Tax

Autónomo (Spain)

Self-employed status in Spain. Autónomos register with the tax office and with Social Security (RETA) and pay monthly contributions linked to their income.

Updated 1 Oct 2026

Also known as:self-employed in SpainRETA

Definition

Self-employed status in Spain. Autónomos register with the tax office and with Social Security (RETA) and pay monthly contributions linked to their income.

Registration is done with the tax agency (census form 036 or 037) and with Social Security under the special scheme for self-employed workers (RETA). Since 2023, monthly contributions depend on actual net income bands.

Many residence routes, including the digital nomad visa when you work for clients, require you to register as autónomo once you live in Spain.

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