Setting up a cosmetic medicine practice in Spain costs, in practice, between a few tens of thousands of euros for a small practice in premises that are already suitable, and well over one hundred thousand for a centre with several treatment rooms, equipment and a full refurbishment. The exact figure depends on the city, the condition of the premises, how much technology you purchase from the outset, and how many months you can manage without filling your appointment book. This guide breaks down the costs so that you can draw up your own budget rather than relying on an average figure.
The matches, one by one
- Accommodation: deposit and the first few months’ rent, or a purchase. In central areas of Madrid or Barcelona, rent is the biggest fixed expense; in medium-sized towns, it can be half that amount.
- Works and refurbishment: layout including a consultation room, waiting area, accessible toilet, washbasin in the consultation room, washable materials, electrical installation and air conditioning. This is the most variable item: it can range from a lick of paint and minor alterations to a complete refurbishment.
- Licences and health authorisation: municipal business licence, technical plans if building works are involved, fees for the operating licence from the regional ministry and, where applicable, fees charged by the person handling the application. The Requirements for setting up a practice We go into detail about these in another guide.
- Basic equipment: treatment couch, lamp, stool, clinical furniture, fridge with temperature log, sterilised or single-use equipment, waste bins and first-aid kit.
- Equipment: lasers, radiofrequency, ultrasound. This is what drives up the budget. You can wait; many profitable practices start out with just injectables.
- Initial stock: botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, biostimulants, threads, consumables, topical anaesthetics. Purchase enough to last the first few weeks, not for a whole year.
- Specific civil liability insurance for cosmetic medicine, covering the treatments listed; we explain this in the guide on the third-party liability insurance.
- Medical waste management, data protection, occupational health and safety, and tax and employment advice.
- Software for medical records and appointment booking, telephone systems, websites and signage displaying the centre’s registration number.
- Initial marketing within the limits of the health advertising.
- Emergency fund: three to six months’ worth of fixed expenses. This is the item that most new clients overlook.
Three indicative scenarios
Minimum practice requirements: a small premises already suitable for healthcare use, requiring no major building work, offering only injectable treatments and no medical equipment. The investment is focused on the security deposit, basic furniture, licensing, insurance, stock and a financial buffer. This is the typical scenario for someone moving from renting a practice to running their own.
Standard enquiry: one or two treatment rooms, partial refurbishment, injectables and one or two pieces of equipment (either purchased or leased), and one receptionist. In this scenario, the building work and equipment usually account for a larger proportion of the total cost than everything else combined.
A fully-fledged centre: several treatment rooms, comprehensive refurbishment, a wide range of equipment, contracted staff and a reputable brand. It is a business investment that requires a financial plan, not just a clinical one.
Where people tend to overspend
- Equipment purchased before there were patients to justify it.
- The work is being carried out in premises that were not originally designed for healthcare use, with some surprises regarding the building services.
- Stock of products that expire before they are used.
- Decoration takes precedence over clinical functionality.
- Do not factor in the months without income whilst the authorisation is being processed.
Where you shouldn’t cut back
- In the health authorisation file: a practice cannot open without authorisation.
- Covered by insurance.
- With regard to the product’s quality and the channel through which it is purchased, as we explained in purchase equipment from authorised distributors.
- Undergoing practical training before opening.
The alternative: rent before investing
If you are not yet consistently working two or three days a week, rent a surgery Booking by the hour or by the day at an authorised centre allows you to check the location, prices and timetable for a fraction of the cost. At Medars, members from Gold level upwards have access to Spaces, consultations with other doctors whose authorisation has been verified, which are booked by the hour, day or month.
Compare figures with those who have already opened a business
The figures currently circulating are of little use; what’s useful is knowing how much it cost a doctor to set up practice in your own town last year. That sort of discussion is exactly what the Medars Lounge is for. Basic membership is free for life and is activated once your professional registration has been verified – no card required. Request access.
Related guides
- Requirements for setting up a cosmetic medicine practice in Spain
- Renting a clinic room for aesthetic medicine: a guide for doctors
- Buying aesthetic medicine supplies: authorised distributors and traceability
- Software for cosmetic medicine clinics: what it should include
Continue exploring Medars
- Training for doctors: masterclasses on botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers and facial contouring, delivered by practising doctors.
- Memberships: Basic is free forever, and Gold and Black are available if you want more access.
- The Lounge: clinical cases with colleagues, direct messages and clinic rooms to rent.
- The Shop: verified laboratories and distributors.
- Teach at Medars: publish your masterclass and keep 70% from each sale.
- Frequently asked questions: verification, access and memberships.