Self-Employed Registration (Autónomo)
Autónomo is Spain’s self-employed status: the way an individual invoices clients in their own name without a company. We handle the complete registration — digital certificate, tax census (Form 036) and Social Security — and explain from the start what it will cost each month in contributions and what has to be filed each quarter, so there are no surprises.
Contribution figures are those in force for 2026 and are reviewed annually.
Registration and ongoing compliance for freelancers and companies.
Check my eligibilityWho needs it
- Holders of Self-Employed Visa, who must register within the first month of arrival.
- Digital nomads working for clients rather than as employees, where no foreign social security certificate applies.
- Residents with work authorisation who want to invoice independently in Spain.
What’s included
- Digital certificate, so you can deal with the tax agency and Social Security online.
- Tax census registration (Form 036), with the correct activity code and VAT regime.
- Social Security registration (RETA), with your contribution base chosen and the flat rate applied for where you qualify.
Not included
- Quarterly and annual tax returns and bookkeeping — see Accounting & Tax — Self-Employed.
- Social Security contributions and taxes, which you pay directly.
- Government fees and administrative charges (tasas).
How we work
- 01 · Initial assessment. Your residence permit, your activity and expected income, and whether autónomo or a company fits better.
- 02 · Strategy and document map. NIE and TIE confirmed, a Spanish bank account for direct debits, and the activity code and VAT regime that apply.
- 03 · Preparation and filing. Digital certificate, Form 036 and registration in RETA.
- 04 · Registration and start of activity. Contribution base chosen, flat rate applied for where you qualify, and your first invoice issued correctly.
- 05 · Obligations and renewals. Quarterly VAT and income tax returns, handled under Accounting & Tax — Self-Employed.
How contributions work
- Since 2023 contributions depend on actual net income, in brackets. You choose a bracket on forecast income and it is adjusted once the year’s real figures are known.
- The €80 flat rate applies for 12 months to new autónomos who have not been registered in the previous two years, and can be extended a further 12 months if income stays below the minimum wage.
Ongoing obligations
- Quarterly VAT and income tax returns, annual summaries and personal income tax return.
- Invoices issued with the legal content, and a record of income and expenses.
- Staying current with Social Security and the tax agency, which is also a condition for renewing your residence permit.
- We handle these filings under Accounting & Tax — Self-Employed.
Autónomo or company?
- Autónomo is simpler and cheaper to run at lower income levels; an S.L. limits liability and can be more tax-efficient as profits grow. We make that comparison with your real numbers before you register.
- If a company fits better, see Limited Company (SL) Incorporation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to be autónomo in 2026?
New autónomos can pay a flat rate of €80 per month for the first 12 months. After that, contributions depend on real net income: from about €206 to over €600 per month at minimum bases.
What do I have to file every quarter?
VAT (Form 303) and income tax on account (Form 130).
Can non-EU nationals register as autónomo?
Yes, with a residence permit that authorises self-employment.
Should I register as autónomo or set up a company?
Autónomo is simpler and cheaper to run at lower income levels; an S.L. limits liability and can be more tax-efficient as profits grow. We make that comparison with your real numbers before you register.