AUTONOMO
- Venetia House
- May 23, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: May 21
Becoming Autónomo in Spain – A Guide for Residents, EU Citizens, and Digital Nomads
If you're a digital nomad, an EU citizen, already have your visa (not an NLV), or are legally resident in Spain with a TIE, you can register as Autónomo (self-employed) at any time.
Step 1: Get Your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
Before anything else, you’ll need a NIE, which links you to the Spanish tax and social security systems. If you don’t have one yet, we can assist you in applying.
Note: Certain professions (like doctors, lawyers, and architects) may need to have their qualifications officially recognised in Spain before they can legally start work.
What Do You Need to Register as Autónomo?
1. Social Security Number
You’ll need to apply for this first, as it’s required to join RETA (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos), the special social security scheme for freelancers.
2. Register with the Spanish Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria)
Choose the professional category that describes your work.
Submit form 036 or 037 to get your personal tax certificate (alta censal).
3. Register with the Spanish Social Security Office (Tesorería de la Seguridad Social)
This must be done within 30 days of registering with the tax office.
You’ll need:
Your passport (original and copy)
NIE document
Tax certificate
036/037 form
Completed Social Security application
Once you’re registered, you’ll gain access to Spain’s public healthcare system. If I’m handling your registration, I’ll also download the forms and provide full instructions.
Can It Be Done Online?
Yes! If you already have a Social Security number and a Digital Certificate, I can complete the full process online—often within just one day—without needing to visit any offices.
❗ You don’t need a separate VAT (IVA) number—your NIE is used. For services provided outside Spain, a reverse charge applies. Only SL companies need separate corporate VAT registration (a much costlier route, starting around €3,000, with corporate tax from the first euro of income).
Why You Should Consider Becoming Autónomo
✅ Advantages &❌ Disadvantages
Return to the lower rate if resuming after maternity leave.
Straightforward invoicing and accounting—do it yourself, or let me handle it.
Social security contributions entitle you to:
Full public healthcare (for you and your family)
Maternity/paternity cover
Work injury and illness benefits (with optional extras)
Unemployment-style coverage if income drops significantly
Training & upskilling
💰 Monthly Social Security Costs for Autónomos in Spain (2025)
Spain now uses a sliding scale system based on your net monthly income (earnings minus allowable expenses):
Net Monthly Income (€) | Monthly Contribution (€) |
€0 – €670 | €225 |
€671 – €900 | €260 |
€901 – €1,166 | €275 |
€1,167 – €1,300 | €291 |
€1,301 – €1,500 | €294 |
€1,501 – €1,700 | €294 |
€1,701 – €1,850 | €310 |
€1,851 – €2,030 | €315 |
€2,031 – €2,330 | €320 |
€2,331 – €2,760 | €330 |
€2,761 – €3,190 | €340 |
€3,191 – €3,620 | €350 |
€3,621 – €4,050 | €360 |
€4,051 – €6,000 | €370 |
Over €6,000 | €400 |
🟨 New autónomos often qualify for the flat rate (tarifa plana): Just €80/month for the first 12 months, regardless of income. Some regions (e.g. Andalucía, Madrid, Murcia) extend this for another 12 months if your income stays under the SMI (Minimum Wage).In Murcia it is free for the first 12 months
📌 Key Notes:
These contributions are paid into the RETA system.
They cover public healthcare, pension, and other state benefits.
You can increase your contribution voluntarily to raise your future pension or improve coverage.
Social security payments are 100% tax deductible as a business expense.
Pension contributions
Tax-deductible healthcare = effectively free public healthcare
Lower pensions: Because many pay the minimum base, pensions are typically lower—though you can increase this anytime.
Income-dependent: No income = no buffer unless you've added protection. Social security must still be paid even during downtime (illness/disability add-ons are now available).
Quarterly tax filings: Income is taxed after deducting business expenses, typically at 20%, but this adjusts on a progressive scale.
Annual income tax return (Modelo 100): This may result in tax refunds if you’ve overpaid.
If charging IVA (VAT) in Spain, you can reclaim IVA paid on business expenses.
What Can Be Deducted?
With proper invoices (factura completa), you can claim:
Client meals: €27/day in Spain, €41/day abroad. Always pay by card and request a full factura.
Hotels: Up to €71/night in Spain, €91/night abroad (factura required).
Vehicle costs: Fully deductible if 100% business use. Partial use requires mileage tracking.
Office supplies: Fully deductible with factura.
Home office utilities: 25% of electricity, internet, etc. Fully deductible if renting office space.
Startup incentives: Most new autónomos receive a €2,000 discount spread over two years.
There are other potential perks depending on your business model—we’ll go over these in a personal consultation.
Ready to Start?
I highly recommend getting your Digital Certificate or Cl@ve to register and manage everything online easily, see our link for details https://www.expayonline.com/post/digital-certificate
Need help with registration, invoicing, or tax returns?Get in touch today—I can take care of the entire process for you.
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