How to register as self-employed if you are a foreigner
To be self-employed in Spain you only must be 16 years old; the legal age to be able to work, but to register as self-employed if you are a foreigner, in addition to being at least 18 years old, you must meet certain requirements that you will find below:
- Not to be in irregular situation in Spanish territory.
- Not to have a criminal record.
- You must not be rejected in the territorial space of countries with which Spain has signed an agreement in this sense.
- Demonstrate sufficient professional qualifications or accredited experience to work as a freelancer or set up your own business in Spain.
- Prove that you have the investment foreseen for the project.
- Proof of sufficient economic resources for maintenance.
- Pay the corresponding fees in the application for the self-employment authorization.
Keep in mind that depending on the residence and work permit you have; the process will be easier or less easy.
You may have a long-term residence permit, or a blue card. In this case you will be able to register as self-employed with ease.
However, if you hold a temporary residence permit that only authorizes you to work as an employee, you will need to change your status and apply for a residence and self-employment authorization.
If you can change your residence permit from an employed to a self-employed status, you must wait until you have the physical card that authorizes you to perform work activities. If the document is pending or has expired, you will not be able to register.
If you only have the NIE (Foreigner’s Identity Number), you will not be able to register as self-employed. But you need the NIE to obtain the card that authorizes you. It is a matter of doing things step by step.
You can apply for the NIE after obtaining your visa or residence and work permit in Spain. This number is essential, as you will need it for almost all bureaucratic or legal procedures.
Tax Agency and Social Security
If you have a NIE and your residence and self-employment authorization, to register as a self-employed person, you will have to register with the Tax Agency to report your independent professional and economic activity.
In addition, you will have to register with the Social Security and pay the self-employed fee, the mandatory monthly payment to the Social Security that every self-employed professional must make to access social benefits.
If you are a foreigner and need more information on how to register as a freelancer in Spain, at Duguech&Dip we can give you the legal advice you need. Call us and we will study your case.
Since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing on this article should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel. The content on this article is offered only as information. And does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. You should always consult a suitably qualified lawyer regarding any specific legal problem or matter.
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