Company formation
Incorporation and bylaws tailored to a cross-border ownership structure, not a generic template.
Commercial & Corporate Law — Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Setting up or running a business in the Canary Islands?
Cautio Legal advises foreign investors, shareholders and directors through Spanish commercial law — from incorporation to an exit, and through disputes between partners when they arise. Free initial consultation, no obligation.
Why this matters more for a cross-border business
- You're not on the island to catch a governance problem early
- Cross-border shareholder structures need documents that hold up in both jurisdictions
- The Canary Islands' tax regime creates opportunities a generic template misses
- A dispute between partners moves fast once trust has already broken down
Most shareholder disputes that end up in court could have been avoided with a ten-page document signed at the start. A shareholders' agreement doesn't matter while things are going well — it matters on the day they stop, and by then it's too late to negotiate one.
We work both sides of this: incorporation, tailored bylaws, shareholders' agreements, commercial contracts, and directors' duties on the preventive side; challenging resolutions, directors' liability, and partner disputes on the contentious side.
When a matter touches criminal exposure — breach of fiduciary duty, corporate offences, wrongful trading — the same firm handles it, so you don't have to explain your case twice to a different lawyer.
Situations we regularly handle
Not an exhaustive list — if your situation isn't here, contact us and we'll tell you plainly whether we can help.
Shareholders' agreements
Exit terms, deadlock resolution, and founder protections, agreed while everyone is still on good terms.
Director duties and liability
Advice for boards and individual directors, including non-resident directors, on their duties and exposure under Spanish law.
Buying or selling a business
Due diligence and the sale contract, from either side of the transaction.
Commercial contracts
Distribution, agency, supply, and licensing agreements under Spanish law.
Shareholder disputes
Challenging resolutions, exclusion or withdrawal of a partner, and disputes over an exit.
How we work with clients abroad
Video-call consultations
You don't need to be on the island, or even in Spain, for the first consultation or for most of the process.
One lawyer, throughout
The person you speak to on day one stays responsible for your case — you are not passed between people.
Explained in plain English
What's happening, what your options are, and what it will cost, confirmed in writing before we begin.
Common questions
Can a non-resident be a director or shareholder of a Spanish company?
Generally yes, subject to obtaining the relevant foreigner ID number (NIE). We'll confirm exactly what applies to your situation and nationality before you commit to anything.
Do I need to be in Spain to set up a company?
Not for most of the process. Some steps — typically the notary signing and opening a bank account — are easier in person, but can often be handled through a power of attorney if you can't travel.
What is the Canary Islands' special tax regime (REF/ZEC)?
The Canary Islands have tax incentives not available elsewhere in Spain or the EU, including a reduced corporate tax rate for qualifying companies. Whether it applies to your business depends on its activity and structure — our tax team reviews this alongside any corporate work.
How much does this cost?
Fees are agreed in writing before we start, once we understand the scope of your case. The first consultation is free and without obligation.
Is what I tell you confidential?
Yes, it is protected by professional secrecy under Spanish law. In this first message, avoid sending sensitive documents — we'll tell you the secure way to share them once we're in contact.
Related articles
When a Director Answers with Personal Assets
A limited company doesn't always limit liability for its directors. There are two routes by which a director ends up answering with personal assets — and one of them is avoidable.
The Reinvestment Reserve for the Canary Islands (RIC): A Practical Guide
Up to 90% of undistributed profit can reduce the tax base — but only if the investment is made on time and in the right assets.
Inheritance Tax in Spain: A Guide for Non-Residents
Which rules apply when the heir doesn't live in Spain, and why the six-month deadline doesn't wait for the family to get organised.
Talk to us about your business
The first consultation is free and without obligation. Call, WhatsApp, or write to us — in English.