos los requisitos, la declaración responsable produce efectos desde el momento de su presentación en el registro.
Official sources
Documents
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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
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FAQ
I am taking over premises that already had an activity — what must I do?
You must notify the change of holder. A change of activity in premises with a permit does not need these procedures if it is compatible in planning terms and does not increase environmental, safety, health or accessibility requirements.
Official wording
Asimismo, deberá comunicarse el Cambio de titularidad cuando se produzca una modificación en la persona titular de la actividad.Official sources
What other permits might I need?
Authorisations for removing construction waste and, if needed, for occupying the public road.
Official wording
La ocupación de la vía pública, cuando resulte necesario.Official sources
Related procedures
Terms used on this page
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