Autónomo (and Autónoma): What It Means
The official category for the social security regime of the autónomo self-employed worker is Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos, or RETA for short.
While the word autónomo is used generically, and women working under this system are also referred to as autónomas.
Autónomos cover a wide range of self-employed people, and it’s the legal framework you will operate under if you’re working for yourself in Spain.
Who needs to register as autónomo/a?
If you’re earning income without being on a payroll, there’s a good chance you need to register. The autónomo system applies to people who:
- Invoice clients directly
- Are not on a company payroll
- Run their own small business
- Work remotely for a foreign company without a Spanish employment contract
- Do work for multiple clients with or without formalised contracts
It’s a broad legal category that includes both traditional trades and digital services.
What you’re responsible for as an autónomo/a
Once registered, you’re responsible for handling your own taxes and social security. This includes:
- Filing quarterly VAT (IVA) returns
- Paying personal income tax in advance (Modelo 130, if applicable)
- Keeping records of income and deductible expenses
- Paying a fixed monthly social security fee (cuota), regardless of your earnings
The cuota must be paid even if you make no income in a given month. It gives you access to Spain’s public healthcare system and contributes toward your future pension.
Legal and economic importance
The autónomo system is the economic backbone of much of Spain’s economy.
Whether you’re selling your skills, your time, your knowledge, or your products, you’re part of this ecosystem.
