One of the first decisions many freelancers, consultants and entrepreneurs face after moving to Spain has nothing to do with visas or housing.

It’s much simpler.

How should you invoice your clients?

Should you register as an autónomo, Spain’s version of self-employment? Or should you create a Sociedad Limitada (SL)—the equivalent of a limited liability company (LLC)?

It’s a question we receive constantly from readers of The Bubble. Every time we publish an article about freelancing, taxes or entrepreneurship in Spain, our inbox fills with variations of the same dilemma.

To help answer it, we sat down with Héctor López Vázquez, global head of corporate law at Lexidy, an international law firm that helps entrepreneurs, freelancers and international professionals establish themselves in Spain.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

✅ Should you register as an autónomo or set up a Sociedad Limitada (SL)?

✅ When opening a company actually starts making financial sense.

✅ Do companies really pay less tax than freelancers?

✅ How much does it actually cost to incorporate a company in Spain?

✅ The biggest legal advantage most freelancers overlook.

✅ What changes if you work with international clients.

✅ The mistakes founders make when starting a business with partners.

✅ Whether Hacienda treats companies and autónomos differently.

✅ Our practical decision framework to help you choose the right structure.