What is an activity license?
It is a mandatory legal document required to carry out an activity issued directly by the municipality to the business or property owner. Through this document, the administration is aware of the activity being carried out in the municipality, collects taxes, and ensures that all current regulations are being met.
Do you need an activity license in Menorca?
The activity license for a business is processed with the intervention of an engineer, who classifies the activity according to specific needs, ensures compliance with current regulations, and issues a certification that guarantees the premises are suitable for the activity. This document not only provides confidence to the municipality, which ensures that the premises meet the requirements, but also gives the business owner the security that they are operating a lawful activity, with permission from the administration and able to carry out the business freely.
There are three main classifications of this type of license in Menorca:
- Responsible declaration of opening
- Prior communication of opening
- Environmental license
Frequently asked questions about the activity license in Menorca
Why is it important to obtain the activity license when opening a business?
Because the municipality can issue a closure order or open an investigation if the business does not have the corresponding activity license.
Is this process mandatory for any business with a physical location in Menorca?
Yes, from a small shop to industrial warehouses or larger businesses.
Is it easy to obtain this permit?
It depends on the type of business and the level of assistance required. Some activities may require more time and complexity in the process, while others may be simpler and obtain the license through a prior communication without waiting for a response.
Why can Vallcorba Engineers/Architects help you?
The company Vallcorba Engineers/Architects has a multidisciplinary team of engineers and architects specialized in managing activity licenses in Menorca. Our main goal is to obtain the activity license for our clients, offering a comprehensive service that covers all the necessary procedures and projects to successfully open your business.
We have over ten years of experience in business openings and are well-versed in the regulations governing every aspect of the premises, from fire protection to accessibility regulations and all specific requirements for each type of premises.
Having a team made up of engineers and architects, we can offer a comprehensive service to clients, allowing all the necessary procedures and projects for obtaining the activity license to be handled by the same company.
The engineering department focuses on:
- Writing the activity project
- Writing the action plan
- Managing with contractors and gathering all necessary certificates
- Knowing and staying up-to-date with all current regulations in Menorca
- Designing, planning, and legalizing installations (fire protection, air conditioning, ventilation, electricity)
- Carrying out procedures with the administration and control entities
And the architecture department is responsible for:
- Feasibility study to determine the approximate cost
- Creating floor plans
- Proposing distribution layouts
- Interior design, rendering, and creative concept study
- Basic and executive technical projects for construction
- Procedures with the administration to obtain the building permit
- Construction management
What kind of projects can Vallcorba Engineers/Architects handle?
We specialize in urban premises (such as shops, restaurants, clinics, and gyms) and medium-sized industrial buildings (up to 5000m2). Large industries are not part of our specialty.
Is having a multidisciplinary team good for my project?
Yes, because specialties are combined and the strengths of each technician are enhanced. This way, the client can cover all the technical aspects by hiring just one company.
For small projects in Menorca, is architecture necessary?
If there are no renovations to the premises, no changes in the layout, and the client does not want design services, the engineer will take care of only obtaining the activity license.
Is this permit essential to open a business in Menorca?
When a business or freelancer decides to open a business in Menorca and invest their money, they always seek security in that investment.
In the business world, there is too much uncertainty to worry about whether the town hall or local administration will issue requirements, administrative fines, or closure notices. That is why, from our company, we always recommend to our clients to go all the way and obtain the business activity permit for the business they want to develop.
Do you need an activity license?
According to our experience, it is possible to rent an industrial building or premises in Menorca and start operations without any further steps, and it may even be possible that for long periods, no one from the administration will communicate or make any requirements. But during this time, things can always happen, and it is always worse later:
- An unhappy employee who is aware of the situation could file a complaint
- The routine inspection by municipal technicians could detect a new activity
- The competition could file a complaint for unfair competition
- The neighbors could complain about noise, disturbances, odors, etc.
- A fire or theft could occur
And many other cases that could result in a complaint to the town hall. In case this happens, the Town Hall is obliged to review the business file, analyze the complaint, and if there is no license, make the requirement.
So why not wait for the town hall to issue a requirement to obtain it?
Normally, town halls are not interested in having files dragged on for too long, and when they detect a business operating without a license, they require the communication within a month. This makes it unfeasible to look for an engineering firm, prepare the project, carry out the necessary work in the premises or building, collect certificates, etc.
What is the normal sequence that town halls follow when a license is required?
The normal sequence is as follows:
- Notification without a fine, requesting documentation
- Notification without a fine, threatening with a fine or closure
- Notification with an administrative fine
- Letter with the closure execution date
- Police seal the premises or building
What is the opening license?
The opening license is a municipal license that allows the operation of a business in a premises. It is granted to the business owner for the development of a specific activity in a given location. In short, it is the document that allows you to open a business in Menorca.
This license must be renewed every time the activity in the establishment changes. It can be transferred to a new owner as long as the activity remains the same and in the same location.
To obtain the license and carry out the activity, a technical project must be submitted to the Town Hall of Menorca, explaining the type of business and providing justification for compliance with the applicable regulations. The establishment must comply with the required regulations, and necessary construction work should be carried out if needed.
For activities with simple technical requirements, the license can be processed through a responsible declaration validated by a competent technician.
Do you need an opening license?
How can we help you?
At Vallcorba Engineers, we are a team of engineers and technical architects specialized in opening licenses with a passion for taking on new challenges. We are constantly learning to stay up to date with new regulations affecting activities. This allows us to execute projects with greater efficiency.
From Vallcorba Engineers, we help you open your business and manage the paperwork for obtaining the activity license. We take care of all the bureaucracy so you don’t have to worry about anything. We are committed to our work and will guide you through the entire process until your project is up and running.
The experience gained from various projects has helped us understand how to execute activities smoothly, ensuring reliability in obtaining the opening license.
For activities with simple technical requirements, the license can be processed through a responsible declaration validated by a competent technician.
Do I need a license to open a 50 m² clothing store?
Yes, it is necessary to obtain a license for any activity you wish to carry out, regardless of the size of the premises.
If I want a driveway for parking, what should I do?
To obtain a driveway for car access to the garage, you first need to apply for the opening license for the parking activity. Once the license is obtained, you can request the driveway.
What type of process do I need to open a bar-restaurant?
To open a bar-restaurant, you need a technical project for the activity in order to obtain the opening license.
How can I open an activity in an industrial warehouse?
To open an activity in an industrial warehouse, a technical project must be submitted to obtain the license, regardless of the type of activity.
Do I need a permit to open an 80 m² stationery store?
Since it is a small activity with minimal environmental impact, the process to obtain the license will be through a responsible declaration.
