We are a firm of specialist lawyers in distribution and franchise law.
Our work in the area of Franchises and Distribution, leads us to assist and advise, both judicially and extrajudicially, to numerous franchising companies and also franchisees, having been part of the Committee of Legal Experts of the Spanish Association of Franchisors and having carried out the Legal Advice of the Aragonese Association of Franchisors.
Our extensive experience has been rewarded internationally resulting in our office
lawyer chosen by Corporate INTL Magacine LEGAL AWARD 2010 in the category
"Office of the year in Spain in Right of Distribution and Franchising"
The maturity of the franchise system in Spain: 2025 review and outlook for 2026
Published in FRS Food Retail & Service
, 11 - February , 2026 
Franchises of Spain
At the end of 2025, the franchise system's performance confirmed its solid growth trajectory. The model has consolidated itself as a fully mature business formula, representing 1.88% of the national GDP. The data also support its role as an engine of employment, with 318,313 people working in the sector. Furthermore, total franchise revenue in Spain exceeds €27.6 billion, with more than 78,000 establishments operating throughout the country.
The franchise sector continues to look abroad. An international focus is part of the sector's DNA, and the figures prove it. A total of 311 Spanish brands are present in 140 countries, with 18,897 establishments spread across five continents. This means that 27.18% of Spanish franchise brands already operate in international markets, consolidating an upward trend that strengthens year after year.
A System with Low Conflict
From a legal perspective, the ninth edition of the 'Observatory of Franchise Case Law in Spain', prepared by our Committee of Legal Experts, analyzed the 1,034 judgments issued between 1998 and 2024. This pioneering analysis, the first of its kind worldwide, reveals that the average annual litigation rate for the franchise system in Spain remains at 0.09%, confirming that it is a business model with minimal conflict. The average of 38 judgments per year over the 27 years analyzed provides an accurate picture of the true extent of the conflicts that reach the courts between franchisors and franchisees.
2026: A Year of Challenges and Growth
Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook remains optimistic for the evolution and growth of the franchise system in Spain. The more than 1,380 active brands face the challenge of continuing their expansion plans, both domestically and in international markets, while meeting the demands of a constantly evolving market.
Innovation, sustainability, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and other advanced management tools will be key to strengthening their competitiveness, boosting their profitability, and responding quickly to new consumer expectations. Ultimately, in the short and medium term, we are convinced that Spanish franchising will continue to consolidate its place within the country's economic and business landscape, reaffirming itself as a solid, mature, and professional business model.
