Business Insurance in Spain for Expats

Who Is This For?

Spain has a thriving expat business community — from freelancers and consultants working as autónomos to restaurant owners, letting agents and everything in between. The Spanish commercial insurance market operates differently to the UK, and the terminology can be confusing. We cut through it.

• Autónomos (self-employed / freelancers) — If you’re registered as autónomo, you are personally liable for your business activities. The right insurance protects your personal finances if something goes wrong.
• Small business owners — Running a bar, restaurant, shop, beauty salon or any commercial operation? You need cover that reflects the specific risks of your sector.
• Landlords and holiday rental operators — If you rent out Spanish property, you have specific liability and loss-of-income risks that standard home insurance doesn’t cover.
• UK businesses with Spain-based operations — If you’re operating a UK-registered business but have staff, premises or activities in Spain, we can advise on your Spanish insurance obligations.

Types of Business Insurance We Arrange

Public Liability Insurance (Responsabilidad Civil)

The most commonly required business insurance in Spain. Protects you against claims from third parties — customers, visitors or members of the public — who suffer injury or property damage as a result of your business activities. Many commercial leases, local authority licences and client contracts require proof of public liability cover.

Professional Indemnity Insurance (Seguro de Responsabilidad Profesional)

If you provide professional advice, design, services or expertise of any kind, professional indemnity cover protects you against claims alleging that your work caused financial loss or harm to a client. Essential for: consultants, architects, engineers, IT professionals, estate agents, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals and healthcare practitioners.

Commercial Premises Insurance (Seguro de Comercio)

If you have a physical business premises — shop, office, studio, restaurant, bar, salon — commercial premises insurance covers the building (if you own it) or your fixtures, fittings, stock and equipment (if you lease). Typically includes fire, flood and storm damage, theft, glass breakage, business interruption and public liability.

Employer’s Liability (Responsabilidad Civil Patronal)

If you employ staff in Spain — even one person — you are required to hold employer’s liability insurance. This covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.

A Note for Autónomos

Spain’s autónomo regime is one of the most common routes for expat workers. Here’s what you need to know:

• If you have business premises open to the public, public liability is effectively required by your local authority
• If you employ anyone, employer’s liability is required
• Many client contracts and professional body memberships require professional indemnity
• Public liability (responsabilidad civil) is the most important policy for virtually all autónomos — premiums typically from €200/year for basic professional liability cover

If illness or injury prevents you from working as an autónomo, there is no sick pay. Income protection insurance (seguro de incapacidad temporal) can replace a portion of your earnings during this period. Ask us about this when getting a business insurance quote.

Business Insurance Spain — Frequently Asked Questions