CIRCE Network 2026: Create your company for free with the new PAE Points from San Antonio Foundation

Key data

If you are thinking about starting a company in Spain, a free and official way to do it has just opened up. The State Secretariat for Industry has signed an agreement with San Antonio University Foundation so that its offices become part of the CIRCE Network as Entrepreneur Attention Points (PAE). The agreement was published and entered into force on September 21, 2026 (reference BOE-A-2026-19608).

The practical result is clear: more physical locations where you can incorporate a company without paying anything for basic procedures, with the backing of the official system of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement defines two levels of services that will be offered by the new PAE of San Antonio University Foundation: mandatory services (which must always be provided) and optional services (which can be offered additionally).

For its part, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism contributes the following resources to the agreement:

• Access to the CIRCE system for electronic processing
• Continuous technical support
• SME Platform management tools

This agreement expands the network of entrepreneurship support at no additional cost to the entrepreneur for basic incorporation procedures. It does not modify or repeal any previous regulation explicitly: it adds to the existing network of PAE in Spain.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact for an entrepreneur is the savings in administrative management costs for incorporation. Usually, hiring a management firm to process the registration of a company or individual business has a cost that can range between €150 and €400 in management fees alone, not counting notarial or registration costs that may apply depending on the legal form chosen.

With a PAE integrated in CIRCE, processing through the DUE (Single Electronic Document) is free. The DUE allows you to group all necessary procedures for starting a company in a single electronic process: registration with the Tax Authority, Social Security registration, Commercial Registry registration (depending on legal form) and other associated procedures.

From an operational perspective, the incorporation of San Antonio University Foundation into the network expands geographic coverage and the number of access points available, particularly relevant for entrepreneurs in the Region of Murcia and areas of influence of this institution.

Who does it affect?

• Individual entrepreneurs who want to incorporate a company or register as self-employed with free in-person support.
• SMEs in creation phase that need legal, tax and Social Security guidance before starting.
• Companies that want to cease their activity and need to process closure in an orderly manner.
• Business owners who want to transfer their business and need information about the process.
• University students and graduates linked to San Antonio University Foundation who are considering entrepreneurship.
• Advisors and managers who work with clients in the area of influence of the Foundation and want to refer them to a free official processing point.

Practical example

Imagine you are an entrepreneur in Murcia and want to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Before this agreement, you had to go to a management firm or process it yourself online, assuming the management cost or investing time in learning the process.

As of September 21, 2026, you can visit the offices of San Antonio University Foundation, which acts as an official PAE integrated in the CIRCE Network. There, free of charge, you will receive:

• Information about the most appropriate legal form for your project (mandatory service).
• Tax and Social Security guidance before incorporation (mandatory service).
• Complete processing of incorporation through the DUE, with no management cost (mandatory service).

Additionally, if the PAE offers optional services, you could receive mentoring to develop your business plan or information on how to transfer the business in the future.

Estimated savings in processing fees: between €150 and €400 compared to hiring these procedures with a private management firm.

What should companies do now?

1. If you are thinking about creating a company: contact the offices of San Antonio University Foundation to verify appointment availability and active PAE services in your area. It is the first step to take advantage of free processing via DUE.
2. If you are an advisor or manager: update your map of resources for entrepreneurs. The PAE of San Antonio Foundation are now an official and free option to refer clients who want to incorporate a company without processing costs.
3. If you want to close your company: ask at the PAE if they offer the optional service of activity cessation processing, as it could save you management costs.
4. If you are considering transferring your business: the PAE can guide you on the business transfer process as an optional service, with no initial consultation cost.
5. In any case: consult the official resolution in the BOE to know the exact scope of the agreement and the services available at each point.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-19608