Thinking about starting a business and opening a premises in Palma de Mallorca?
If you’re planning to start a business and open a physical location in Palma de Mallorca, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements that govern commercial activity in the city. One of the most important is the opening and activity license, a mandatory municipal permit required for most businesses that operate from a physical space, such as an office, warehouse, shop, or service establishment. At our business consultancy in Palma de Mallorca, we handle opening licenses in Palma and throughout the island.

What is the purpose of the opening license?

This license certifies that the premises comply with current regulations regarding key aspects such as **safety, accessibility, sanitation, and urban planning**. Obtaining it is a necessary step to ensure the business operates legally and poses no risk to customers, staff, or the surrounding environment.

Businesses that require an opening license

In general, any business that involves public access or uses a space not intended as a residence will need this license. Common examples in Palma de Mallorca include:

• Restaurants, bars, and cafés: These must obtain an activity license and, in some cases, register with the health authorities.
• Retail stores: From clothing and electronics shops to bookstores and supermarkets.
• Offices and professional services: Especially if located outside a residential unit or exceeding a certain square footage.
• Workshops and industrial activities: Due to their potential environmental or safety impact.
• Personal and healthcare services: Such as hair salons, clinics, gyms, beauty centers, etc.

Types of activities: how is the license processed?

The municipal regulations in Palma classify business activities into two categories for opening license procedures:

1. Classified activities

These are considered to have a significant impact on the environment, public health, or neighborhood peace. This group includes nightclubs, hospitality venues, large retail spaces, and industrial operations. Opening these types of businesses requires a **specific license**, which is granted only after a technical review and, in many cases, a prior inspection by the City Council.

2. Harmless (non-risk) activities

These are considered low-risk operations, such as certain retail shops, stationery stores, or small offices. In these cases, it’s possible to use a **responsible declaration procedure**, allowing the business to open immediately after submitting the necessary documentation. However, this does not exempt the business from complying with all regulations, nor does it prevent the City Council from carrying out inspections later.

Conclusion

In Palma de Mallorca, almost any business operating from a physical location open to the public must obtain an opening and activity license. While some low-impact activities can use the responsible declaration process, all businesses must comply with the applicable regulations. Having the support of a **specialised consultancy** is key to avoiding mistakes and speeding up the process.
Planning to open a business in Palma? At our consultancy in Palma de Mallorca, we’ll take care of all the paperwork so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business from day one.