Self-employed in Spain: How to become an “autónomo”

11/03/2026 Moving abroad, Spain

Anyone who wants to work independently in Spain, whether as a freelancer, sole proprietor or independent service provider, must register as a so-called a freelancer Register. This self-employment is well-regulated legally – but the process involves a number of bureaucratic steps. Here you'll learn how to register correctly, what you need to consider, and what costs you'll incur.

Who is considered “autónomo” in Spain?

In Spain, a a freelancer Any person who regularly and independently carries out an economic activity on their own account – regardless of whether it involves services, trade, or craft work. It doesn't matter whether you start your own business or work as an individual – as long as you generate income, you must register.

The typical self-employed include, among others:

Freelancers such as designers, coaches, consultants, translators or copywriters
Craftsmen and service providers
Online entrepreneurs and digital nomads

The most important steps to becoming self-employed in Spain

Anyone who wants to become self-employed in Spain must complete two central administrative procedures: registration with the tax office (Estate) and registration with social security (Social security). You should definitely complete these steps BEFORE your first day of work.

Registration with the tax office (Alta en Hacienda)

Before you start your activity, you must declare to the Spanish Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria) what type of activity you carry out. You will be assigned a corresponding activity code (epigraph of the IAE) assigned.

Registration is done via the form Model 036 or Model 037 (simplified version). Here you can specify, among other things:

Was du beruflich machst
Whether you have VAT (IVA) you have to pay
Whether you make advance payments on income tax (IRPF) you will make

Registration can be done digitally via the Agencia Tributaria portal or directly at the responsible tax office.

Registration with social security (Alta en Seguridad Social)

After the tax office, it goes to social security (General Treasury of Social Security). After registering with the tax office, you have a maximum of 60 days Time – but ideally you should do both steps on the same day.

There you register in the Regimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA) , the special regime for the self-employed. Registration can be done online with an electronic certificate or in person.

Contribution amount and starting advantage: The so-called “tarifa plana”

New self-employed are currently benefiting in Spain from a reduced social security rate. This is for the first year 80 € per month, regardless of your income. After that, the amount increases gradually, depending on the profit you declare on your tax return.

A new contribution system based on your actual income has been in effect since 2023. Anyone earning less than €670 a month pays the minimum amount, which from the second year onwards is approximately 200 € per month starts.

The DUE: Register faster with the standard form

Instead of going to each authority separately, you can apply via the so-called Documento Unico Electrónico (DUE) This standard form allows you to centrally manage your self-employment via the “Punto de Atención al Emprendedor” (PAE) – a business incubator or a licensed consultant can help you.

Registration via DUE is completely online and saves time and stress – especially if you don't have a strong command of Spanish.

Other things you should consider as a self-employed person in Spain

A Spanish bank account

You'll need a Spanish bank account for tax payments and social security contributions. Make sure your bank offers online access—many administrative procedures can only be done digitally.

Electronic signature (firma digital)

digital signature You can register with government offices online, submit forms, and file tax returns. You can obtain the digital signature either from the Spanish tax office or from the company FNMT (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre).

Rechnungsstellung und Buchhaltung

As a freelancer You are required to issue correct invoices – including your tax number, VAT (VAT), and IRPF (Income Tax Advance Payment), if applicable. You must properly document your income and expenses.

Depending on your activity, you are quarterly tax return obligated:

Model 130 (Income tax advance payment)
Model 303 (VAT)
Model 111 (IRPF for fees)

Commercial permits

Depending on the type of business—e.g., catering, retail, or trades—you may need additional permits from the municipality. These vary depending on the municipality and industry.

How much does self-employment cost in Spain?

The costs are made up of various items:

Social Security (RETA): from 80 € per month in the first year, staggered thereafter
Tax Consultant (optional, but recommended): approx. €60–150 per month
Digital signature: for free
Other costs: if necessary for approvals, translations or consultations

Conclusion: If you prepare well, you can easily and legally work as a a freelancer work – whether permanently or just for a season.

Are you still unsure?

Then read the entire thing Technical article by Mag Wilhelm Habelöcker or take his Online help to complete. Likes Wilhelm Habellocker is Expert in Emigration questions and shares his Articles in our blog.

Article from our popular series: Emigrating to Spain, the Balearic Islands & Ibiza

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Retroactive up to three years possible

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