Quick answer
To freelance legally in Spain you register as autónomo in two places: Hacienda (tax, Modelo 036/037) and Seguridad Social (RETA scheme). Registration is free; you then pay a monthly cuota — about €80/month in your first year (tarifa plana), then income-based. You file IVA and IRPF quarterly. A gestor handles all of it for ~€50–€80/month.
The 4 steps
- 1Get your NIEYou need a NIE number and, in practice, a Spanish bank account before registering.
- 2Register with HaciendaFile Modelo 036/037 to declare your activity (epígrafe IAE) and tax obligations.
- 3Register with Seguridad SocialSign up for the RETA self-employed scheme within 60 days to start your cuota and cover.
- 4File quarterlySubmit IVA (Modelo 303) and IRPF (Modelo 130) every quarter, plus annual summaries.
What it costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Free | Modelo 036/037 + RETA sign-up |
| Cuota — year 1 | ~€80 / mo | Tarifa plana (flat rate) for new autónomos |
| Cuota — after | ~€230–€530 / mo | Income-based (2026 brackets) |
| Gestor | ~€50–€80 / mo | Handles all filings & Hacienda |
Indicative 2026 figures — cuota brackets and the tarifa plana are reviewed annually.
The taxes you'll file
As an autónomo you file quarterly: IVA (VAT, 21%, Modelo 303) and IRPF (income tax, Modelo 130), plus annual summaries and your Renta return. If you moved to Spain on a digital nomad visa, you may qualify for the Beckham Law flat 24% regime — worth checking before you register.
Let a gestor handle the paperwork
Registering and filing in Spanish is fiddly. We'll match you with an English-speaking gestor who sets you up and files everything each quarter — free intro, no obligation.
Get matched with a gestorFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to be autónomo in Spain?▼
Registration itself is free. You pay a monthly social-security 'cuota': new autónomos get a flat rate (tarifa plana) of about €80/month for the first 12 months, extendable a further 12 if your income is low. After that the cuota is income-based, roughly €230–€530/month in 2026.
Do I have to be autónomo if I freelance in Spain?▼
If you are a tax resident and carry out regular economic activity in Spain, yes — you must register with both Hacienda (tax) and Seguridad Social (RETA). One-off or purely occasional income is a grey area; a gestor can advise on your case.
What is the difference between a gestor and an accountant?▼
A gestor handles the administrative side — registrations, quarterly filings, dealing with Hacienda and Seguridad Social — for a low monthly fee (typically €50–€80). An accountant/economist does higher-level tax planning and accounts. For most autónomos a gestor is all you need.
What taxes does an autónomo pay in Spain?▼
Two main ones, filed quarterly: IRPF (income tax, usually 20% withheld or via Modelo 130) and IVA (VAT at 21%, via Modelo 303). You also file annual summaries (Modelo 390, and the Renta income-tax return).
How do I register as autónomo?▼
Two steps: (1) register your activity with Hacienda (tax office) using Modelo 036 or 037; (2) register with Seguridad Social under the RETA self-employed scheme within 60 days. You need a NIE and a Spanish bank account. A gestor can do it all for you online.
Can digital nomad visa holders be autónomo?▼
Yes. Many DNV freelancers register as autónomo and then apply for the Beckham Law regime for a flat 24% tax rate. The timing matters, so get advice before you register.
Related guides & services
General information, not tax or legal advice. Figures change annually — confirm current cuota and tax rules with an official source or a licensed gestor/adviser.