The sede electrónica websites will be familiar to you on your autónomo journey. The word “sede” in Spanish means headquarters or official seat, so “sede electrónica” literally means electronic headquarters.
A sede electrónica is not just a basic website — it’s the legally recognised digital space where you interact with that institution. Everything you do there has the same legal validity as if you’d gone in person and signed on paper.
A public institution’s sede electrónica is its official online platform where it offers its digital services. It’s where you go to handle admin like filing forms, submitting tax returns, checking notifications, or requesting documents, all without stepping into an office.
Each government body has its own sede electrónica.
For example:
- The Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) has its sede for taxes
- The Seguridad Social has one for social contributions and benefits
- Your local ayuntamiento may have one for municipal matters like paying IBI or requesting empadronamiento
What is Import@ss?
Import@ss is part of the Seguridad Social’s sede electrónica. It is a newer service designed specifically for workers and autónomos. It’s faster, mobile-friendly, and focuses on the tasks you’re most likely to do like downloading your work history (vida laboral), updating your address or bank details, or registering as an autónomo.
Key tasks for autonomos on Import@ss
Register or update autonomo status
-
Register as autónomo (alta en el RETA)
-
Deregister if you stop working (baja)
-
Modify details like your activity code (CNAE), address, base rate, or province
Update personal and payment information
-
Change your bank account for cuota direct debit
-
Update your address, phone number, or email
-
View or download your registration certificate
Access official records and documents
-
Download your work history (informe de vida laboral)
-
Get your current registration status (informe de situación actual)
-
Request your contribution bases history (bases de cotización)
-
Download missed or returned payment slips
Manage payments and contributions
-
Check which cuotas have been paid
-
See upcoming or pending charges
-
Manually pay missed cuotas
Authorise access or receive notifications
-
Grant access to a gestor or authorised representative
-
View notifications or updates from Seguridad Social
How do I access a sede?
You’ll usually need a digital certificate, Cl@ve PIN, idCAT (if you’re in Catalonia), or DNIe to log in and use most services, with the recent introduction of SMS 2FA.
It’s the main way Spain handles official admin now and it’s a good service once you get used to it, but it can be a bit confusing at first.
