If you’ve decided to go self-employed in Spain, you’ve probably heard the word “gestor” (pronounced “hestor”) thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a gestor, and do you really need one?
What is a gestor?
In European Spanish, a gestor isn’t an accountant. However, their services are accountant-adjacent and the roles often overlap. A “gestor administrativo” handles admin tasks with public offices. They can:
- Registering you as an autónomo
- File tax forms
- Deal with Social Security and the tax office
- Make sure your paperwork is in order
A “contador” or “asesor fiscal” is more like a traditional accountant or tax advisor. They deal more with financial statements, complex tax planning, or company accounting. They will generally call their businesses “asesoría fiscal, laboral o contable”.
In practice, most autónomos use a gestor for everything so when foreigners say “I need an accountant,” what they usually need is a gestor.
What does a gestor do?
A gestor is a lifesaver if you’re new to Spain’s bureaucracy. They can:
- Register you as an autónomo with the tax office (Hacienda) and Social Security (Seguridad Social) (alta)
- File your quarterly VAT returns (modelo 303)
- Submit your annual income tax declaration (Renta: modelo 100)
- Organise advance payments quarterly towards your Personal Income Tax (IRPF) (modelo 130)
- Translate and explain letters or fines from the tax office
- Help you shut down your business if you stop freelancing (baja)
If you’re a foreigner, they’ll also help with tax residency issues, double taxation agreements, and how to declare income from abroad.
IVA and Renta: the pain points
Two big ones for freelancers in Spain are IVA (VAT) and Renta (income tax).
If you invoice clients in Spain or the EU, you usually need to charge 21% VAT and file quarterly returns. Forget to file, or file incorrectly, and fines can add up fast.
Renta is your annual income tax return. As a tax resident in Spain, you need to declare your worldwide income. Yes, even money you made outside Spain. The Spanish tax year is January to December, with tax returns filed between April and June the following year.
Your gestor can also organise a quarterly estimate of your income tax using modelo 130 to make advance IRPF payments to your Renta.
A good gestor will keep track of the deadlines, do the calculations, and make sure everything is submitted properly. That alone can save you a lot of stress.
Setting up as an autónomo
Registering as autónomo is a mess of paperwork with tax office, Social Security, tax codes (epígrafes), digital certificates, and making sure your invoices are compliant. A gestor can do it all for you, sometimes in one visit.
They’ll also check if you qualify for the Tarifa Plana which is a reduced social security payment for your first year.
Online tools vs traditional gestores
You don’t always need an in-person gestor. Some online platforms now offer the same services, often cheaper and faster. Two popular ones:
- Xolo: Tailored for international freelancers. Handles registration, invoices, VAT, and tax returns. Some plans even let you create a Spanish company. Available in English.
- Declarando: A Spanish platform with guided tax filing, expense tracking, and access to human advisors if needed. Good if your Spanish is decent but it isn’t available in English.
These are great if you’re confident with tech and have a fairly standard setup. There are some in Spanish and English,
When you might need a specialist gestor
If you have a business registered abroad you’ll need a gestor who understands international tax. Not all do.
Ask specifically if they’ve worked with clients from your country. Cross-border income, double taxation rules, and split residency issues can get tricky fast. Better to pay a bit more for someone who won’t mess it up.
Can I do it myself?
Hmmm… well I guess. If this is your plan, I would get a gestor to set it up for me first. Then learn how to do the quarterly IVA and yearly Renta. Maybe look online for others who do similar. If your case is simple – like just one overseas client and no deductions, it could be ok.
Bottom line
You don’t have to hire a gestor, but for most autónomos, you kind of do.
Your gestor should keep you on the right side of Hacienda, save you time, and help you avoid mistakes that could cost more later.
Whether you go with a traditional office or an online platform, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your freelance life in Spain.
