How to get your self-employed registration certificates in Spanish tax agency

If you’ve ever tried to prove to someone (your client, your bank, or even your mom) that you really are self-employed in Spain, you’ve probably heard about this mysterious document the “certificado de alta en el censo de autónomos.”

This guide breaks down exactly what that certificate is, why people ask for it, and how to download it online in just a few clicks. No bureaucracy-induced migraines, no running to the tax office. Just clear, step-by-step instructions to get your AEAT certificates, the two most requested ones, without losing your patience (or your Wi-Fi connection).

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Q&A

What is the self-employed registration certificate in Spain?
Usually an AEAT proof (AEAT is Spain’s Tax Agency): either the IAE registration certificate or the census status certificate. Both are free and immediate after login.

Which one should I send to a client or platform?
If they say "IAE proof", send the IAE registration certificate. For general "prove you’re registered", send the census status certificate because it shows start date, address, IAE epígrafe (your activity code), and VAT or IRPF setup.

Do autónomos pay the IAE tax?
Natural persons are exempt from paying IAE, but you still register your activity and epígrafe.

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Self-employed registration certificate

There are two AEAT certificates that cover 95% of requests.

• The IAE registration certificate proves your activity and epígrafe.
• The census status certificate shows your full tax census: start date, address, regimes, and IAE epígrafe.
  Both download instantly after login.

Send this today: if the tender or procurement says "IAE", send the IAE certificate. If a bank, marketplace, or client says "prove you’re self-employed", the census status certificate usually works better.

More on how to register as a freelancer.

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IAE registration certificate: what it proves and when to use it

This is your activity proof in the IAE census (IAE is the economic activities tax).

• What it confirms: you are registered for a specific epígrafe IAE (activity code).
• When people ask for it: public tenders, some grants, and large corporate procurement often specify "IAE registration certificate".
• What it shows: NIF, name, activity description, epígrafe, registration date, and tax address.
• Good to know: autónomos do not pay IAE, but you must still register your activity and epígrafe.

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Census status certificate: the all-purpose AEAT proof

This is the most complete "I am registered" document.

• What it shows: current census situation, tax address, start date of activity, IAE epígrafe, and whether you are in VAT or IRPF regimes.
• When to use it: banks, platforms, clients, and marketplaces accept it because it covers more details than the IAE certificate alone.

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How to download the IAE registration certificate online

Follow these short, image-matched steps.

1. Accessing the procedure

• Go to the AEAT e-Office
• Select: "Tax certificates - Issue of tax certificates - Tax on Economic Activities (IAE)".
• Click "Request".
• Verify your identity with Cl@ve Mobile (PIN) or Digital Certificate/Electronic DNI.

2. Filling in the application

• Your personal details (NIF and full name) will fill in automatically.
• Choose "In your own name".
• Select the tax year you need (for example, 2025).
• Click "Continue".

3. Confirm and download

• Review your information and confirm the request.
• You will see a summary with your application details, electronic code, and responsible office.
• Click "Download document" to get the PDF.
  

4. The final certificate
Your PDF is titled "Certificate of Registration in the Census of Economic Activities". It includes:

• NIF and full name
• Tax address
• IAE category or section
• Type of activity (for example, "Professional")
• Date of registration
• City where the activity is carried out

Tip: if you are unsure about your epígrafe (activity code), first check "Mis datos censales". Fix any issue, then request the certificate.

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How to download the census status certificate online

Also instant and free.

1. Accessing the procedure

• Go to AEAT’s e-Office.
• Menu: Tax certificates - Issue of tax certificates - Census status.
• Click Request.
• Identify yourself with Cl@ve PIN (government login app), digital certificate, or DNIe (electronic ID).

2. Filling in the application

• Your NIF and name will appear automatically.
• Choose “In your own name.”
• Select the scope:
  • Current status if they want your situation today.
  • On a date or period if they asked for a specific timeframe.
• Click Continue.
  

3. Confirm and download

• Review the summary and confirm the request.
• You will see the request details, an electronic code, and the responsible office.
• Click "Download document to get the PDF".
  

4. What the final certificate shows

The PDF is titled “Census status certificate.” It includes:

• NIF and full name
• Tax address
• Start date of activity
• IAE epígrafe and activity description (your activity code)
• VAT and IRPF regimes you are in
• Any other relevant census data AEAT has on file

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Bottom line

For tenders and some corporate buyers, send the IAE registration certificate. For general proof to banks, platforms, and clients, the census status certificate usually works best. If they ask for Social Security evidence, send the Importass accreditation or vida laboral. With Cl@ve, you can get everything in minutes.