In Spain, an autónomo is a legally registered freelancer, self-employed worker, or small business owner. This status requires you to pay Spanish taxes on profits and charge IVA (VAT) to customers. Registration for autónomo status is necessary unless you are contracted for your work or are in partnership, which instead requires a 'Comunidad de Bienes' (CB) registration.
To become an autónomo, individuals over 16 must first secure a Self-Employed Visa, starting with an initial residence and self-employed work permit. This process involves substantial documentation to establish your identity, business plan, financial means, and qualifications if required.
Required Documentation:
Applications must be submitted at the Spanish Consular Office where you will also pay a processing fee. This fee varies based on your region in Spain, with specific amounts directed either to the Catalan government or the Spanish government.
Not all applications are successful; however, an appeals process exists. You can first request reconsideration from the Consular Office and, if needed, apply for judicial review with the High Court Justice of Madrid.
Once you receive your initial permits, you can apply for the Self-Employed Visa. This stage focuses more on personal documentation rather than business details:
Required Documentation:
The fee for this application is generally €80, though it varies for applicants from countries like Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, and Bangladesh to reflect reciprocal costs imposed on Spanish citizens.
After submitting your application, you may track its progress online. An interview may be requested during the review process, which typically takes about one month but can extend if additional documentation is needed.
Successful applicants will receive instructions to finalize their visa and retrieve original documents. Upon arriving in Spain, you must register with the Social Security System and apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within 30 days.
Introduced on December 23, 2022, the Digital Nomad Visa offers a unique opportunity for those who wish to work remotely while living in Spain. This visa requires proof of self-employed income or a stable employment contract, relevant experience, and the ability to work remotely. Applicants must also demonstrate they have the financial means to support themselves and any accompanying family members.
Digital Nomad Visa Rights:
One-year visa, extendable under a residency permit valid for three years and renewable every two years.
Access to the Spanish social security system.
Potential to bring family members, with additional proof of relationship and financial support.
Registering as a self-employed autónomo in Spain offers a pathway to living and working in this vibrant country, provided that all legal, financial, and administrative requirements are meticulously met. Whether through the traditional autónomo route or the new Digital Nomad Visa, Spain provides ample opportunities for those seeking to embrace a self-employed lifestyle.
Prepared on the information from iasservices.org.uk