Thinking of freelancing from Madrid, Málaga, or Mallorca? As autonomo in Spain you call the shots, invoice clients, and pay taxes straight to the government. Here’s the plain-English playbook: what it is, what you need, how to sign up, what it costs, and how to keep more of what you earn.
Autonomo in Spain explained
Autonomo = self-employed sole trader.
You bill under your own name, charge VAT (IVA) where required, and pay a monthly social-security quota plus quarterly taxes. No payroll department - just you and the tax forms.
What you need to set up as autónomo
Before you touch the first form, gather these six items:
- Passport photo page - clear colour scan or photo.
- Selfie holding that passport - identity check for the digital certificate.
- NIE certificate or TIE card - front and back images.
- Spanish IBAN bank account - the cuota will be auto-debited.
- Spanish mobile phone number - needed for SMS codes.
- Email address - where Hacienda and Seguridad Social will send notices.
Learn more about how to set up as an Autonomo here.
Registration checklist
- Get a digital certificate (certificado digital) - download from FNMT, verify at a police station or online.
- Modelo 036 or 037 at the Tax Agency - declare your activity code (IAE), business start date, and VAT status.
- Register for the Social Security system (RETA) - within 30 days of step 2. Choose the income band that matches your expected profit.
- Activate direct debit (domiciliación) for your monthly quota and tax payments.
- Optional extras - open a dedicated business bank account, register a trade name, hire a gestoría if paperwork scares you.
Prefer to skip the paperwork? renn can help set up your autonomo online - send the documents listed in the “What you need to set up as autónomo” section and we’ll do the rest.
How much does an autónomo cost in Spain?
* Skip Modelo 130 if 70 % of your invoices carry a 15 % withholding.
Find the full autonomo costs here.
Autonomo social-security quotas 2025
In the first year you benefit from a flat‑rate quota of 87 € per month - this discount can sometimes be extended for extra years - before switching to the standard income‑based bands.
Learn more about autonomo costs and social secuirty quotas.
Autonomo tax rates Spain
Learn more about all autonomo taxes.
Or, calculate your exact autonomo tax here.
Benefits of being autónomo in Spain
- Wide write-offs - home office, mileage, gear, training, and more. Learn more about which expenses autónomos can and cannot deduct.
- Flat-rate 80 € quota for the first 12 months; extend if income sits below the minimum wage.
- Full public healthcare for you and your dependents from day one.
- Paid parental leave - 16 weeks at 100 % of your base.
- State pension rights equal to employees once you meet the contribution years.
- Cese de actividad - unemployment pay up to 12 months after one year of contributions.
Deductions and savings
- Home office: proportional rent, utilities, internet.
- Vehicle costs: 50 % of fuel and maintenance if mixed use.
- Training & conferences: 100 % if linked to your activity.
- Per-diem meals: up to 26.67 € per travel day inside Spain.
- Travel expenses: flights, hotels, etc.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Under-claiming expenses - claim every deductible cost to legally lower your tax.
- Ignoring the annual VAT summary (Modelo 390) in January.
- Mixing personal and business expenses - keep receipts and bank accounts separate.
- Forgetting to adjust your income band - overpaying quota for months.
- Paying taxes late - surcharges start at 5 % and rise fast.
Autonomo vs. limited company (SL) : legal key differences
Bottom line
As autonomo in Spain you trade company payslips for independence. Gather the six-item kit, register with Hacienda and RETA, budget the 200 € - 590 € quota, and stay on top of quarterly returns. Do that, claim every deduction, and you can run a global freelance business from any Spanish café or beach.
