When you’re self-employed in Spain, your monthly Social Security payments go to the Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA) system which is the self-employed scheme under Social Security. Whether you earn €0 or €3,000 a month, you still have to pay in. And what you get back depends on your contribution base. Here’s what’s actually covered:
Healthcare: Full access to Spain’s public health system, including GPs, specialists, hospitals, and required pharmaceuticals.
Temporary or permanent incapacity: If you’re too sick or injured to work, you can get support either short-term or long-term, depending on your situation.
Workplace accidents and occupational illness: You’re covered if something happens on the job – even if that job is just you and a laptop.
Maternity and paternity leave: Paid leave is available if you have a child, adopt, or foster. This includes risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Death of a partner: If your spouse or registered partner dies, you may be eligible for a widow’s/widower’s pension.
Orphanhood: If both parents die, children are entitled to a state orphan’s pension.
Pensions and subsidies for relatives: In some cases, close family members may receive support after your death or incapacity.
Retirement: Your contributions count toward the Spanish state pension. The amount you receive depends on how much you’ve contributed and for how long.
Family protection: There are subsidies for low-income households, families with dependents, and single-parent households.
Aid in case of death: A one-time payment may be available to cover basic funeral expenses.
Unemployment (cese de actividad): This is the autónomo version of unemployment support. It’s harder to qualify for than the regular system, but it does exist and has improved in recent years.
So yes, you’re covered – but not always as generously as employees in the general scheme. And the lower your declared income base, the lower your benefits. It’s worth reviewing what you’re paying and what it actually entitles you to.
