What are the steps are for becoming autonomo in Spain (Freelancer), visa aside?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I just want to know what the steps are for becoming autonomo in Spain, visa aside. I already have the digital signature thingy, but not sure of next steps. My gestor is supposed to be doing this, but is dragging his feet in a ridiculous way and wondering if this is easy enough to just do myself. I think there is a model 370 or 307 involved, but not sure beyond that….HELP! Thank you in advance! This community always delivers

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

“Social security number is next. That seems to be almost immediate once you have your digital whatnot. That’s where I am. My gestor just told me to not bother applying any further until next year for my autónomo. Not sure if that’s wise or not.
(Still haven’t registered with police or for health system either). Everyone tells you it’s autónomo first but my gestor said that was wrong and sent me a link (I’ll find it later). She said you can’t get your autónomo without the number. she told to search tesoria social de seguridad for my town.”

“It is advisable to do it with a gestor, it is modelo 036 or 037, but then in your activity category there are a lot of options and if you make a mistake, you will have to pay fines, so it is better to do it with somebody who specializes in that in order to avoid inconveniences. Then you also have to register with the social security. It is called RETA. There are a lot of gestors anywhere and also online and there should be institutions from the government which are supposed to help with it. At least in Andlucía we have such institution called CADE. There are a lot of forms of registering, but it all depends on getting the permit from immigration unfortunately.”

“THESE ARE THE 2 STEPS IF YOU HAVE A RESIDENCY CARD AND ARE CHANGING LABORAL STATUS: See BOTH the La Hacienda CENSO Department and after, the Inss (social security website) which is where one needs to get an appointment and handle the change. BOTH REQUIRE a CITA PREVIA. Please find another Gestor or a Lawyer. You shall need to go to the Hacienda for your Professional laboral code change and take that document they give you to the INSS directly afterwards if you can and they will officially give you the status change at the INSS and the copies of the signed documents. Bring your residency card.”

Check this Spainguru blog post: Self-employment visa timeline: Becoming an “autónomo” (freelancer) in Spain

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Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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