Before you register anything
Get your foundations first: you'll need a NIE, a Spanish bank account (for the monthly quota direct debit), and a rough idea of what you'll earn — because Spain's autónomo quota is now tiered by income. Non-EU citizens also need a residence permit that allows self-employment before starting.
Day one: the double alta
Being autónomo means registering in two places: Hacienda (the tax office — form modelo 036/037, where you choose your activity code, the epígrafe IAE) and the Seguridad Social (RETA, the self-employed regime, done online through Import@ss). Do both on the same day, in that order, and your start dates align — misaligned dates are a classic source of fines.
The quota (and the cheap first year)
The monthly RETA quota starts around €230 at the lowest income tier — but new autónomos can apply for the tarifa plana, roughly €80/month for the first 12 months (extendable if income stays low). Apply for it during your RETA registration; it's not automatic everywhere.
Weeks two to four: invoices and habits
From day one, every invoice needs your details, the client's details, an invoice number, and usually IVA (21% for most services, with some exemptions). Keep every expense receipt — autónomos deduct real costs. Start a simple spreadsheet now; your future self filing quarterly taxes will thank you.
The deadlines that bite
Quarterly filings land in January, April, July and October: modelo 303 (IVA) and modelo 130 (IRPF income tax payments on account) for most autónomos, plus an annual summary. Missing them means automatic surcharges — put the 20th of those months in your calendar on day one.
Do you need a gestor?
For the alta itself and understanding the system — no, that's exactly what I do (full autónomo setup is €150). For ongoing quarterly filings, many people happily DIY with a spreadsheet; others prefer a gestor at €50–70/month. I can translate and coordinate with one if you go that route (€45/hour).
Want me to handle it for you?
Fixed price agreed before we start. One message and we're on it.
Message me on WhatsApp