{"id":4969,"date":"2021-05-25T00:12:07","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T00:12:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emprendix.com\/?p=4969"},"modified":"2025-02-18T16:36:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T16:36:12","slug":"how-to-become-self-employed-in-mallorca","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emprendix.com\/en\/how-to-become-self-employed-in-mallorca\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a self employed in Palma de Mallorca as an expat (aut\u00f3nomo)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Many people think that becoming self-employed in Spain is a complex process, but the truth is quite different, and here we explain why. But that\u2019s not all\u2014this post will also guide you through the essential steps to register as self-employed in Palma de Mallorca<\/a>, especially if you are an expatriate living in Spain. As an added bonus, you\u2019ll also find useful tips and important information about the taxes you\u2019ll need to pay while working here. So, welcome!<\/p>\n If you need further details or personalized advice, feel free to contact our accountants in Palma de Mallorca<\/a>.<\/p>\n First we must understand the meaning behind this particular word. \u201cAut\u00f3nomo\u201d is a Spanish term that roughly translates as freelance or self-employed individual in English. Let\u2019s see an example so as to better understand it.<\/p>\n If you want to come to Spain and become an English tutor, a common alternative, you will find yourself at a crossroads with two path options ahead of you: You may attempt your luck at the work market and try to find a job. This requires a work permit which can be very challenging to obtain. Or, you may try to become a freelance worker, a much more flexible alternative, and work on your own without the hustle of a contract or any of the rigorous documentation a contract entails. Can you see now what the approach of this article is?<\/p>\n It can all be as easy and simple as registering, sending an invoice to the company or individual to whom you will offer your service, and that\u2019s it! You can be legally earning money in less time than you think.<\/p>\n There are many ways to make revenues on you own, such as selling goods on Amazon or eBay. And You may think that there is no need, at least not for that , to\u00a0register as self-employed in Palma de Mallorca<\/a>. But, you\u2019re wrong.<\/p>\n There are no exceptions. Regardless of what is that you do, as long as you are providing a service in whatever niche market, you must register as an aut\u00f3nomo. So, this is for you whether you are an English teacher, you work in IT or speak at conferences.<\/p>\n Whatever circumstance applies to your case, you will have to start paying taxes, and these are the rules to follow.<\/p>\n As in any process, there are certain aspects you need to be aware of. As a matter of fact, being eligible to become self-employed in Spain is dependent on your country of origin.<\/p>\n If you are an EU\/EEA\/Switzerland citizen, everything will be easier. You will have no trouble to enter the country, set up your company and\/or become self-employed quickly. Further, the process will be for you very straightforward and, surprisingly, free of all hustle.<\/p>\n Things might, however, take a more complicate turn if you are not an EU national. The hurdles start, then, from the outset. To start with, you may be required a visa to enter Spain. Then, you must obtain a residence and work permit to permanently stay in the country. You will also need both an NIE number and a Spanish bank account.<\/p>\n If you want to become a freelancer in Spain, you have two legal paths. Namely: create a company or become a freelancer. But which one suits me better? Is it worth becoming self-employed?<\/p>\n The answer is highly variable and will depend mainly on your needs and resources.<\/p>\n But, generally speaking, we assure you that becoming an aut\u00f3nomo is easier. These are some of the reasons why:<\/p>\n In other words, if you want to avoid all the hustle and the stress, being an aut\u00f3nomo is the best option for you. However, If you think your income may exceed \u20ac6,000 per month, perhaps, the smart move, in this case, would be setting up a company. It might be more profitable and you will end up paying fewer taxes.<\/p>\n Before delving into the matching requirements for self-employed workers, you must become aware of what your precise liabilities will be. We want ,thus, in this post, not only to assist you to be more prepared, but also to help you understand the reasons why it is important for you to register.<\/p>\n In short, you need to fulfill two basic obligations if you are self-employed. These are:<\/p>\n It is mandatory that you register and pay a monthly contribution to the Social Security to have assistance in the Spanish public system and receive a pension in the future. For that, you will have to pay a certain fixed fee, which will be charged directly to your bank account, on the last business day of the month.<\/p>\n How high is the fee?<\/p>\n At the time you read this article, the fee is \u20ac283 per month. But calm down and don\u2019t panic. There are applicable deductions and, in addition to that, the amount is monthly and gradually so as to adapt more easily and finally reach that figure of \u20ac280 fee. As a matter of fact, freelancers pay only \u20ac60 per month during their first year.<\/p>\n On the other hand, Women under 32 or people over 65 will have additional tax allowances.<\/p>\n The second obligation is to pay taxes. Yes, you cannot get away from that.<\/p>\n However, you will only have to pay for two different taxes as a self-employed: VAT (\u201cIVA\u201d in Spanish) and Income Tax or IRPF.<\/p>\n For all intents and purposes, Spain\u2019s fiscal year corresponds to the calendar year, i.e., from January to December. You must file quarterly tax returns, and those are due in January, April, July and October.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s now review all the relevant information about self-employed taxes:<\/p>\n Do you understand what your responsibilities are as an \u201caut\u00f3nomo\u201d? If so, now we can go over the steps you need to follow in order to register. As mentioned, it is pretty straightforward. You only have to register with the social security and tax agency to become a legal self-employed person.<\/p>\n Bear in mind that we have commercial lawyers to help you understand the steps and guide you through the entire and tedious process. Email us for assistance!<\/p>\n Now, we have finally reached the most awaited moment. We are going to review, alongside you, the five steps you must follow as an expat to register as a freelancer in Spain:<\/p>\n 1. Obtain your work permit.<\/strong><\/p>\n Do you remember the information about the country of origin? As mentioned above, you will need a work permit to work as a freelance in Spain, if you are a national from a country different form EU or EEA countries.<\/p>\n If that case applies to you, then It is crucial to apply for the work permit from your home country, as traveling to Spain and starting the application process here can lead directly to a an unwanted denied application.<\/p>\n In order to follow this recommendation, you must submit the required documentation at the Spanish consulate so as to obtain your visa in advance. Once you get your VISA, where required, you will be able to enter Spanish territory, obtain the residence permit, whenever possible, and continue with the process.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
What does \u201caut\u00f3nomo\u201d mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When should I register as an aut\u00f3nomo?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Can I become an aut\u00f3nomo without the hustle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What are my options? Autonomous vs. Company.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What liabilities can I have as a freelancer in Spain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Social Security.<\/h3>\n
Taxes as a self-employed worker.<\/h3>\n
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How to become self-employed in Spain? Know the five steps.<\/strong><\/h2>\n