What is the REA Register in Spain
Registration in the REA Register (Registro de Empresas Acreditadas – Accredited Companies Register) is a mandatory requirement for any company that plans to operate as a contractor or subcontractor in the construction sector in Spain. This requirement applies both to companies established in Spain and to foreign companies providing services in the Spanish construction market.
For Spanish companies, the procedure to obtain registration in the REA Register is relatively straightforward. They can submit the application using their own Spanish electronic certificate.
However, the situation is different for foreign companies.
Most foreign companies do not have a Spanish electronic signature because obtaining one usually requires a Spanish tax identification number (NIF). Fortunately, for the purpose of REA Register registration, having a Spanish NIF is not required.
This is an important simplification, because obtaining a NIF often requires company documents translated by a sworn translator and legalized with an apostille, which can make the process longer and more complex.
Who can register a foreign company in the REA Register
If a company does not have a Spanish electronic signature, it may authorize another person to submit the application on its behalf. Contrary to common belief, this person does not have to be a lawyer or an accounting firm.
Any individual who has a valid Spanish digital certificate and proper authorization to represent the company can complete the registration. The authorization should ideally take the form of a notarized power of attorney.
Who can represent a foreign company during REA registration
Legal representative of the foreign company
This is a natural person who, according to the company’s registration documents and the laws of the country where the company is established, has the legal authority to represent it.
This may include a board member, managing director, partner authorized to represent the company, or another person listed in the national commercial register.
Such a representative can register the company in the REA Register directly if they have a Spanish NIF and a Spanish electronic certificate.
Authorized representative in Spain
A company may also appoint an authorized representative in Spain (representante voluntario) who will submit the application for registration.
This may be:
- an individual with a valid notarized power of attorney,
- a lawyer,
- a tax advisor,
- an accounting firm.
Ibervalia provides representation services for foreign companies and can act as an authorized representative during the registration process. Applications for REA Register registration are submitted and signed using our digital certificate.
Documents required for REA Register registration through a representative
When a representative submits the application, the following documents are typically required:
A notarized power of attorney translated into Spanish by a sworn translator
A valid digital certificate of the representative
Access to the electronic platform of the relevant Spanish Autonomous Community
Documents confirming that the company meets training, occupational health and safety, and technical capacity requirements
Is a Spanish NIF required for registration in the REA Register
No. A foreign company does not need a Spanish tax identification number (NIF) to obtain registration in the REA Register.
For companies posting workers to Spain under cross-border service provision, it is possible to use an alternative identifier such as:
- a VAT number (for legal entities),
- a passport number (for individuals),
- or a special IED number (Identificador de Empresa Desplazada).
Obligations after obtaining REA Register registration
During the registration process, the company provides a list of workers who will be posted to work in Spain.
If additional workers need to be sent to Spain during the project, each new worker must be reported to the relevant regional labour authority. This is part of the mandatory notification procedure related to the posting of workers under cross-border service regulations.
Failure to notify the authorities may lead to administrative penalties.
Meeting the requirements of the REA Register is not only a matter of legal compliance. It also increases the credibility of a company when working with contractors, investors and partners in Spain’s construction sector.
Summary – most common questions about the REA Register
Do foreign companies need a Spanish electronic signature to register in the REA Register?
No. They can authorize a representative who has a valid Spanish digital certificate.
Is a Spanish NIF required for REA Register registration?
No. A company can use its national identification number, such as a VAT number or passport.
Must the registration be completed by a lawyer or tax advisor?
No. Any individual with a valid Spanish digital certificate and proper authorization may submit the application.
If your company plans to carry out construction work in Spain and you need assistance with REA Register registration, posting workers to Spain, preparing the required documentation, or communicating with Spanish authorities, you can contact us for more information.
More information about the REA register can be found on the official website: