A new business opens nearly every day in Estepona – West Costa del Sol is where it is at

Estepona, Spain is experiencing a unique business explosion. In 2025, a new company will be opening in Estepona every 1.5 working days, proving its position as one of the most popular destinations in Spain for investors and entrepreneurs.

Estepona council has released official figures showing that more than 200 new business licenses have been issued so far this season, which is a 10% increase over the same period of 2024. This remarkable growth is proof that the local economy of Estepona is flourishing and attracts startups and small businesses.

Unemployment at historic low levels and record-breaking numbers of self-employed workers

Entrepreneurial fever is supported by hard data:

• 6,838 self-employed workers registered in September 2025 – a 4 per cent increase year-on-year and a staggering 45 per cent rise since 2011.
• The lowest unemployment rate in Andalusia is October 2025, which has the highest employment figures since 2008.

Cristina Cintrano is the Councillor of Commerce. “These figures demonstrate Estepona’s strength and diversity,” she said. “Municipal efforts over the past few years have created an environment that is business-friendly and encourages entrepreneurship.”

Estepona is making it easier to start a business than ever

Local government has launched aggressive initiatives pro-business measures:

• Zero opening fees for low-impact (“inocuas”) activities
• Discount of 75 percent on license costs for “vulnerable group”
• Online municipal platform allows for a fully digitalized application process
• Online platform streamlines appointments with all departments

Estepona has become one of Spain’s fastest-growing cities for new businesses thanks to the reforms.

Estepona 2025: Why Investors are flocking there

Estepona is located in the western Costa del Sol, between Marbella Gibraltar. It combines a traditional andalusian coastal lifestyle with modern facilities. popularity Infrastructure is constantly improving. With its “Garden of the Costa del Sol”, top-notch beaches and sunshine all year round, the town has become a premier location for tourism businesses, boutiques hotels and lifestyle enterprises. The “Garden of the Costa del Sol” beautification project, top-level beaches, and year-round sunshine have transformed it into a prime location for tourism businesses, boutique hotels, and lifestyle enterprises.Golden Triangle” effect. It is clear that the triangle of Marbella-Benahavis-Estepona as well as its expansion towards Manilva and beyond, has a massive appeal with high property prices. Money always follows money, as the old saying goes. Estepona is on the right track with its financial stability, thanks to the council.