I run my UK Ltd company from Spain. Do I have to become autónomo?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I’m looking for a bit of advice on running my UK Ltd company from Spain.The majority of the work will continue to be UK based. I will fly back where neccessary. Other Company Directors (and our business address) are solely based in the UK.Does anybody here have any first hand experience of this kind of situation? I would greatly appreciate any steers/watchouts or help. I’ve been led to believe I need to become ‘autonomo’, but perhaps I don’t?

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

“Yes I have done this and it worked fine. A bit more fiddly so get a good UK/Spain accountant like HCS in Denia. Much more admin of course.”

“Also in same boat. Just got entrepreneur visa approved so going to set up Spanish business, but that’s going to do something different. My income is from existing UK business. Still need to work out the details, but initial plan is to register Spainsh business, than exchange my personal shares in UK business and transfer to Spain company. Then cross charge from Spain business to UK business for my services, and pay myself via Spanish company. Then will be paying taxes in Spain instead of UK, which is the right thing to do and no more expensive. I’m sure there are some choices and more or less efficiany routes, but that’s where I’ve got to so far. Sounds like a bunch of us need to go for a beer and share our tips! Good news is earning in £ and cost of living here is very favourable way to run things.”

“The big part on the autonomo registration is that in Spain if you are delivering work from Spain there is a requirement to contribute to the social security system.”

“About the operational implications, I don’t know how it would be, but from a tax perspective I highly recommend Almudena and Bea from albea tax. 20 years experience in expats taxation. You can get a free 15 minute consultation with them here: https://spainguru.es/albea-tax-advisors-and-global-mobility/“

“Check out citizens advice bureau Spain for correct advice”

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Shaheen Samavati

Shaheen Samavati is a pivotal figure at SpainGuru, where she brings her profound understanding of Spanish immigration to the forefront. Her journey in Spain began when she arrived in Madrid to pursue her studies at IE Business School. Over the years, Shaheen has not only immersed herself in the Spanish culture but has also become a trusted resource for expats. Through her active participation in the "American Expats in Spain" Facebook group and her role as a content manager for Spotahome.com, she has consistently provided invaluable insights to the expat community.

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