Category: Activity Licence

How to Get a Gym license in Alicante?

Post author By TAMARINDO
Post date October 22, 2025

If you are a personal trainer and want to open your own fitness studio or training center to welcome your clients, it’s important to know that not every commercial space will work. The venue must comply with a series of legal requirements set by the Alicante City Council, including safety, accessibility, and building regulations.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know to make sure your project meets the regulations and you can obtain your business opening license without issues.

What Is a Gym or Fitness Center Activity License?

The activity license (also called business license) is the official authorization granted by the City Council that allows you to open a gym, personal training studio, or sports center for public use.

This license certifies that the premises comply with safety, hygiene, accessibility, and urban planning regulations, and that it is suitable for the activity you want to operate.

When Do You Need an Activity License?

A business license is always required if you plan to open a sports or fitness center to the public, regardless of its size.

A small personal training studio needs one.
A fully equipped gym with machines and group classes also needs one.

Requirements to Open a Training Center in Alicante

Opening a fitness center in Alicante requires meeting several technical and legal requirements that guarantee the safety and legality of your business. The main ones are:

Responsible Declaration or Environmental Activity License

The premises must comply with regulations on accessibility, emergency exits, ventilation, lighting, electrical safety (REBT), fire protection, and hygiene conditions.

Electrical Project and Safety Certificate (Boletín Eléctrico & OCA)

Required if the venue has a capacity of over 50 people.

Municipal Inspection

The City Council may carry out an inspection, especially if the capacity exceeds 50 people.

Additional Authorizations

Acoustic certificate (depending on the activity).
Registration under Economic Activities Tax (IAE).
Public liability insurance.
In some cases, health permits (for specific wellness or health-related activities).

Licenses Depending on the Type of Center

Centers with more than 50 people capacity → considered “public use spaces,” requiring more technical projects (electrical project, acoustic study, etc.).
Centers with fewer than 50 people capacity → in most cases, a Responsible Declaration or simplified Environmental License is enough.

Variations Between Municipalities

Each municipality in Alicante may have slight differences in costs, paperwork, and processing times. It’s essential to work with a local architect or engineering firm familiar with the specific council requirements

Mandatory Documents for the Application

Urban Compatibility Report.
Environmental Technical Report (including architectural/engineering project, floor plans, etc.).
Responsible Declaration or Building License (if refurbishment works are required).
Electrical and fire safety project (when applicable).
Electrical installation certificate.

Accessibility & Infrastructure Requirements

Besides paperwork, your training center must comply with the Accessibility Law of the Valencian Community and other safety regulations:

Are Changing Rooms Mandatory?

For small personal training studios: not always required, but adequate restrooms are.
For medium and large gyms: most municipalities require changing rooms.

Restrooms Adapted for Disabled Access

At least one accessible restroom (PMR – Persons with Reduced Mobility) is usually mandatory.

Is Soundproofing Necessary?

Small personal training studios → usually only need basic acoustic isolation.
Larger gyms with music, group classes, or weightlifting → soundproofing is normally mandatory.
If located in a residential building → soundproofing is essential to avoid complaints and fines.

How Much Does a Gym Activity License Cost in Alicante?

The cost depends on:

Size of the premises.
Technical requirements.
Professional fees.

Typical prices in Alicante:

Personal training studio → €1,200 – €2,000
Large gym → €2,000 – €6,000+
Plus: municipal fees (vary by city).

Still Have Questions About the Opening License?

Profitability and Costs of Opening a Personal Training Center

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Training Studio?

Your initial investment usually includes:

Activity license & technical project (€1,200 – €6,000).
Renovation and adaptation works (acoustic insulation, accessibility).
Gym equipment (machines, free weights, mirrors, flooring).
Rent and operational expenses.

Total investment: €15,000 – €50,000+ depending on size and concept.

Is Opening a Gym in Alicante Profitable?

Yes, if you do good market research.

Alicante has high demand for personal training, fitness, and wellness services.
A small studio with 40–50 recurring clients can become profitable within a few months.
Larger gyms require more investment but also have greater revenue potential.

Activity Licence

License for Supermarket in Alicante: Open without risks

Post author By TAMARINDO
Post date March 28, 2025

A supermarket is simply an establishment where different types of products are sold at retail.

Normally food, beverages and general consumer products (cleaning, hygiene, etc.).

If you need to open a supermarket, read on, we tell you the keys to do it without risks.

Get a quote from a technician to open a supermarket

Why do you need a supermarket license?

The activity license is a mandatory permit for the supermarket to operate in accordance with current regulations. Its purpose is to ensure that the business complies with health and safety standards, providing a safe environment and guaranteeing quality service.

Supermarket activity license requirements in Alicante

If you want to open a supermarket in Alicante, there are a series of legal, technical and administrative requirements that you must comply with for everything to work properly.

Read on, we list them below.

Activity or Opening License

First of all, you need a permit from the Alicante City Council authorizing the activity on your premises.

Works and Reforms of the Premises

Occasionally, the premises will require renovation work to comply with regulations.

Sanitary Permits

When selling food, you must comply with the applicable sanitary regulations. Among other requirements, you must ensure the conditions of organization, cleanliness and proper preservation of the products.

Company Registration

You will have to register the supermarket with the Mercantile Registry, Tax Agency and Social Security, as appropriate.

Other Specific Standards

Depending on the type of supermarket, you may need to comply with additional regulations.

Alicante City Council regulations for activity licensing

The Alicante City Council has its own regulations

What does this regulation include? Among others, the following points:

It must have a warehouse or backroom for the storage or conservation of the products, properly conditioned.
Whenever possible, it will be connected to a loading and unloading area.
If the supermarket is not located inside a building for commercial use only, such as a shopping mall, access must be directly from the outside.
Proper internal circulation will be ensured.
A minimum number of restrooms and parking spaces are required.
The safety measures established by current fire regulations must be complied with.

How to obtain an opening license for a supermarket

Urban development compatibility report

First of all, we must request the urban development compatibility report.

In this report, the City Council will certify if the use of the land where we want to open our business is compatible with the supermarket activity.

Works

If we need to carry out works, we will request the corresponding permit.

Depending on the magnitude of these works, we will have to present a Responsible Declaration, a Minor Works License or a Major Works License.

Supermarket Activity

Finally, we will present the activity license to be able to open the Supermarket correctly.

Documents for the Supermarket license

Depending on the environmental impact of the activity, the license application procedure will be more or less complicated.

In general terms, there are a number of basic documents that must be provided:

Administrative-legal data.
Favorable Urban Development Compatibility Report.
Technical activity report.
Installation certificates (fire safety, air conditioning, machinery, etc.)

Supermarket license Fees

The rates are a function of the m2 of the supermarket.

For example, up to 100 m2, they are 201.57 €.

How long does it take to obtain an activity license?

The time varies depending on, among other factors, whether construction work is required, the size of the facility, environmental impact, etc.

In the simplest situation, with no need for construction work and no environmental impact, for an average 80 – 100 m2 premises, it will take approximately 1 month.

Ask for a quote for the activity license in Alicante

Activity Licence

Licenses and permits to open a hair salon in Alicante

Post author By TAMARINDO
Post date July 10, 2024

What is a Hair Salon Opening License and Why is it Important?

A hair salon opening license, also known as an activity license, is the technical document required to legally open and operate a hair salon business.

This license regulates the proper functioning of hair salons. It ensures that the applicable regulations are complied with. Its importance lies not only in ensuring the quality of the activity but also in providing the necessary safety for the service they offer.

What license does a hair salon need?

In general, an activity is classified based on its environmental impact.

A hair salon is considered a harmless activity, meaning an activity without environmental impact.

How to Obtain a Hair Salon License?

Getting a Commercial Location

The first step to opening a hair salon business is to choose a suitable location. This is not an easy task. There are various requirements that the regulations will demand. Two are fundamental when identifying a suitable location: accessibility to the premises and the conditions of the restroom.

Additionally, you must consider the necessary amenities. For example, a basic area for storing cosmetic products and other tools required for the development of the activity.

Finally, the walls and floors will need to be easy to clean and disinfect.

Visit the property

Before starting the procedures, a technician must visit the property. They will take note of the current condition of the premises. They will check on-site if it complies with regulations. If it does not, and if compliance is feasible, they will suggest various changes or a possible renovation.

Compatibilidad urbanística

Before starting the actual activity project, urban compatibility must be requested from the City Council. In other words, the City Council must grant permission for a hair salon to be opened in the chosen location.

Technical project

Once the previous permission or urban compatibility has been granted by the City Council, the activity project will be drafted. Its content will depend on the characteristics of the activity and local or regional regulations. Every project must include a descriptive report of the activity. This report describes:

The purpose of the activity.
The dimensions of the premises.
Compliance with regulations.
Plans.
Etc.

An industrial engineer can sign an activity license

Engineers and technical engineers have the necessary qualifications to draft activity projects.

Local adaptation or renovation

Sometimes, the premises need a renovation, either to comply with the required regulations or due to functionality or the owner’s decision.

In this case, a construction permit will be necessary, which must be accompanied by a technical project. The scope of this project will depend on the type of work being done.

Electrical Installation Certificate

The electrical installations:

Must comply with the regulations (Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulations and its complementary instructions).
Must be carried out by an authorized installer.
Will always be backed by the certificate from the authorized installer, ensuring the correct application of the regulations.

Municipal Fees

The municipal fees that must be paid to open a hair salon in the city of Alicante are:

URBAN PLANNING FEES FOR URBAN COMPATIBILITY: €111.39.
URBAN PLANNING FEES FOR ACTIVITY OPENING (up to 100 m²): €201.57.

What documents are needed to open a hair salon?

The necessary documentation is generally similar. However, it depends on the locality where the activity is to be opened. To open an activity in Alicante, for example, you must submit:

Responsible Declaration for minor works or authorization for a minor or major works license, if any construction work is to be carried out.
Municipal Urban Planning Report.
Activity report and other required regulatory documentation.
Proof of payment of the fee.

Requirements for Hair Salon License

Accessibility

The following aspects must be taken into account, among others:

Possible access level differences to the premises.
Minimum width of hallways.
Clear passage of the access door or doors.
Auxiliary elements that may obstruct the passage.

Fire Protection

In the event of a potential fire, the hair salon must be equipped with adequate evacuation and protection measures:

Define exits and evacuation routes.
Fire extinguishers.
Emergency lighting.
Signage.

Lighting

A proper distribution of lighting must be planned. Whenever possible, fluorescent and incandescent equipment should be used.

Ventilation

Similarly, it will be crucial to maintain adequate ventilation, which may involve implementing forced ventilation.

Sanitary Provision

The following will be available at a minimum:

Generally, 2 toilets, one of them adapted for wheelchair access.
First aid kit: fixed or portable, properly marked and equipped with sufficient supplies for providing first aid.

How long does it take to obtain a hair salon license

The time depends largely on the speed with which municipalities process opening applications. Once urban compatibility is confirmed and the business opening application is submitted, the hair salon can open.

The estimated time is difficult to determine precisely but typically ranges from a month and a half to two months.

When does a hair salon activity license cost in Alicante?

Considering the services offered, the size of the premises, and whether renovation or construction work is required, the cost varies. The minimum price usually starts around 400 euros.

Consequences of opening a hair salon without a business license

Firstly, it could jeopardize the safety of clients.
Additionally, it may lead to financial fines and closure of the business.

How to know if a business has an activity license?

It is important to ask the property owner selling or renting the premises if they have a valid activity license. Additionally, once they provide the activity license, it is advisable to have a technical professional review it. This ensures that the transfer or assignment is feasible.

Transfer of Ownership of Hairdressing Activity License

When you want to open a hair salon in a location that already has an activity license, the current owner of the license can transfer it or assign it to you. This process is known as the transfer of ownership of the activity license.

In this process, various documents must be submitted to the Town Hall along with the application. For the transfer of ownership of an activity license in Alicante, these documents typically include:

Valid license for the operation of the activity.
Notarized or private document confirming the transfer.
Proof of payment of fees.
Photocopy of the ID card, tax identification number (NIF), or other valid identification document of the current license holder.
Photocopy of the ID card, tax identification number (NIF), or other valid identification document of the new owner or owners.

This ensures compliance with legal requirements and facilitates the smooth transfer of the business license.

Activity Licence

How to open a coworking in Alicante?

Post author By TAMARINDO
Post date July 4, 2024

The city of Alicante, with its charm and dynamic business community, presents itself as an ideal place to establish a coworking space. Opening a shared workspace not only meets the growing needs of freelancers and entrepreneurs but also contributes to the development of a collaborative work community.

What is a coworking?

Coworking is a revolutionary alternative to the traditional work environment, offering a shared space where freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals can gather to work in a common setting. This concept goes beyond a mere physical space; it is a philosophy that promotes collaboration, creativity, and the exchange of ideas.

History of Coworking: When Did It Start?

The term “coworking” was first coined in 1999 by Brad Neuberg, a computer programmer, who founded the first coworking space called “The Office” in San Francisco. However, the real rise of coworking began around 2005, with the opening of spaces like “The Hat Factory” in New York and “The Hub” in London. Since then, the movement has experienced exponential growth and has become a global trend over the years.

Types of Coworking Spaces or Shared Workspaces

There are different types of coworking spaces, and some of the most common models are:

Open Coworking: Spaces where professionals share a common area, encouraging interaction and networking.
Thematic Coworking: Focused on specific industries or areas of interest, these spaces bring together professionals with common goals. E.g., Coworking for architects and engineers.
Corporate Coworking: Large companies create internal coworking spaces to foster collaboration among their own employees or with external professionals.
Rural or Residential Coworking: Offer the opportunity to work in quieter, more natural environments, away from cities.
Virtual Coworking: Provide a digital infrastructure for those who work remotely, allowing them to collaborate through online platforms.

How Many Coworking Spaces Are There in Alicante?

As of January 2024, the city of Alicante has a total of 34 coworking centers.

What is the Cost of a Coworking Space in Alicante?

The prices of coworking spaces in Alicante can vary depending on the location, facilities, and services offered by each space. Factors that may influence the cost include the quality of the space, the availability of meeting rooms, additional services such as reception, printing, and kitchen facilities, as well as the reputation of the coworking space.

Monthly prices for coworking spaces in Alicante can range from about 100 euros to 300 euros or more, depending on the location and amenities. Some spaces offer flexible plans, such as daily or hourly memberships, which may be more affordable.

Steps to Set Up a Coworking Space

To set up a coworking space, careful planning and strategic execution are required.

1. Market Study and Strategy

First, we will focus on market research. We need to evaluate the demand and competition in the area where we want to establish the coworking space, as well as identify the specific needs of local professionals and businesses to define our target audience and tailor our services to their needs.

Finally, we will develop a solid marketing strategy to make our coworking space stand out. We can use digital platforms, social media, and local strategies to promote the space.

2. Financing

You will need to estimate the initial investment required and determine if you have sufficient resources or need to apply for loans, etc.

3. Finding a Property

You will also need to know the available spaces on the market to either rent or purchase them.

4. Tax and Labor Advisor

In addition, you have to hire an advisor to help you with the opening and management of the economic activity. Additionally, they can advise you on many aspects such as subsidies.

5. Obtain coworking opening license with technical study

You will also need to consider hiring a specialized technician or company to apply for the business permit or license at the town hall. It is highly advisable to seek prior consultation before searching for a location to ensure it meets the necessary conditions. QEE can assist you with this.

What is the opening license?

The opening license is a document issued by the municipality that authorizes the practice of a specific activity in a particular location or premises. It is also known as an opening license.

Type of coworking activity license

The opening license for a coworking space will vary depending on the type of coworking environment it is. In general, it is considered a low-impact activity, similar to that of an office.

Activity license budget

From 500 €

Do you need a business opening license?

6. Renovation and interior design

It’s important to consider that common areas are crucial for clients, as well as meeting rooms.

Advantages of Setting Up a Coworking Space

Coworking spaces can be profitable by generating recurring revenue through memberships and additional services. In addition to basic memberships, you can diversify your income by offering additional services such as meeting rooms, events, and café services.

You have the flexibility to adapt and adjust service offerings based on market demand and trends. Introducing new offerings or making changes to the space’s design according to members’ needs can ensure relevance and competitiveness.

Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with professionals from various industries. This can open doors to business opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships.

Disadvantages and Drawbacks

Establishing a coworking space requires a significant initial investment in infrastructure, furniture, technology, and space renovations. This can pose a financial challenge initially. In addition to the upfront investment, there are ongoing operational costs such as utilities, maintenance, staffing, and marketing. Managing these costs can be a complex aspect of the business.

The day-to-day operational management of a coworking space is continuous work. Coordinating bookings, maintaining cleanliness, and managing member expectations can be labor-intensive and demanding tasks.

The financial stability of a coworking space often depends heavily on membership numbers and their long-term commitment levels. High member turnover can impact revenue, and offering additional services beyond basic memberships can be challenging. For instance, managing events and providing additional services may require additional resources and efforts.

New Trend in Coworking Called Coliving

Coliving is an emerging trend related to coworking that has become increasingly popular, especially among young professionals, digital nomads, and those seeking more collaborative living experiences.

This trend involves sharing not only a workspace (as in coworking) but also living space. Participants share accommodations such as apartments or houses, along with common areas like kitchens, living rooms, and shared workspaces.

Activity Licence Activity Licence

Bar License Alicante

Post author By admin
Post date December 29, 2022

If you are going to set up a bar and have doubts regarding the requirements and the opening license in Alicante, in this article, we give you the keys.

HOW TO OPEN A BAR?

The following are the most common steps to take when opening this type of business.

1. Get a venue

One of the most complex aspects is to find premises that meet your needs and, in addition, comply with the technical regulations to be able to carry out the activity.

In general and based on our opinion, the most important factors are the price, the location and the characteristics of the premises.

Transfer of bar with business license

The easiest way is to look for premises that already have a bar licence.

In this case, to obtain the licence in your name, it would be necessary to make a change of ownership.

At QEE Ingeniería, we can help you and take care of the management for you.

Technical requirements

On the other hand, if you find a premises that does not have a licence, before renting or buying it, you must find out whether it is technically feasible to convert it into a bar, how and at what price.

Below, we discuss the most important technical aspects that you should take into account.

Urban compatibility according to the PGOU

Sometimes, municipal land-use planning regulations do not allow this type of activity to be carried out in a given area or building.

Therefore, this is one of the first parameters to be reviewed.

Ventilation and smoke extraction

One of the fundamental aspects when opening a business premises is that it must have a smoke outlet to the outside, for the kitchen.

In addition, the toilet and the kitchen must have a ventilation system.

Handicapped toilets for a bar

In most cases, you will need to have two separate toilets for each sex, at least one of which must be disabled friendly.

The disabled toilet will need to have specialised equipment and dimensions.

For example, there must be no obstacles within a circle of 1.50 metres. Other minimum lengths, as shown in the picture below, must also be observed:

Access for people with reduced mobility

People with reduced mobility must be able to enter the bar. his means that wheelchair access is possible.

Sometimes it is necessary to build a ramp because of the slope. In such cases, the slope should have a maximum gradient of 10 %.

Soundproofing

Another factor to take into account is that the premises must comply with acoustic standards and/or review the cost of fitting out the premises.

Once the adaptation has been carried out, an acoustic audit will be carried out in order for the local council to grant the activity licence.

Fire safety and evacuation

Two types of fire extinguishers will be required to comply with the regulations:

ABC portal fire extinguisher powder chemical every 15 metres.
Portable CO2 carbon snow extinguisher to be kept near the electrical panel.

In addition, for proper evacuation, signs indicating the exits will have to be placed. It will also be necessary for the exit door to always open outwards in premises located in the Valencian Community.

Electrical installation

In relation to the electrical installation, a key aspect to bear in mind is that the cables must be halogen-free.

This is because, if there is a sudden increase in the temperature of the cable or another circumstance that causes a fire, a cable with halogens (e.g. PVC) would not behave properly.

This type of cable would release a large amount of toxic fumes and facilitate the spread of fire.

2. Technical project Bar Licence Alicante

In order to open the bar, it is necessary to present the Declaración Responsable de Actividad for the opening of a public establishment.

In addition, in the case of carrying out works, the Declaración Responsable de Obra (Declaration of Responsibility for Works) must be presented. In it, the need to carry out the works/ installations/ actions prior to the activity application is stated.

In both cases, the applications must be accompanied by a technical documentation.

Subsequently, all the required documents will be registered at the town hall. These documents will be supervised by the city council in order to grant the corresponding activity licence.

Fees for setting up a bar in Alicante

On the other hand, you will have to pay some taxes to the town hall. Dichas tasas varían en función de los m2 de actividad (del bar).

These fees vary depending on the m2 of activity (of the bar).

ENVIRONMENTAL LICENCE FEES (opening activity) up to 500 m2: 610.02 €.

RATES FOR MAINTENANCE, MODIFICATION OR REFURBISHMENT WORKS from 51 to 100 m2: 137.92 €.

3. Works and refurbishment for a bar licence

If necessary, the required changes would have to be made to the premises in order to bring it into compliance with the regulations or your expectations.

4. Technical inspection, acoustic audit and OCA

Once the works have been completed, a technical inspection must be carried out by the Authorised Control Body (OCA), in order to ensure regulatory compliance. At the same time, an acoustic study and audit will be carried out.

5. BAR ACTIVITY LICENCE PRICE

It is very difficult to establish a price for this type of licence. It will depend on the needs of the reform and the surface area, among other factors.

However, to give an example, the approximate price for an opening licence for a bar, with a minor work project, can be around 2500 euros. Examples) Creation of a company, registration of self-employed workers, IAE, civil liability insurance.

BAR ACTIVITY LICENSE PRICE

It is very difficult to establish a price for this type of licenses. It will depend on the needs of the renovation and the surface area, among other factors.

However, to cite an example, the approximate price for a license to open a bar, with a minor construction project, can be around 2,500 euros.

Check final price

IS IT COMPULSORY TO HAVE A LICENCE FOR A BAR?

Not only is it compulsory, but this type of activity is highly controlled in Spain.

Fines for not having a licence

Depending on the seriousness of the offence, they can range from 300€ to 600.000€. They could also proceed to close the bar for a maximum period of 3 years.

BAR LICENCE WITHOUT A KITCHEN AND WITHOUT A SMOKE VENT

Finally, it should be noted that it is not necessary for a bar to have a proper kitchen. In fact, there are foods, such as tapas, that can be served ready-made and cold.

It is also possible to cook without a smoke outlet and without an extractor hood with a special fryer or other vacuum systems.