Self-employed workers in Spain are commonly known as autónomos, and must register their business with the Spanish tax authority and Spanish social security department. Most autónomos are required to submit annual income tax reports as well as quarterly VAT (IVA) forms and personal income tax (IRPF). Depending on your activity and situation, other declarations may be applicable on a quarterly and annual basis.

1. Legal Requirements

• Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo Visa): Required for non-EU nationals to operate as freelancers.

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): The foreigner’s identification number, essential for tax and legal purposes.

• VAT Registration (IVA): Mandatory for most freelancers.

2. Taxation and Social Security

• IRPF (Personal Income Tax): Freelancers must declare income quarterly.

• Social Security Contributions: Paid into the “Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA)”, with a minimum base.

3. Support Services and Resources

• Coworking Spaces: Utopicus, Spaces Madrid, Aticco Barcelona.

• Freelancer Associations: ATA (Federación Nacional de Trabajadores Autónomos), UPTA.

• Language Support: Municipal services, Cervantes Institute.

4. Platforms for Finding Work

• Job Portals: SEPE (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal), InfoJobs.

• Freelancing Marketplaces: Malt.es, Freelancer.es, international platforms like Fiverr.

5. Cultural Considerations

• Professionalism: Importance of personal branding and references.

• Networking: Strong networking culture, often informal.

• Invoicing: Must issue official invoices with VAT (facturas con IVA).

For more detailed guidance, read the “How to Freelance Online” e-book