The Ultimate Expat Guide to freelancing in Spain

Aspiring and seasoned freelancers have long looked towards Spain for its unique blend of beauty, opportunity and hurdles. 

But that path toward opportunity and beauty isn’t always as charming as the Mediterranean lifestyle it beckons. Local regulations, documents, woefully-timed requests, and bureaucratic procedures that smell a bit musty all stand ready to dissuade the lighthearted. 

You don’t have to fear these hurdles. In this guide we’ll teach you how to become a self-employed autónomo in Spain–from developing your business, to understanding your market, to registering yourself and your business without hassle 🌞

Whether you’re an EU citizen or a non-EU national, we’ll help streamline your path to freelancing success in Spain. Let’s dive in and set you on the right track for a smooth and successful freelancing journey in sunny Spain!

1. What to keep in mind when considering Spain

2. Documents you’ll need for autónomo registration

3. Obtaining your foreign identification number (NIE)

4. Obtaining temporary residency and a self-employment work permit

5. How to begin your expat business activity in Spain

6.  Digital Nomads (International Remote Workers) and Beckham Law

What to keep in mind when considering freelancing in Spain

Being self-employed has its pros & cons. It's important to consider the following aspects before you decide to make that independent leap:

• What is your business idea? 
• Who will be your target market?
• Do you have a business plan?
• Who will be your competition? 

The General Directorate of Industry and Small & Medium Enterprises offers a unique tool for creating your business plan and assessing its viability → Check it out.

Know what you’re all about? Awesome! A quick familiarization with some Spanish bureaucracy will ensure you’re able to venture forth: 

Who can be self-employed in Spain? 

Individuals over 18 who work on their own, without being employed by someone else, with the intention of earning a profit. The same is true whether or not you have any employees under your wing.

When deciding on becoming an independent worker, it is important to make sure that you understand the pros and cons of choosing the freelancer career.

Advantages of being self-employed:

• You’re the boss of your business. 
• Fewer processes and formalities required, as there is no need to form a company or legal entity.
• It is generally more economical since the business owner is the same as the individual.
• Total autonomy in setting work hours and organizing projects.

Disadvantages of being self-employed:

• Your personal assets could be exposed to risk due to the unlimited liability associated with business debts.
• You might find yourself in a higher tax bracket depending on your net earnings. Spanish tax rates increase progressively with income.

Documents expats need to be autónomos in Spain

Anyone can register as self-employed, but this process becomes slightly more complicated for non-Spanish residents. Xolo can assist with it all, but you’ll still need to consider having the following:

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland will need:

• Foreign Identification Number (NIE).
• Your ID or passport from your country of origin.
• A Spanish bank account.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you will need:

• A visa to enter Spanish territory.
• A residence permit for long-term stay in the country.
• A self-employment work permit.
• NIE number.
• A Spanish bank account.

Xolo takes care of your autónomo registration in 24 hours.  Sign up now →

Obtaining your Foreign Identification Number (NIE)

In Spain, any foreigner engaging with the country for economic, professional or social interests must apply for an NIE from the General Directorate of Police (DGP). The DGP requires that the applicant not be in Spain illegally and must state the reasons for applying for an NIE. 

3 steps to obtaining your NIE:

1. Complete the EX15 form (print two copies and fill it out with your passport, even if it indicates NIE), pay the fee using form 790 Code 012, and ensure to obtain the proof of payment.

2. Submit this documentation along with your original passport and a copy; you will need to schedule an appointment with the DGP or at Immigration Offices or Police Stations. If you are in Spain, you can apply at the General Commissariat for Immigration and Borders or through Spanish Consulates abroad.

3. After the appointment and submission of all documentation, you will receive your NIE.

Obtaining temporary residence and a Self-Employment Work Permit (non-EU citizens)

For non-EU citizens, the first step is to obtain a visa for entry into Spain (only required for certain nationalities; check here, ANNEX I). This is an initial authorization to reside temporarily in Spain and to conduct self-employed economic activity. 

If you already have a residence permit that does not allow self-employment, you will need to obtain a residence and self-employment work permit, for which you must meet several requirements. 

If you meet these requirements, follow these steps:

1. Fill out the official application form for the temporary residence and self-employment work permit (EX03) at the Spanish consular office corresponding to your place of residence.
2. Accompany the following documentation with the application:

• Copy of the complete passport or valid travel document.
• Authorizations or licenses required to conduct your activity.
• Professional qualifications or skills necessary for the job.
• Project plan indicating the expected investment, profitability, etc.
• Proof of having sufficient financial means for your intended stay or the ability to obtain them legally. In 2023, the minimum required amount is 108 euros per person per day, with a minimum total of 972 euros regardless of the length of stay.

3. To prove these financial means, you can present cash, traveler's checks, credit cards accompanied by bank statements, an up-to-date bank book, or any other means that demonstrate the availability of the required amount.

This initial authorization will be valid for one year, so you will need to apply for renewal 60 days before it expires (two months). Upon renewal, the authorization will be valid for a period of 2 years or more, depending on whether a long-term residence permit is applicable.

Once you have your residence and self-employment work permit, you can proceed to apply for your NIE following the steps outlined above.

How to begin your expat business activity in Spain

Once you have the necessary documentation (residence permit, work permit, and NIE), you need to complete several procedures with various public administrations and agencies:

1. Registering in the census of entrepreneurs with the Tax Agency (AEAT) using form 036/037. In this form, you indicate the start date of your business activity, the tax regime it will follow and, if you plan to invoice to intra-community clients, request inclusion in the register of intra-community operators (ROI). We have an article that might be useful regarding ROI.

2. Affiliation and registration in the Social Security system: If you have never been affiliated with the Spanish Social Security system, you can request this affiliation number upon registering as self-employed. We provide a brief FAQ to help you understand the difference between the Tax Agency (Hacienda) and Social Security.

3. Obtaining a Digital Certificate or Cl@ve PIN. As of October 1, 2018, self-employed workers must handle their procedures electronically, including receiving and signing notifications using a digital certificate, DNIe, or Cl@ve PIN/permanent. Both the Digital Certificate and Cl@ve PIN are essential for communicating with various agencies. We provide a guide to obtaining your Digital Certificate and a link explaining how to get your Cl@ve PIN.

Digital Nomads (International Remote Workers) and Beckham Law

The concept of a digital nomad has emerged as a new work paradigm for future professions. This refers to people who perform professional activities remotely, allowing them to lead a somewhat "nomadic" lifestyle and live while traveling.

Currently, from a fiscal and labor perspective, this status is only recognized for employees contracted by a foreign company, meaning they are not self-employed.

Being a digital nomad in Spain, if registered as self-employed with both the Tax Agency and Social Security, will see no difference in tax and labor terms compared to a self-employed individual working from a fixed location or country.

You can check our article on the Beckham law regime in Spain if you have any questions about it. The topic can be confusing at first glance.

Handle it all with Xolo’s comprehensive service for expats in Spain

So, you're ready to take the leap and become an autónomo in Spain? We've got your back! At Xolo, we're passionate about helping freelancers like you navigate the complexities of Spanish bureaucracy. From registering as an autónomo to managing your taxes and paperwork, we're here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Whether you're a seasoned expat or just starting out, our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you need to succeed in Spain. 

Don’t wait! Let Xolo take care of the admin, and you focus on what you do best - growing your business and living la vida local! Sign up now →

About Irina

Irina has been with Xolo since 2022, serving as the Head of Spain Operations and Head of Global Customer Success. Originally from the Canary Islands and currently based there, she spent 15 years living in Barcelona. Passionate about her work, she enjoys leading her team to deliver exceptional customer service. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her dogs, enjoying the ocean, and taking long walks on the beach. She also has a passion for reading psychology books.