Getting Started as a Freelance Autónomo in Spain
Your comprehensive guide to starting your freelance journey in Spain
Living in Spain means enjoying a high quality of life—sunny weather, a vibrant culture, and a relaxed pace that many expats love. But when it comes to starting your freelance career here, the bureaucratic process can be daunting. Many English-speaking expats face a steep learning curve with forms, deadlines, and Spanish legal jargon.
This guide is your roadmap to becoming a successful autónomo (self-employed freelancer) in Spain. It not only explains the necessary steps but also highlights why taking control of your tax situation is empowering—and how it sets you up for a smoother transition into your new Spanish lifestyle.
Process at a Glance
Before you dive into the details, here's a quick overview of the steps you'll follow:
- Obtain Your NIE
The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) is your essential foreigner ID number—the key to every official process in Spain.
- Open a Spanish Bank Account
A local bank account is required for receiving payments and processing social security debits.
- Register with Hacienda
Complete your "declaración censal" (using Modelo 036/037) with the Spanish Tax Agency, officially registering you as self-employed.
- Enroll in Social Security
Sign up for the RETA (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos) to start paying your social security contributions.
- Set Up Online Access
Obtain your digital certificate or set up Cl@ve to handle online tax filings.
- Start Invoicing
Learn how to create compliant invoices and maintain accurate records of income and expenses.
- File Quarterly & Annual Returns
Understand your ongoing obligations—quarterly tax filings (Modelo 130 for income tax and Modelo 303 for VAT) and your annual income tax return.
What You Need Before You Start
Ensure you have these prerequisites in place:
- Valid Visa/Residency Permit
Confirm your visa or residency status allows you to work in Spain.
- NIE Number
If you haven't obtained one yet, this is your first priority.
- Spanish Address
A local address is required for official registrations.
- Bank Account
Set up a Spanish bank account for seamless financial transactions.
- Essential Documents
Gather your passport and any additional identification or paperwork needed for the registration process.
How to Use These Guides
This guide is the starting point for your journey. Each subsequent guide covers one specific step in detail. You can either follow the guides in sequence or jump directly to the section you need:
- Sequential Navigation
If you're new to the process, follow the guides from top to bottom to build a complete picture.
- Modular Access
If you already have some aspects sorted (for example, you just need help with invoicing), simply select the guide on that topic.
- Stay Updated
Each guide shows a 'last updated' date and includes a button for reporting inaccuracies—helping us keep the content current and reliable.
Detailed Steps to Follow
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the steps you'll need to follow to become an autónomo in Spain:
1Obtain Your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
The NIE is your foreigner identification number and the foundation of all administrative processes in Spain. You'll need to apply at your local Extranjería office or Spanish consulate before arriving.
NIE is Essential
For now, we'll assume you have already obtained your NIE. Let us know via the "Report an Issue" button at the top of the page if you need help with this step.
2Register in the Census (Alta en el Censo)
You'll need to register with the Spanish Tax Agency (Hacienda) by submitting form 036 or the simplified 037, declaring your professional activity.
3Register with Social Security (Alta en Autónomos)
Within 30 days of registering with Hacienda, you must enroll in the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) to start paying social security contributions.
4Set Up Digital Certificate
A digital certificate allows you to handle tax filings and other administrative procedures online, saving you time and trips to government offices.
5Understand Your Tax Obligations
As an autónomo, you'll need to file quarterly tax returns (Modelo 130 for income tax and Modelo 303 for VAT if applicable) and an annual income tax declaration.
You're Ready to Begin
Want to stay up to date?
Subscribe to our newsletter for Spanish tax tips, updates, and more.
Want to stay up to date?
Subscribe to our newsletter for Spanish tax tips, updates, and more.
Want to stay up to date?
Subscribe to our newsletter for Spanish tax tips, updates, and more.
Your Next Step
Before you begin the registration process, make sure your visa and residency details are in order. Once that's confirmed, you can proceed with registering as an autónomo. Use this guide as your roadmap to confidently navigate Spain's system—setting you up for a successful freelance career while embracing all the benefits of living in Spain.