Dokumenty

Autónomo, that is, a self-employed business in Spain

6 December 2023 | Dominik Poręba

What are the costs of running a sole proprietorship in Spain and what do you need to get started? 

To start your business, you will need:

  1. NIE number (Foreigner Identification Number)
  2. Bank account
  3. Registration of residence (Empadronamiento)

You do not need to be a resident to open a sole proprietorship in Spain.
However, it can also be a way to obtain residency!

Additional information you will be asked for when submitting your application:

  • Business tax code (IAE) – these are numerical codes used to classify the type of activity that the self-employed person or company will carry out.
  • CNAE code – this is the National Classification of Economic Activities, created in accordance with the NACE Rev.2 approval regulation and replacing CNAE-93 Rev.1.
  • Start date and business address (as an autónomo, you can use your registered residence address).
  • Estimated annual net profits – when registering your business, you must declare your expected net profit.

During registration, you will choose your contribution base and applicable benefits.

You will select a social security insurance company (mutua) that covers your risks and, where applicable, the scope of insurance (e.g., Generali).

You will also provide a bank account from which contributions will be withdrawn, and any refunds will be processed if necessary.

Social Security (Seguridad Social)

By registering as an autónomo, you are also registering in the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social – SS). It works like ZUS in Poland, covering pensions and more—in short, social insurance.
Here you will get your SS number – click.

Costs of starting a business

  • Setting up the business and registering with Social Security: approximately €60–70 if done by an external company. You can also do it yourself for free.
  • Monthly Social Security contribution: about €80–86 for the first 12 months with minimum income.
  • Accounting services: you can find accountants charging €45–90 per month. Online accounting services are also available: https://declarando.es/

At the beginning, expect a minimum monthly cost of €125.
This changes as your income increases. Check your specific case with an accountant.

Your NIE number is equivalent to a tax identification number.

CNAE and IAE – explanation:

IAE is a code assigned to the same activities but created by the tax authority to link a given activity with the payment of relevant taxes. [Click here for the full list of codes.]

CNAE is used solely for statistical purposes, is not directly linked to paying taxes, and is usually included in Social Security records. [Click here for the full list of codes.]

Good luck on your new professional journey!

Sources:

https://www.cnae.com.es/lista-actividades.php
https://www2.agenciatributaria.gob.es/ADUA/internet/es/aeat/dit/adu/adws/certificados/Tabla_de_epigrafes_IAE.pdf
https://portal.seg-social.gob.es/wps/portal/importass/importass/Categorias/Altas,+bajas+y+modificaciones/Altas+y+afiliacion+de+trabajadores/Alta_trabajo_autonomo
https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/inicio.html

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