How Much Does It Cost to Be Autónomo in Spain?

To work as a freelancer in Spain, you register as autónomo, or self-employed. It’s a two-part registration, one with the Tax Agency and one with social security, and once you’re in, you file returns every quarter.

Before you start

EU citizens can work as autónomos freely; non-EU residents need a permit that allows self-employment. You’ll need your NIE and social security number, plus an activity code, the IAE epigraph, that describes what you do. A gestor can help you pick it.

Registering

Submit form 036 to the Tax Agency, online or at a tax office, before you start working. Then register with social security in the RETA scheme through Import@ss, up to 60 days before you start. Open a bank account for the business, because contributions are paid by direct debit.

What it costs

New autónomos pay a flat €80 a month for the first 12 months, and can keep it for another 12 if their income stays below the minimum wage. After that, 2026 contributions range from €205.88 to €607.35 a month depending on your net income. Estimate it carefully: your bracket is corrected each year.

Ongoing paperwork

Number your invoices in sequence and include VAT and withholding where they apply. Every quarter you file VAT on form 303 and income tax payments on form 130, then an annual VAT summary and your Renta. Our quarterly tax calendar has every date.

Get registered with our register as autónomo checklist.