How to Register as a Freelancer or "Autonomo" in Spain

Freelancers are known as “Autónomos” in Spain and they are essentially self-employed. All freelancers who move to Spain must register as an autónomo and pay taxes.

You must register as self-employed if:

• You are earning money in Spain and are not employed
• or conducting business through a company

All freelancers who work in Spain must follow the steps below:

Step one: Get a NIE.

Every foreigner coming to Spain needs a personal and unique tax identification number. This is important for all financial and legal activities, including:

including:

• employment
• taxes
• social security payments
• government benefits

NIEs are mandatory for foreigners who want to work in Spain regardless of their country of origin.

Step two: Register with the Spanish Tax Authorities.

It is important to register with the Agencia Tributeria, or “AEAT” to pay Spanish tax on the self-employed work. You will need to explain what type of business you are operating during this process when completing “Form 036”.

There are two options for the self-employed in the Spanish market:

• a freelance professional (professional autónomo)
• or a self-employed entrepreneur (empresario individual)

You will also need to complete “Form 030” to become registered as a resident taxpayer.

Step three: Open a Spanish bank account.

In order to register in the Spanish social security system, you will need a bank account. You typically need your NIE number and proof of identity for this. Opening a business account for professional activity is helpful because it means not having to use funds from a personal account.

It’s essential for Autónomos to have a Spanish bank account. Otherwise, they cannot invoice companies in Spain or work with new companies.

Step four: Join the Spanish social security system.

Registering with the Spanish Tax office is the best way to be eligible for social security benefits. You can register as an autónomo, within 30 days of registering your business. The RETA system offers several items of coverage including sickness and accidents unrelated to work.

Working with a lawyer gives you the best picture when deciding to become self-employed in Spain. They can show benefits like cost of living advantages and your personal income tax rates. It’s also important to get labour law advice to understand your rights and benefits when working in Spain.

All ex-pats and foreigners can become Autonomos they when move to Spain but the process is much easier for European Union citizens.

in order to register as self-employed it is essential to have the Social Security Affiliation Number, since it identifies the citizen in his relations with the Social Security. This identification number is mandatory for any citizen who is a beneficiary of pensions, subsidies or Social Security benefits.