Registering As Self Employed Autonomo In Spain

Thinking of working for yourself in Spain?

Whether you’re launching a solo business, going freelance, or taking on remote work for overseas clients, you’ll need to register as an autónomo — Spain’s official classification for self-employed workers.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know in 2025: what an autónomo is, who needs to register, how to complete the process, what it costs, how to stay compliant — plus the tax breaks, tools, and health insurance you’ll want to consider along the way.

What Is an Autónomo?

“Autónomo” is the term used in Spain to describe a self-employed person who runs a business without incorporating it as a company. This includes freelancers, sole traders, tradespeople, gig workers, and independent professionals.

If you're working independently and earning income — whether part-time or full-time — you'll typically be required to register as autónomo, handle your own taxes, and make monthly social security contributions.

Examples of people who need to register include:

• Remote digital workers (freelance developers, designers, writers)
• English teachers or private tutors
• Craftspeople selling on Etsy or at markets
• Fitness trainers, yoga instructors, massage therapists
• Bar or café owners
• Self-employed delivery or service contractors

Even if your income is low or irregular, if your activity is continuous or repeated, you are legally obliged to register. This includes people who invoice clients or earn money through online platforms or marketplaces.

Who Doesn’t Need to Register?

If you’re employed by a company on a formal contract, you’re covered by the general worker system and don’t need to register as autónomo. Additionally, if your self-employed income is genuinely occasional and minimal, you may not be required to register — but this is a grey area. Most tax advisors recommend registering to avoid penalties.

Autónomo vs. Sociedad Limitada (SL)

Many expats ask whether they should register as autónomo or create an SL (limited company). For most freelancers and small businesses, starting as autónomo is faster, cheaper, and less administratively complex. Setting up an SL involves higher startup costs, notary fees, and stricter accounting.

Alternative: Comunidad de Bienes (CB)

If two or more people are starting a business together, a Comunidad de Bienes (CB) is an option. It’s a simple partnership structure. However, it’s not a legal entity separate from its members, and each partner is fully liable for business debts.

Categories of Autónomo

Your registration will fall into one of the following categories:

• Autónomo Empresarial – Business owners and tradespeople
• Autónomo Profesional – Freelancers or liberal professionals such as designers, lawyers, and consultants
• Autónomo Colaborador – Family members working in a registered autónomo’s business
• Autónomo Societario – Company shareholders or directors registered under an SL

How to Register as Self-Employed in Spain

Step 1: Get a Spanish NIE Number

If you don’t already have one, apply for a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). This is your essential ID number for all legal and tax procedures in Spain.

Step 2: Register with the Agencia Tributaria (Tax Office)

You’ll need to register as self-employed with Spain’s tax authority. Submit:

• Modelo 036 or 037 – The simplified 037 is suitable for most autonomos
• Form 030 – Registers you with the national taxpayer census

Declare the type of business you’re running, your start date, and whether you will charge IVA (VAT). You must also choose an activity code (epígrafe) for your business.

Step 3: Register with the Social Security Office (RETA)

After tax registration, join the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) by submitting:

• Form TA.0521 – Available at local social security offices

You must complete this step within 60 days of your Hacienda registration and before you start invoicing clients.

You'll also need a Spanish social security number and a bank account for direct debit payments.

Step 4: Visa Considerations

If you're from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you’ll need a work visa or a residency permit with permission to work as self-employed.

Do I Need a Gestor?

Many autonomos hire a gestor (admin consultant) or accountant to handle the process. Most offer packages starting from €60–€80/month, which typically include registration, quarterly tax filings, VAT returns, and annual accounts. For peace of mind and to avoid fines, this is highly recommended.

Autónomo Social Security Contributions in 2025

Spain now uses a tiered system based on your monthly earnings. In 2025, monthly contributions (cuota de autónomo) are:

• €200/month if earning under €670/month
• €590/month if earning over €6,000/month

For new autónomos, the flat rate is:

• €80/month for the first 12 months
• Extension: Additional 12 months if your income stays below the Spanish minimum wage (€15,120/year)

Note: These contributions are tax-deductible. Even if you earn little, payment is mandatory unless formally de-registered.

Licences and Local Requirements

If your business has a physical presence (bar, shop, beauty salon, etc.), you may need:

• Licencia de Apertura (Opening Licence) – From your local town hall
• Compliance inspections – Health, fire safety, and accessibility checks
• Zoning approval – Especially for businesses in residential buildings

Home-based freelancers typically don’t need this, unless the business involves clients or staff visiting your property.

Ongoing Obligations for Autonomos

Once registered, you’re legally required to:

• File quarterly income tax returns (Modelo 130 or 131)
• File quarterly VAT returns (Modelo 303), unless exempt
• Submit an annual summary (Modelo 390 and 100)
• Make monthly social security payments
• Issue official invoices with all required data
• Retain 7–19% IRPF on invoices to other businesses (if applicable)
• Keep accounting records for at least 6 years

Autónomo Tax Benefits and Allowances (2025)

Registered self-employed individuals may deduct a variety of legitimate expenses:

• Up to 20% of electricity, water, gas bills if working from home
• 50% of vehicle fuel costs if used for work
• Meal expenses: €26.67/day (Spain), €48.08 (abroad)
• Overnight expenses: €53.34/day (Spain), €91.35 (abroad)
• Mobile phone, coworking fees, software subscriptions

Use this deduction calculator to estimate your home office claim.

New for 2025: Remote Freelancers & Digital Nomads

Remote workers earning from clients abroad still need to register as autónomo if residing in Spain long-term. However, certain tax treaties or visas may change how you’re taxed. When in doubt, consult a gestor familiar with international tax agreements.

Filing Your Annual Return

All autónomos must file an annual income tax return (Declaración de la Renta). Read our full guide to filing your tax return.

How to De-Register

To stop being registered as an autónomo:

• Submit Modelo 036 or 037 to the tax office
• Submit Form TA.0521 to social security

You can also do this via your digital certificate.

Private Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

Even though autónomos pay into the Spanish healthcare system, many choose private insurance for faster access, English-speaking doctors, or to meet visa requirements.

Explore the Sanitas Professional Plan — designed for freelancers and entrepreneurs in Spain, with visa-compliant coverage and affordable monthly premiums.