From small lifestyle businesses to larger investments, there are opportunities available at many price levels. Below is a general guide showing what buyers might expect to find at different investment levels.

Businesses Around €50,000

Buyers with smaller budgets can still find opportunities to buy a small business in Spain.

Typical examples include:

• Small cafés or takeaway businesses
• Market stalls or retail kiosks
• Mobile service businesses
• Small service companies
• Seasonal tourism businesses

These businesses often suit buyers looking for lifestyle businesses in Spain.

Businesses Around €100,000

At this price level, buyers have access to more established businesses.

Examples may include:

• Established cafés or bars
• Beauty salons
• Small restaurants
• Property maintenance companies
• Tourism service businesses

These businesses may already have a regular customer base and steady income.

Businesses Around €250,000

Larger budgets allow buyers to consider well-established businesses with stronger turnover.

Examples may include:

• Busy restaurants or bars
• Tourism companies
• Property management businesses
• Established retail stores
• Larger service companies

These opportunities may provide higher income potential and stronger market presence.

Why the Costa del Sol Attracts Business Buyers

The Costa del Sol remains one of the best places in Spain to buy a business because of:

☀ A strong tourism economy
🌍 Large international population
✈ Excellent transport links
📈 Consistent demand for services

These factors make the region one of the most popular places to buy a business in Spain as a foreigner.

Don’t forget to look at our blog on the 25 Best Businesses to Buy on the Costa del Sol.

Looking for Businesses for Sale in Spain?

Businesses Abroad works with international buyers looking to:

• Buy businesses on the Costa del Sol
• Relocate to Spain
• Apply for Spanish self-employment visas

If you are exploring business opportunities in Spain, contact Businesses Abroad to discuss available options.

However, many people searching online ask the same questions:

• Can foreigners buy a business in Spain?
• What is the process for buying a business in Spain?
• Can buying a business help you move to Spain?
• What visas are required after Brexit?

The good news is that foreigners can buy businesses in Spain, and many people successfully relocate each year by purchasing an established company. Below is a step-by-step guide explaining how the process works.

Step 1: Identify the Right Business Opportunity

The first step when buying a business in Spain is finding the right opportunity.

Popular businesses purchased by international buyers include:

• Hospitality businesses such as cafés, bars, and restaurants
• Tourism-related businesses
• Service businesses
• Property management companies
• Retail shops
• Rental businesses

Many buyers specifically search for small businesses for sale on the Costa del Sol, as the region offers strong demand from both tourists and residents.

Choosing the right business is important not only for profitability but also for visa applications, as authorities will want to see that the business is viable.

Step 2: Conduct Proper Due Diligence

Before committing to any business purchase in Spain, it is essential to review the business carefully.

Due diligence typically includes:

• Reviewing financial records
• Understanding operating costs
• Confirming licenses and permits
• Checking lease agreements
• Verifying debts or liabilities

Proper due diligence protects the buyer and ensures there are no unexpected issues after the purchase. Read our detailed guide on due diligence when buying a business in Spain to understand exactly what checks you should perform.

Step 3: Negotiate the Business Transfer

Once a suitable business has been identified and reviewed, the next step is negotiating the business transfer agreement.

This agreement outlines:

• The purchase price
• What assets are included
• Transition arrangements
• Payment structure

Clear documentation is important when buying or selling a business in Spain to ensure both buyer and seller are protected.

Step 4: Prepare the Legal Transfer

The official transfer of ownership must then be completed according to Spanish legal requirements.

This may involve:

• Contract preparation
• Registration of the business transfer
• Administrative changes with Spanish authorities

Handling this stage properly ensures the buyer becomes the legal owner of the business.

Step 5: Apply for the Correct Visa (Non-EU Buyers)

For non-EU citizens, including many British buyers after Brexit, purchasing a business alone does not automatically grant residency.

To live and work in Spain, buyers often apply for a Spanish self-employment visa (Autónomo visa).

This visa allows individuals to:

• Move to Spain
• Operate their own business
• Work as self-employed
• Live legally in Spain

The application requires a strong business plan, financial forecasts, and evidence that the business is viable.

Why Many People Choose to Buy a Business in Spain

Buying an established business can provide several advantages:

✔ Immediate income potential
✔ Existing customer base
✔ Proven business model
✔ Easier visa application support
✔ Faster relocation to Spain

For many international buyers, it is one of the most practical ways to relocate to Spain and build a new life.

If you want a simple way to track every stage of the acquisition process, download or follow our complete checklist for buying a business in Spain (coming soon) so you don’t miss any important steps.

Thinking About Buying a Business in Spain?

Businesses Abroad works with international clients looking to:

• Buy a business in Spain
• Sell a business on the Costa del Sol
• Relocate to Spain
• Apply for Spanish self-employment visas

If you are considering moving to Spain and buying a business, contact Businesses Abroad to explore available opportunities and receive guidance through the entire process.

Helpful Guides for Buying a Business in Spain

• How to Conduct Due Diligence When Buying a Business in Spain
• Checklist for Buying a Business in Spain
• If you are exploring opportunities, see our guide to 25 Best Businesses to Buy in Spain.
• Many international buyers search for businesses for sale on the Costa del Sol before relocating.

In this guide, we highlight 25 of the most attractive businesses for sale, with a focus on bars and restaurants, while also showcasing opportunities across retail, hospitality, and professional services.

Why Invest in the Costa del Sol?

Tourism-Driven Demand

The Costa del Sol welcomed over 14 million visitors in 2025, with strong growth from Germany, the UK, and Nordic countries. This drives sustained demand for bars, restaurants, and leisure-oriented businesses, as well as retail and professional services.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Economy

Foreign buyers make up a significant portion of the property market, often seeking secondary homes with rental income potential. Businesses aligned with hospitality, lifestyle, and tourism services benefit from this growth.

Top 25 Business Opportunities

1–10: Bars & Restaurants

1. Beachfront Bars – High seasonal traffic, perfect for international tourists.
2. Tapas & Gourmet Restaurants – Target both locals and expats.
3. Cocktail Lounges & Wine Bars – Profitable in urban hubs like Málaga city and Marbella.
4. Family Restaurants / Casual Dining – Popular in residential zones and tourist-heavy areas.
5. Rooftop Bars & Cafés – Capitalize on scenic coastal views.
6. Fast-Casual Concepts – Pizza, burgers, and local street food for quick-service demand.
7. Specialty Food & Wine Experiences – Tastings, pairing events, and culinary workshops.
8. Takeaway & Delivery-Focused Restaurants – Growing with app-based ordering.
9. Restaurant & Bar Chains (Small-Scale) – Franchise or multi-location opportunities.
10. Pop-Up or Seasonal F&B Ventures – Short-term, high-margin opportunities in high-tourist periods.

11–17: Other Hospitality & Lifestyle Businesses

11. Boutique Hotels & Guesthouses – Smaller hotels with restaurants included for added revenue.
12. Luxury Villa Rental Management – Often combined with private catering or F&B services.
13. Tour Operators / Experience Companies – Focused on guided food tours, wine tastings, or outdoor leisure.
14. Event & Wedding Venues – Many include bars or restaurants as part of the offering.
15. Spas & Wellness Centers – Lifestyle businesses complementing the hospitality sector.
16. Boutique Gyms & Fitness Studios – Serving tourists and local residents alike.
17. Lifestyle Shops / Specialty Retail – Souvenirs, gourmet foods, or artisanal products.

18–25: Professional & Service Businesses

18. Real Estate Agencies – Especially those focusing on foreign buyers.
19. Property Management & Concierge Services – Essential for international investors.
20. Digital Marketing Agencies – Promoting local hospitality or lifestyle businesses.
21. Consulting & Financial Services – Assisting investors in Spain with taxes, licensing, and acquisition.
22. Tech & Remote Work Hubs – Co-working spaces supporting digital nomads and startups.
23. Transportation & Transfer Services – Airport pick-ups, private chauffeurs, and car rentals.
24. Boat & Yacht Charter Companies – Catering to luxury tourism.
25. Education & Language Schools – Serving expat families and tourism professionals.

Key Locations to Consider

• Marbella & Puerto Banús: Luxury tourism and nightlife opportunities.
• Málaga City: Urban centers with growing expat and digital nomad populations.
• Estepona & Fuengirola: Mid-range tourism and hospitality growth.
• Benalmádena, Mijas, Nerja: Popular for family-focused and lifestyle businesses.

Tips for International Buyers

1. Focus on high-tourist zones for bars and restaurants to maximize seasonal revenue.
2. Evaluate licensing and permits early, especially for alcohol or outdoor service.
3. Check staffing and supplier networks — hospitality relies on reliable teams and suppliers.
4. Consider diversification — a bar/restaurant plus a lifestyle or hospitality service can increase resilience.
5. Work with experienced local brokers to navigate regulations and identify profitable opportunities.

Final Takeaways

• Bars and restaurants are high-demand, high-revenue opportunities for international buyers.
• Including other sectors ensures non-F&B buyers and sellers still see your business as relevant.
• Keeping a broad pillar title maintains SEO authority for multiple search queries.
• Highlighting your full portfolio and services converts readers into leads.

The Costa del Sol remains one of the most profitable regions in Europe for business acquisitions — from lively bars to boutique hotels, service businesses, and lifestyle ventures — offering opportunities for both active investors and passive buyers.