Working as an autónomo in Spain as a foreigner: the steps and the insurance you need

Many expats in Murcia end up working for themselves: teaching English, renovating villas, managing holiday rentals, designing websites or running a bar. Becoming an autónomo in Spain is straightforward once you know the steps, but the protection you're used to as an employee doesn't come automatically.

The basic steps

1. Your right to work. EU citizens need their NIE and EU registration certificate. Non-EU citizens need a residence authorisation that allows self-employment.

2. Register with the tax office (Agencia Tributaria), declaring your activity.

3. Register with Social Security in the self-employed scheme (RETA) before you start working.

4. Check local permits: premises and some activities need a municipal licence.

Most people use a gestor for these steps and for their quarterly tax returns. It's money well spent in your first year.

Contributions

Since 2023, autónomos pay monthly Social Security contributions based on their expected net income, with an annual adjustment. New autónomos can often access a reduced flat rate during their first year; check the current amount and conditions when you register.

Your contributions give you access to public healthcare and a public pension, but sick pay is limited: nothing for the first three days of illness and a percentage of your contribution base after that. On the minimum base, that's very little to live on.

Insurance that's compulsory

It depends on your activity:

• Professional liability is compulsory for some professions, such as healthcare, legal and certain building professionals, and many professional associations require it.

• Premises: liability insurance is often required for your opening licence.

• Employees: most collective agreements require accident insurance for your staff.

• Vehicles: any vehicle you use for work needs its own insurance.

Insurance that's highly advisable

• Public liability, even if it isn't compulsory: one claim from a client can cost more than years of premiums. See our liability insurance for freelancers and SMEs.

• Sick pay insurance, which pays you an agreed daily amount if you can't work. See sick pay insurance for the self-employed.

• Private health insurance, for faster appointments so an illness doesn't keep you off work for longer than necessary.

Our insurance guide for the self-employed explains what you need depending on your situation: no employees, premises, staff, online business or transport.

This article is general information. Check your registration and tax obligations with a gestor.

How we can help

Many of our clients in the Region of Murcia are autónomos, and plenty of them are expats. Tell us what you do, in English, at our office in central Murcia or by WhatsApp, and we'll tell you what's compulsory and what's worth having.

Protect your business from day one

See the self-employed insurance guide or contact us.