Registering as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain is really two procedures with two different bodies: the Tax Agency and Social Security. Doing one and forgetting the other is the most common mistake. Here is when you need to do it, what each step involves and how we handle it from start to finish.

When you must register

In theory, before you start the activity: with the Tax Agency, before starting it or making your first transactions (purchases for the business, first invoice); and with Social Security, where you can apply up to 60 days before you start.

In practice, this is complicated. Hardly anyone knows exactly when their activity “starts”, many have not invoiced anything yet, and others have fair doubts about whether registering now is worth it. There is nothing wrong with being in that situation: we help you from scratch, even if you have not issued a single invoice, and we advise you so you set up your project properly from the start: which registration date suits you, which regime, which contribution bracket, and how to organise your invoices and expenses from day one.

The two procedures, in short:

  • With the Tax Agency (census registration, form 036 or 037): this is where the IAE heading and the VAT and income tax regimes are set. If you will spend money before invoicing, it is declared as start of activity through prior acquisitions, a requirement to deduct that VAT.
  • With Social Security (RETA): you pay contributions from the registration date, so it is best to match it to your actual start day: not too early (paying a fee with no income) and not too late. A late registration pays contributions from day 1 of the month and loses the flat rate.

What you should avoid is working or invoicing for months without registering, because it can lead to penalties (with the Tax Agency, a fixed €250 fine for not filing the census declaration; with Social Security, registration by the authorities and back contributions with surcharge) and prevents you from deducting VAT and expenses properly. If you are unsure whether your case requires registration (occasional income, part-time activity, being employed at the same time), we go through it on the first call.

Decisions made at registration

Registration is not just paperwork; it fixes several things that shape your taxes later:

  • IAE heading describing your activity.
  • Income tax regime: direct estimation or modules, if your activity allows it (see direct estimation vs modules).
  • Contribution base or bracket according to your expected net income, and whether you qualify for the flat rate, which must be requested in the registration itself (see flat rate in 2026).
  • Invoicing obligations from day one (see how to issue invoices correctly).

How we do it

  1. First call, no commitment. We review your activity, answer questions and decide together the registration date, regime and bracket.
  2. You give us the minimum. Your ID and the basic details of your activity. We tell you exactly what we need, with no endless lists.
  3. We file the registration with the Tax Agency (activity census) and Social Security (RETA), with your authorisation (power of representation) to act on your behalf.
  4. Confirmation. We send you the supporting documents and tell you when you can start invoicing.
  5. Welcome call. We explain your upcoming obligations: which taxes you file, when, and how to keep invoices and expenses from day one.

How long it takes

Usually one or two business days from the moment we have your complete paperwork. What delays a registration most is incomplete documentation, not the procedure itself, so the sooner you send us your details, the sooner you can start invoicing.

What it costs

Registration has no separate fee. It is included in the Debut plan, designed for people who have just registered or are about to: €35 + VAT per month (€42.35 with VAT) for the first year, with full tax and accounting scope, the welcome call and email and WhatsApp contact. After 6 months you can review with us whether to move to the Esencial plan, and at the end of the year you choose the plan that fits best.

For a figure tailored to your case in a minute, use our simulator or see how much an online gestoría costs.

How we support you after registration

Registration is only the beginning. With the Debut plan we monitor your Tax Agency notifications, file your returns and keep your accounting up to date, with your documents always available in the portal. You can also ask us any question by email or WhatsApp without it being a separate service. If your business grows, we tell you when it makes sense to move to an SL.

Starting soon? Book a call and we will have everything ready even if you have not invoiced anything yet.