How to set up as an autónomo in Spain

This guide walks you through four quick stages - 1) install your digital certificate, 2) register with Hacienda, 3) join Seguridad Social (RETA), and 4) switch on electronic notifications - so you can register as an autónomo in under an hour.

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What you need before you start

Item	Why you need it	How to get it
NIE/TIE	Identifies you in Spain	Apply at any Policía Nacional office
Spanish bank IBAN	Pays social‑security bills	Open a local account
Digital certificate	Signs forms online	Follow Step 1 below
30 min quiet slot	Finish in one sitting	Schedule a slot

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Step 1 – Install your digital certificate

Request it: Go to FNMT certificado digital. Click “Obtener certificado software” → “Persona física.” Fill your NIE, name, and email, then hit Enviar petición.
Save the code: The site shows a long request code and emails it. Copy it.
Prove identity: Walk into any Agencia Tributaria office with passport, NIE/TIE, and the code. Ask for “acreditación de identidad para certificado digital.” It takes two minutes.
Download the file: Back on the FNMT site, choose “Descargar certificado”, enter NIE + code, and download the .pfx file.
Install: Double‑click the file, accept defaults. Your browser now holds a valid certificate.

You can’t file anything online until this step is complete.

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Step 2 – Register your activity with Hacienda (Modelo 036/037)

Visit Agencia Tributaria › Censos and choose “Presentar declaración”.
Log in with your certificate. Pick Modelo 036/037 → Alta.
Fill the key boxes:
- Start date – today or a date up to 60 days ahead.
- Epígrafe IAE – search 763 for IT consulting or pick your trade.
- VAT regime – leave as Régimen general unless you’re VAT‑exempt.
- IRPF method – choose Estimación directa simplificada.
Click Validar → Firmar y enviar. Save the stamped PDF (it downloads automatically).

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Step 3 – Join Seguridad Social (RETA)

Go to Import@ss and select Alta en trabajo autónomo.
Sign in with your certificate.
When asked, upload the Modelo 036/037 PDF you saved.
Choose your cuota (monthly payment):
- Tarifa reducida – 87.6 €/month for the first 12 months (tick this if you qualify).
- Or pick the table row that matches your expected profit (2025 bands €205–€605).
Select a mutua (insurance fund) from the dropdown.
Confirm. Download the enrolment receipt.

Your IBAN is now linked; quotas will auto‑debit monthly.

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Step 4 – Turn on electronic notifications

Import@ss → Mis notificaciones → Alta → tick SMS + email.
DEHú (enlace): log in and accept Agencia Tributaria + Seguridad Social as senders.

Missed notifications equal fines - this toggle prevents them.

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You can also let renn register you as an autonomo - it's free to set up.

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After you’re live – keep this calendar

File	What it covers	When to submit
Modelo 303	VAT collected – VAT paid	1–20 Apr, Jul, Oct, Jan
Modelo 130	20 % income‑tax pre‑payment	Same dates
Modelo 100	Annual income‑tax return	April–June the following year
Modelo 390	VAT summary	Filed together with January 303
Social‑security quota	Monthly contribution	Last business day monthly

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Bottom line

Two portals, one certificate, four steps. Follow them in order and you’ll be legally freelance in Spain.