Working for yourself
Register as Autónomo in Valencia
To work for yourself in Valencia you register with the Tax Agency on form 036 before the activity starts (RD 1065/2007, art. 9.4) and join the RETA, the self-employed scheme run by the Seguridad Social. Neither registration carries a state fee. Non-EU residents also need a permit that allows self-employment.
Step by step with us
- Choose the activity and tax options with you
- File form 036 with Hacienda
- Register you in RETA, with the reduced rate if you qualify
Paperwork checklist
- NIE, TIE or EU certificate, and Social Security number
- A few lines on what you will do
- Cl@ve, a digital certificate or your written go-ahead
The basics
First check that you are allowed to work for yourself. EU citizens can; residents from outside the EU need a permit that includes self-employment. You also need a NIE and a Social Security number. Our guide on which residence cards allow autónomo work goes through the common cases.
Then come the two registrations. With the Agencia Tributaria you file form 036, declaring the activity, its start date and your VAT and income tax options; the simplified 037 no longer exists. With the Social Security you join the self-employed scheme (RETA) and pick a contribution base. Both are usually done online, and if you have just landed in Valencia we put the steps in the right order.
Who it is for
- EU nationals launching a business or freelance work in Valencia.
- Residents from outside the EU whose permit covers self-employment.
- Remote workers who have to register in Spain.
- Employees moving to self-employment.
Paperwork checklist
- Your NIE, TIE or EU certificate.
- Your Social Security number.
- A Spanish bank account.
- What you will do, in a few lines, and roughly what you expect to earn.
- Cl@ve or a digital certificate; failing that, your written go-ahead for us to submit on your behalf.
The activity code and the tax options you choose have consequences later. We go through them with you before anything is filed.
Step by step with us
- Your plan. We discuss the activity, likely earnings and the options open to you.
- Hacienda. Form 036 is filed with the Agencia Tributaria.
- RETA. We register you in the self-employed scheme with a suitable contribution base, asking for the reduced initial contribution if you qualify.
- Afterwards. You get an explanation of the quarterly returns and, if you wish, a quote for ongoing bookkeeping.
Waiting times in Valencia
With the papers ready, both registrations are normally done in a few days. Form 036 has to be filed before the activity starts (article 9.4 of Royal Decree 1065/2007), so we agree the start date with you first and work back from it.
Fee for our help
From 90 € + VAT to register you. Quarterly returns and bookkeeping are priced on their own.
A typical case
A graphic designer from Italy, already holding the EU registration certificate, wants to invoice Spanish and foreign clients from a coworking desk in Ruzafa. We agree the activity and how VAT applies to clients abroad, file the 036 with the agreed start date, register them in RETA from the same day and, if they meet its conditions, request the reduced contribution of article 38 ter of Law 20/2007 at registration.
Frequently asked questions
What waiting times should I expect in Valencia?
With the papers ready, normally a few days. Form 036 must be filed before you start (article 9.4 of Royal Decree 1065/2007), so we set the start date with you.
What if my permit does not allow self-employment?
Then registering is not the next step: you first need a permit that covers it. Our guide on which residence cards allow autónomo work goes through the common cases, and we tell you which route applies to you.
Do I have to go in person?
No. Both registrations are done online, with your Cl@ve or digital certificate, or by us on your behalf with your written authorisation.
Will I pay less at the start?
Article 38 ter of the Self-Employed Workers' Statute (Law 20/2007) provides a reduced contribution for the first twelve months to people who qualify, and it has to be requested at registration. We check your case.
Is a coworking desk or my flat enough?
Yes. Plenty of Valencian freelancers work from home or a coworking space; you simply declare where the activity takes place.
Can you file my quarterly returns too?
Yes, quoted separately once you are registered.
Do you deal with me in English?
Yes. We work in English and Spanish, by WhatsApp, phone or email, and every step is explained in English before it happens.
Source: Royal Decree 1065/2007, article 9 (BOE). Laws and fees change, so we confirm the current ones for your case before you pay.
You get a written quote with a closed fee before you pay anything. Official fees are listed separately.
Write on a working day and we reply within one business day, with a plan for your case.
WhatsApp, phone or email in English (or Spanish). No guessing what a form or an official letter means.
Expat Valencia is a service of Gestoría Beltrán Cifre SL, a gestoría registered in Spain.
Other services
Write to us
Planning your move to Valencia?
Tell us where your passport is from, what you need and which Valencian town you are heading to. A message that reaches us on a working day gets a reply by the next one, with the steps and a fixed fee in writing.
- Emailcontact@expatvalencia.com
- WhereOnline service for Valencia city and province. No walk-in office
- FormOr use the form: we reply within one working day
