{"id":20177,"date":"2025-12-01T14:36:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T13:36:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/?p=20177"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:06:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T09:06:52","slug":"franchise-agreements-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/franchise-agreements-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Franchise agreements in Spain: Legal localisation guide for international brands"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"20177\" class=\"elementor elementor-20177\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e7296f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2e7296f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6399c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a6399c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section style=\"line-height: 1.7; color: #1f1f1f; max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto;\"><div class=\"key-takeaways\" style=\"background: #f2f2f2; padding: 24px; margin: 0 0 30px 0; border-radius: 8px;\"><h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #768f6f;\">Key points on franchise agreements in Spain<\/h2><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"><li>In 2026, <strong>franchise agreements in Spain<\/strong> still require strong pre-contract disclosure under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/buscar\/act.php?id=BOE-A-1996-1072\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ley 7\/1996<\/a>.<\/li><li>The state franchise register was removed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/diario_boe\/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2018-16791\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Real Decreto-ley 20\/2018<\/a>, shifting focus to contract structure and compliance.<\/li><li>Following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/buscar\/act.php?id=BOE-A-2025-76\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ley Org\u00e1nica 1\/2025<\/a>, ADR is now a key step before litigation.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><h2 style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Why franchise agreements must be localised for Spain<\/h2><p>Expanding into Spain through franchising requires more than translation.<\/p><p>It requires alignment with Spanish commercial, tax, and contractual frameworks.<\/p><p>From a business perspective, Spain remains highly attractive.<\/p><p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ine.es\/dyngs\/Prensa\/DIRCE2025.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">INE DIRCE data<\/a>, there are over <strong>3.3 million businesses<\/strong>, with strong representation in retail and services, key franchise sectors.<\/p><p>However, foreign brands must also consider <strong>tax exposure and structuring<\/strong>. Understanding areas like <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/spain-corporate-tax\/\">corporate tax in Spain<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/tax-structuring-between-ireland-spain\/\">cross-border tax structuring between Ireland and Spain<\/a> is essential when designing a franchise model.<\/p><h2 style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Legal framework governing franchise agreements in Spain<\/h2><p>Spain does not rely on a single franchise law. Instead, <strong>franchise agreements in Spain<\/strong> are governed through multiple legal sources.<\/p><table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 24px 0;\"><thead><tr style=\"background: #768f6f; color: #fff;\"><th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; text-align: left;\">Source<\/th><th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; text-align: left;\">Role<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"background: #fafafa;\"><td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/buscar\/act.php?id=BOE-A-1996-1072\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ley 7\/1996<\/a><\/td><td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8;\">Defines franchise activity and disclosure obligations<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/buscar\/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2010-4175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Real Decreto 201\/2010<\/a><\/td><td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8;\">Details mandatory disclosure content<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p>In addition, contract enforceability depends heavily on how well agreements align with broader frameworks such as <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/international-contracts-spain\/\">international contracts in Spain<\/a> and EU competition rules.<\/p><h2 style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Mandatory disclosure rules in 2026<\/h2><p>Franchisors must provide key information at least 20 days before signing.<\/p><p>This includes business details, financial expectations, and contractual terms.<\/p><div style=\"background: #f4f4f4; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Did you know?<\/strong><br \/>Disclosure must include trademark ownership, investment costs, fees, network structure, and termination conditions.<\/div><p>From a tax perspective, disclosure should also reflect real obligations such as <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/vat-exemption-spain\/\">VAT treatment in Spain<\/a> and reporting requirements tied to <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/spanish-tax-deadlines\/\">Spanish tax deadlines<\/a>.<\/p><h2 style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Common mistakes in franchise agreements in Spain<\/h2><p>Even when a franchise model is commercially strong, legal problems often arise because the agreement has been copied from another jurisdiction without being adapted to Spain.<\/p><p>This is one of the most common issues for foreign franchisors entering the market.<\/p><p>A contract that works well in the <strong>UK<\/strong> or the <strong>United States<\/strong> may not reflect Spanish disclosure obligations, local enforcement standards, or the practical expectations of Spanish franchisees.<\/p><p>One frequent mistake is using vague or overly broad clauses on territorial exclusivity.<\/p><p>If the contract grants exclusivity without clearly defining the protected territory, the sales channels covered, or the rules for online activity, disputes can arise very quickly.<\/p><p>The same applies to non-compete clauses and supplier restrictions.<\/p><p>These provisions need to be carefully drafted so they are commercially useful while still respecting Spanish and EU competition principles.<\/p><p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24094 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/business-contract-handshake-agreement.webp\" alt=\"franchise agreement in spain contract\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/business-contract-handshake-agreement.webp 1280w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/business-contract-handshake-agreement-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/business-contract-handshake-agreement-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/business-contract-handshake-agreement-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/p><p>Another recurring problem is poor drafting around fees and investment obligations.<\/p><p>Initial franchise fees, ongoing royalties, advertising contributions, technology charges, training costs, and refurbishment obligations should all be stated with precision.<\/p><p>If the <strong>financial model is not transparent<\/strong> from the outset, a <strong>franchisee may later argue that the pre-contract disclosure was incomplete or misleading<\/strong>.<\/p><p>That can create legal risk and damage the commercial relationship before the network has had time to grow.<\/p><p>Language is also a major practical issue.<\/p><p>While there is no absolute rule requiring franchise agreements to be written only in Spanish, using an English-only contract can create unnecessary difficulty.<\/p><p>If the franchisee does not fully understand the contract, they may later claim that they were not properly informed.<\/p><p>For that reason, <strong>many franchisors choose bilingual drafting or a Spanish version that clearly reflects the final agreed-upon terms<\/strong>.<\/p><p>This helps reduce uncertainty and strengthens enforceability.<\/p><div style=\"background: #f4f4f4; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Fact box:<\/strong><br \/>The most common weaknesses in franchise contracts are unclear territory clauses, incomplete disclosure, vague fee structures, weak intellectual property provisions, and dispute clauses that do not reflect current ADR requirements.<\/div><h2 style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Best practices before signing a franchise agreement<\/h2><p>Before signing, both franchisors and franchisees should carry out a structured legal and commercial review.<\/p><p>For franchisors, this means checking that trademark rights are properly protected in Spain, that the disclosure package is complete, and that the operations manual and support obligations match what is promised in the contract.<\/p><p>It is also wise to review whether the chosen governing law, jurisdiction, and dispute-resolution language are suitable for the Spanish market.<\/p><p>For franchisees, <strong>due diligence<\/strong> should go beyond the brand presentation.<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24099 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/visual-selection-40-e1776934321902.png\" alt=\"franchise agreement review in spain\" width=\"1453\" height=\"1274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/visual-selection-40-e1776934321902.png 1453w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/visual-selection-40-e1776934321902-300x263.png 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/visual-selection-40-e1776934321902-1024x898.png 1024w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/visual-selection-40-e1776934321902-768x673.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1453px) 100vw, 1453px\" \/><\/p><p>They should verify the legal identity of the franchisor, the ownership or licence of the trademark, the real costs of opening and operating the business, and the support they will receive after launch.<\/p><p>They should also examine renewal rights, termination triggers, post-contract restrictions, and any limitations on transferring the business in the future.<\/p><p>These points can have a major effect on profitability and flexibility.<\/p><h2 style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Dispute clauses after the 2025 reform<\/h2><p>Under the 2025 reform, dispute clauses must include pre-litigation steps such as negotiation or mediation.<\/p><p>This is particularly relevant for international franchisors, especially those dealing with <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/uk-spain-cross-border-legal-disputes\/\">UK-Spain cross-border legal disputes<\/a> or multi-jurisdiction agreements.<\/p><div style=\"margin: 24px 0; padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #d7d7d7; border-radius: 8px; background: #fbfbfb;\"><h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #768f6f;\">Compliance timeline<\/h3><div style=\"margin: 12px 0;\"><div><strong>Before launch<\/strong><\/div><div style=\"background: #dfe6dc; height: 18px; border-radius: 30px;\"><div style=\"width: 100%; background: #768f6f; height: 18px;\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin: 12px 0;\"><div><strong>Before signing<\/strong><\/div><div style=\"background: #dfe6dc; height: 18px; border-radius: 30px;\"><div style=\"width: 80%; background: #768f6f; height: 18px;\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><h2 style=\"color: #768f6f;\">Securing franchise agreements in Spain in 2026<\/h2><p>To ensure enforceability, contracts must integrate disclosure, tax, and dispute considerations.<\/p><p>For example, structuring income flows correctly can help <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/reduce-your-tax-burden-in-spain\/\">reduce tax burdens in Spain<\/a>, while understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/uk-spain-double-taxation\/\">double taxation between the UK and Spain<\/a> is key for foreign franchisors.<\/p><p>If your franchise involves relocation or foreign directors, immigration and residency issues may also arise, making it useful to understand <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/residency-in-spain\/\">residency requirements in Spain<\/a> or options like the <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/apply-digital-nomad-visa-spain\/\">digital nomad visa<\/a>.<\/p><div style=\"background: #f2f2f2; padding: 24px; margin-top: 30px; border-radius: 8px;\"><h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #768f6f;\">Need legal support?<\/h2><p>If you are adapting <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/franchise-agreements-spain\/\">franchise agreements in Spain<\/a> or structuring international expansion, professional legal guidance ensures compliance and long-term scalability.<\/p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"><strong>F\u00e9lix de la Gu\u00eda<\/strong><br \/>Email: <a href=\"mailto:felix.delaguia@delaguialuzon.com\">felix.delaguia@delaguialuzon.com<\/a><br \/>Phone: <a href=\"tel:+34963741657\">+34 963 74 16 57<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-535a5473 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"535a5473\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21b9a177 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"21b9a177\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQs: Franchise agreements in Spain<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-529ba974 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"529ba974\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1380\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1380\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Is Spanish law mandatory for franchise agreements in Spain? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1380\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ad23e9a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2ad23e9a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78d302b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78d302b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, but contracts must comply with Spanish public policy and commercial law regardless of the chosen governing law.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1381\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1381\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Is the Spanish language required in franchise contracts? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1381\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-76894a60 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"76894a60\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52a6ddc2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52a6ddc2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not legally, but strongly recommended to avoid disputes over interpretation.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1382\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1382\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What happens if the 20-day disclosure rule is violated? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1382\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a569672 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4a569672\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63480768 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"63480768\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The contract may be voidable, and the franchisor may be liable for damages.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1383\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1383\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Is mediation required before litigation? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1383\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67538b9e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"67538b9e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65bedeb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"65bedeb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Since 2025, negotiation or ADR is mandatory before court proceedings in franchise disputes.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1384\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1384\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can exclusivity clauses be enforced? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1384\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-91bfd2d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"91bfd2d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3387a879 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3387a879\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but they must comply with EU competition rules, or they may be invalidated.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1385\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1385\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Do franchise agreements have to be registered? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1385\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f6fb5de e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5f6fb5de\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61797c5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"61797c5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Since 2018, registration in Spain is no longer mandatory.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0193f14 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0193f14\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3738ae4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3738ae4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5; padding: 28px 32px; border-radius: 12px; margin: 40px 0; width: 100%; display: block;\"><h2>Need legal guidance?<\/h2><p>The commercial and corporate lawyers at <strong>Delagu\u00eda y Luz\u00f3n<\/strong> assist franchisors and international investors with drafting and localizing franchise agreements, ensuring compliance with Spanish law, reviewing disclosure obligations, protecting intellectual property rights, and structuring effective dispute-resolution mechanisms for doing <a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/setting-up-a-business-in-spain\/\" title=\"Thinking of starting a business in Spain? Here&#8217;s what you need to know\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"256\">business in Spain<\/a> securely.<\/p><p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><a style=\"color: #0a2a43; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"mailto:felix.delaguia@delaguialuzon.com\">felix.delaguia@delaguialuzon.com<br \/><\/a><\/p><p style=\"margin: 8px 0 0; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>Phone:<\/strong> +34 963 74 16 57<\/p><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<style>\r\n.lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 40px;\nmargin-bottom: 30px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        }.lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-container{\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-double{\r\n            width: 48%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n            width: 32%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: space-between;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n            width: calc(16% - 20px);\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n            \r\n            max-width: 150px;list-style: none;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item img{\r\n            max-width: 100%;\r\n            height: auto;\r\n            object-fit: cover;\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item.lwrp-empty-list-item{\r\n            background: initial !important;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            font-style: normal;\r\n        }@media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n            .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }.lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{\r\n                margin-top: 0px;\r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n                padding-top: 0px;\r\n                padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-double,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n                justify-content: initial;\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n                \r\n                max-width: initial;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            };\r\n        }<\/style>\r\n<div id=\"link-whisper-related-posts-widget\" class=\"link-whisper-related-posts lwrp\">\r\n    \r\n        <div class=\"lwrp-list-container\">\r\n                                <div class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-row-container lwrp-list-single-row\">\r\n                <div class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/online-business\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"343\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/how-to-start-a-business-in-spain.jpg\" class=\"attachment-480x480 size-480x480 wp-post-image\" alt=\"how to start a business in spain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/how-to-start-a-business-in-spain.jpg 795w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/how-to-start-a-business-in-spain-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/how-to-start-a-business-in-spain-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><br><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">How to start a business in Spain: Everything you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/restructuration-of-companies-with-difficulties\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/corporate-restructuring.jpg\" class=\"attachment-480x480 size-480x480 wp-post-image\" alt=\"corporate restructuring\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/corporate-restructuring.jpg 950w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/corporate-restructuring-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/corporate-restructuring-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><br><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Restructuration of companies with difficulties in Spain. Part 1: Handling the crisis with success<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/franchise-development\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/franchise-development.jpg\" class=\"attachment-480x480 size-480x480 wp-post-image\" alt=\"franchise development\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/franchise-development.jpg 795w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/franchise-development-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/franchise-development-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><br><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Franchise network development in Spain<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/setting-up-a-business-in-spain\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/starting-a-business-in-spain.jpg\" class=\"attachment-480x480 size-480x480 wp-post-image\" alt=\"starting a business in spain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/starting-a-business-in-spain.jpg 795w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/starting-a-business-in-spain-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/starting-a-business-in-spain-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><br><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Thinking of starting a business in Spain? Here&rsquo;s what you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/legal-assistance-in-spain\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/legal-assitance-in-spain.jpg\" class=\"attachment-480x480 size-480x480 wp-post-image\" alt=\"legal assistance in spain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/legal-assitance-in-spain.jpg 795w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/legal-assitance-in-spain-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/legal-assitance-in-spain-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><br><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Legal assistance in Spain for international individuals and businesses<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/legal-support-uk-businesses\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"321\" src=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Legal-Support-for-UK-Businesses.jpg\" class=\"attachment-480x480 size-480x480 wp-post-image\" alt=\"Legal Support for UK Businesses\" srcset=\"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Legal-Support-for-UK-Businesses.jpg 795w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Legal-Support-for-UK-Businesses-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Legal-Support-for-UK-Businesses-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><br><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Legal support for UK business owners<\/span><\/a><\/div>                <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Franchise agreements in Spain require strict pre-contract disclosure under Ley 7\/1996. The franchise register was removed in 2018, shifting focus to compliance and contract structure. Since 2025, ADR is required before litigation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":20178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[68,49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-creating-a-company","category-labour-law"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20177"}],"version-history":[{"count":70,"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24103,"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20177\/revisions\/24103"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}