Law firms as PAE points: what changes for entrepreneurs in 2026

Key data

Law firms throughout Spain can become official company incorporation points. This is established by the agreement signed between the State Secretariat for Industry and the General Council of the Spanish Bar Association, published on May 5, 2026 in the Official State Gazette through the Resolution of April 22, 2026.

Until now, Entrepreneur Attention Points were concentrated in organizations such as chambers of commerce, notaries or specific collaborating entities. With this agreement, the network expands to law firms, which will be able to electronically process the incorporation of companies and business startup procedures through the CIRCE Network, while also adding the differential value of legal advice.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement regulates the integration of law firms into the CIRCE Network as Entrepreneur Attention Points (PAE). These points are the official windows through which entrepreneurs can electronically carry out the necessary procedures to incorporate a company and begin their business activity.

The key elements of the agreement are:

• New PAE category: Law firms are formally incorporated into the CIRCE Network as official intermediaries recognized by the Administration.
• Electronic processing: Lawyers will be able to manage company incorporation and business startup procedures in a completely digital manner.
• Added legal value: Unlike other PAE, law firms provide integrated legal advice in the incorporation process itself.
• Territorial expansion: The incorporation of law firms extends the geographic coverage of the PAE network, facilitating access in areas where other points are scarce.
• New revenue source for law firms: Adhering law firms will be able to offer this service as a specific business line linked to official business processing.

Economic and operational impact

The agreement has a dual impact: it opens a business opportunity for law firms and reduces friction for entrepreneurs who want to create a company.

From an operational perspective, law firms that adhere will need to technically integrate into the CIRCE platform and meet the requirements established by the agreement to operate as a PAE. This involves an initial investment in process adaptation and training, but in return they gain access to a flow of entrepreneur clients seeking to incorporate their company with legal support.

Who does it affect?

• Law firms: Any law firm that wants to adhere to the agreement and operate as an official PAE within the CIRCE Network.
• Entrepreneurs and future business owners: People who want to incorporate a company or start a business activity and seek to do so with integrated legal advice.
• General Council of the Spanish Bar Association: As the signing organization of the agreement, it coordinates the adherence and compliance by member law firms.
• State Secretariat for Industry: The promoting organization of the agreement, responsible for the CIRCE Network and policy for simplifying business creation.
• Other existing PAE: Notaries, chambers of commerce and other points already integrated into CIRCE, which now share the network with law firms.

Practical example

An entrepreneur in a medium-sized city wants to incorporate a Limited Liability Company. Until now, they had to travel to a notary or chamber of commerce with a PAE, or manage the procedure independently online.

With the new agreement, that same entrepreneur can go directly to their trusted law firm, which is already integrated into the CIRCE Network as an official PAE. The lawyer advises them on the most appropriate legal form, drafts the bylaws, and electronically processes the company incorporation and business startup procedures, all in a single transaction.

For the law firm, this service represents a new revenue line: not only do they charge for legal advice, but also for official processing as a PAE. For the entrepreneur, the result is a more agile process, with greater legal certainty and without needing to visit multiple offices.

What should companies do now?

1. If you are a law firm: Evaluate whether you are interested in adhering to the agreement and operating as an official PAE. Contact the General Council of the Spanish Bar Association to learn about the integration requirements in the CIRCE Network and the adhesion process.
2. If you are an entrepreneur or advise entrepreneurs: Keep in mind that from now on you can incorporate your company through a law firm integrated into CIRCE, combining official processing and legal advice in a single point.
3. If you manage the strategy of a law firm: Analyze the potential of this service as a new business line. Processing company incorporations as a PAE can be a competitive differentiator against other non-adhering law firms.
4. Regulatory monitoring: Although the entry into force date is not specified in the resolution, the agreement is already published. Monitor communications from the General Council of the Spanish Bar Association to learn about the deadlines and conditions for adhesion.
5. Review of internal processes: Interested law firms must prepare their technical and training infrastructure to operate within the CIRCE platform with the standards required by the Administration.