Autonomo costs to rise in 2022

Self-employed entrepreneurs in Spain have to pay a fixed amount every month for the 'Seguridad Social' or Social Security, also known as the 'cotización de autónomos'. The amount is determined by the so-called 'base de cotización', the theoretical salary 'what you will earn'.

For that monthly amount, you get health care like all workers in Spain, benefits in case of illness, pregnancy or disability and you build up a Spanish pension. Since 2019, self-employed workers are also entitled to limited unemployment benefits.

From 2022 onwards the monthly contributions will increase

The monthly contribution for Social Security will increase between 5 and 21 Euros per month. In 2021, this annual increase was postponed because of the corona measures, but in 2022 it will happen again as of 1 January, as was the annual practice before.

Theoretical income

Self-employed people working in Spain and having a theoretical income of 960.60 euros per month will pay 293.94 euros per month from 1 January 2022, 4.96 euros more per month and 59.49 euros more per year.

Self-employed people working in Spain and having a theoretical income of 4,139.40 euros per month will pay 1,266.66 euros per month from 1 January 2022, 21.21 euros more per month and 254.47 euros more per year.

Newly self-employed

Starting self-employed entrepreneurs can make use of the so-called "tarifa plana". This government support applies for 24 months during which time the self-employed person must pay a fixed lower contribution per month. This has been increased to €60 since 1 January 2019 and will remain so after 1 January 2022.

That 60 euro counts for the first 12 months, followed by 6 months of 50% discount on an amount of 289 euro per month (has to do with the theoretical income) and then 6 months of 30% of that amount.

Please note that if you forget or fail to pay (for example, if your account balance is insufficient at the time), the support measure will be cancelled and you will have to pay the full amount.