How to register as autónomo in Spain (2026 step-by-step)

NIE, Modelo 036/037, RETA registration, tarifa plana and bank account: the order that avoids problems.

Registering takes two formal steps — tax office and Social Security — but preparing well saves months of trouble.

1. Get your NIE/TIE and a Spanish bank account. You need a tax ID; Social Security will debit your quota from a SEPA account.
2. Get a digital certificate or Cl@ve. Almost every procedure is online.
3. Register with Hacienda (Modelo 036). Declare your activity (IAE epigraph), VAT regime, and tick ROI registration if you will invoice EU businesses.
4. Register with Social Security (RETA) in Import@ss before you start, choosing your expected income band — or apply for the €80 tarifa plana if eligible.
5. Set up invoicing and bookkeeping. Keep books of income and expenses; if you invoice with software, it will have to be Verifactu-compliant (legally from 1 July 2027; a postponement to October 2028 has been announced but is not yet in the BOE).

Requirements vary with your residence permit. Non-EU citizens must check that their permit allows self-employment (e.g. digital nomad visa conditions) before registering.

General information, not advice. Spot something outdated? Tell us.