Changes for Spanish self-employed in 2018

Happy new year, autónomos!

Not much changed in January for Spain’s freelance workers, unfortunately. A few cosmetic changes came about as a result of the Ley de reforma urgente del trabajo autónomo. However, these seemed to be extra exceptions to existing rules rather than real changes to the system.

The main changes are for new autónomos, however there are some for existing ones, too.

Changes for new autónomos in 2018

  • New freelancers in Spain now pay €50 social security for the whole first year of business. Before, this was just 6 months.
  • For women under 35 and men under 30, social security reductions will continue for 3 years rather than 2.
  • Freelancers who also work a full-time paid job will be entitled to 50% reductions in social security for 18 months, and then a 25% reduction.

Changes for all freelancers in Spain in 2018

  • You will be able to claim up to €26 per day (€48 abroad) in food as expenses if you have to eat away from home for business. You must pay via mobile or card (and keep your receipt).
  • Freelancers who work from their own homes will be able to claim up to 30% of water, gas, internet and electricity bills of the parts of their houses affected by activity.

Furthermore, Social Security payments for self-employed workers in Spain seem likely to rise by 3-4% in mid-2018.

Autónomos who have parted to create a Sociedad Mercantil, or who employ more than 10 people, will pay 4% more social security starting from January. There will be a possible increase further in the year.

Are you self-employed? What do you think of the tax changes?

Sources: Infoautónomos (El Economista)Cinco Días (El País)IntereconomíaAutónomos en RutaEuropaPress.

Posted in Tax

5 Replies to “Changes for Spanish self-employed in 2018”

  1. This is not happy news. I teach classes through the Internet and on the phone. I have been registered as an autonomo for over 2 years and I work for 1 employer. Love my work, love my company, but I pay 300 euros a month for social security and it is killing me. If the rate increases, I won’t be able to survive.
    I had heard that the politicos were discussing a rate cut for people who worked part time – this sounded promising since I am only paid for the classes I teach, all prep work and admin is pro bono. Is there any possibility of a break for teachers who are only paid for contact hours?

      1. Thank you for responding Penelope. An interesting read on contorted logic that disregards the needs of part time workers. I think pixie dust might be more effective.
        Thanks again for the link.

  2. Social security isn’t the biggest burden but personal income tax is with its 45% rate on income above €60,000. If you could pay a flat 20% income tax regardless of your income then it would be more beneficial than reducing the social security charges by a few Euros.

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