Vending machines are a good business to venture into in Spain, yet it has regulations that you are to adhere to. They regulate the location of where you can put up your machines, what you can sell, tax law, food safety and consumer rights among other things.
Getting Started: Registration and Permits
Before selling anything, you must register your business with the Agencia Tributaria and get a CIF/NIF tax number. Many small operators choose to work as autónomos (self-employed), while larger operations often register as a Sociedad Limitada (S.L.).
When it comes to location, placing a machine on private property requires a written agreement with the owner. For public spaces, you’ll need a municipal license from the local ayuntamiento (town hall).
Sales Restrictions in Spain
There are very tight regulations by the Spanish government on some of the items sold in the vending machines.
Tobacco Vending Machines
- Only adults over 18 can buy tobacco from machines.
- Machines must display clear health warnings.
- They are only allowed in approved places like newsstands, bars, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.
- They are banned in schools, hospitals, cultural centers, and playgrounds.
Alcohol Vending Machines
In some tourist areas, such as parts of Mallorca and Ibiza, vending machines cannot sell alcohol at all.
Food Safety and Healthy Options
In case you sell food or drinks in your vending machines, you have to live up to the food safety regulations. Products must be provided safely and with temperatures maintained and well wrapped with Spanish labelling of ingredient and allergic contents. Damaged or expired products need to be recalled and the operators have the wholesome responsibility of shelf life monitoring.
What may be sold in schools changed by decree also in 2025. Junk food and sweet beverages, as well as highly processed foods are no longer permitted in cafeteria and school vending machines. Rather, healthier foods such as water, milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables make the only permitted foods.
Fiscal Requirements
Vending machines in Spain must issue simplified invoices and record every sale according to the VERIFACTU or NO VERIFACTU systems. This means keeping proper sales records and filing taxes on time.
- Keep copies of all permits, contracts, and municipal licenses.
- Ensure prices are clearly displayed, including VAT.
- Place your name, address, and contact details on every machine.
- Maintain regular cleaning and servicing logs.
- Renew licenses before they expire.
Consumer Rights
When a machine does not deliver the product, it is a right that the customers can demand a refund or replacement. That is why your contact information should be exposed and simple to see. Lots of operators inserted a phone number or WhatsApp to communicate fast.
Final Thoughts
Operating a vending machine business in Spain is easy when one observes the regulations. That sounds much better now, isn’t it? You can expand your business confidently and not worry about paying fines or regulations closing down your business with proper registration, appropriate permits, food safety, and knowledge of product restrictions.
