Self employed in Spain
There are more than 3,323,536 self-employed in Spain. Being self-employed is the alternative to working as an employee. Here we explain how to become self-employed and how to register with the social security.
How to register with Social Security
Any person who is going to start an employment activity that determines his or her inclusion in a social security system scheme must apply for an affiliation number.
The application for affiliation is formulated on form TA.1 “Application for Affiliation/Social Security Number”. If you have a digital certificate, you can process the application directly online by accessing the Social Security Number Assignment service of the Social Security E-Office.
Social Security affiliation may be carried out in the following way
- At the request of the employer
Employers are obliged to apply for affiliation to the Social Security System for those who are not already affiliated and enter their service (employees).
- At the request of the employee
Self-employed in Spain or similar workers who start their activity as self-employed and are not already affiliated to the social security system are obliged to apply for affiliation.
- Ex officio
Social security affiliation may be carried out ex officio by the Provincial Directorates of the Social Security General Treasury or its Administrations when, as a result of the actions of the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate, of the data held by the managing bodies or by any other procedure, non-compliance with the obligation to request affiliation on the part of the workers or employers who are subject to this obligation is ascertained.
Registering as self-employed in Spain with the Social Security system
If you are self-employed in Spain and want to start your own business, you must register with the Social Security as self-employed.
You can register as a self-employed person up to 60 days before starting work. Here are the requirements.
It is important that you have applied for registration with the tax authorities (form 036 or 037) before registering with the Social Security.
To register with the Social Security as a self-employed worker, you must provide your personal details (DNI or NIE, address, social security number, telephone number and email address). In addition, you must specify your professional activity, the location of your headquarters and some details of your contribution.
Since 1 October 2018, all self-employed workers have to complete their formalities with the Social Security General Treasury online.
So you must enter Sede Electrónica or SEDESS https://sede.seg-social.gob.es/wps/portal/sede/sede/Inicio to start the registration process on your own.
Or, from the same Electronic Office you can authorise another person (an Authorised RED System advisor) to act on your behalf.
Self-employed in Spain : how to register
To register with the Social Security on your own, you must have an identification system: digital certificate, Cl@ve or the Electronic National Identity Card. Then, you must follow these steps to register:
- Log in to the system. Using the identification methods, you will be able to log in and start the procedure.
- Provide the information. You will be asked for data related to form 036 or 037 when you pay; therefore, it is essential that you have previously registered with the Tax Authorities.
- Fill in some data and answer a form to indicate the coverage you wish to have. Some of the contributions are for professional contingencies, common contingencies and cessation of activity.
At Asesoria Orihuela Costa we recommend you always use the services of a specialised and experienced consultancy to carry out the registration process on your behalf. We are Authorised Network System with number 191677 and we have extensive experience in affiliation to social security, we take care of all registration procedures advising you on all current legal regulations, possible benefits in the contribution and being at your side to start your professional project with the best guarantees of success.
