Register as autónomo in Spain: steps and documents

Read on 2026-10-16. Contribution amounts change every year, so this page gives no monthly figures.

Who can register

Plataforma ONE says that through this procedure it is possible to register as self-employed workers all those individuals who regularly, personally and directly carry out one or more economic activities for profit, provided that the activities are not subject to an employment contract with any company, and who are aged 18 or older and either of Spanish nationality residing in Spain or foreign nationals with a work permit. It adds that a citizen of the European Union needs to obtain the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) and register with the Foreigners' Registry, and then can register the business activity with the Tax Agency and under the Social Security Self-Employed Regime. It also says that a non-European Union national needs a NIE, a Social Security Number (NUSS) and a work and residence permit to register.

Documents

• A copy of the ID card (DNI) of the entrepreneur is needed.
• A copy of the Social Security card of the entrepreneur, or another document verifying the affiliation number to Social Security, is needed.
• Foreigners without an ID card need a European Union Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), or a NIE together with a residence and work permit for self-employment.
• If the entrepreneur is married, the ID card (DNI) or NIE of the spouse and the marriage regime are needed.

Steps and timing

1. Plataforma ONE lists three steps and says that the user accesses the CIRCE System website and logs in to the Virtual PAE application using digital certificates.

2. It adds that the user completes the Single Electronic Document (DUE) with personal data, data on the activity, data for the tax declaration and data for the General Treasury of the Social Security.

3. It also says that the electronic processing system sends the DUE information to each competent authority so that it can carry out the procedure within its remit.

4. It adds that registration can be requested before starting the activity, with a maximum lead time of 60 days.

What the contributions cover

• In general, as a self-employed individual you contribute for common contingencies, which ensures coverage when you cannot work due to a non-work-related accident or illness, although this contribution is optional for self-employed individuals who are also registered in other Social Security schemes.
• In general, as a self-employed individual you contribute for professional contingencies, which cover work-related accidents or professional illnesses, although this contribution is not mandatory for cooperative partners, for self-employed individuals with a cooperative system of social benefits complementary to the Public System, and for agricultural self-employed workers (SETA).
• The contribution for cessation of activity covers the definitive end of your activity.
• The contribution for the mechanism of intergenerational equity (MEI) aims to maintain balance between generations and the sustainability of the Social Security system.
• The self-employed fee will be debited from your bank account on the last business day of each month.
• Registration as a self-employed worker covers sick leave, birth and care of a minor, risk during pregnancy and lactation, permanent disability, widowhood and orphanhood, cessation of activity for involuntary reasons, and retirement.

Starting before you register has consequences, covered in the late registration guide. If you also have a job, read autónomo and employee at once.

Related guides

• Autónomo: starting before you register: Fines and the contribution base for late registration.
• Autónomo and employee at once: Pluriactividad and contributions in both regimes.
• NIE: Foreigner identity number: fee, documents and steps.
• Digital certificate (FNMT): Who can get it and what it needs.