Most people think relocation starts with visas and documents. They're wrong.
Because before discussing what visa to get, what business to start, or what status to work under, we need to understand your tax reality.
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What type of income will you have in Spain?
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Do you need to register as self-employed (autónomo)?
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Or is it better to start a company (SL)?
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What are the tax implications of each option?
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How can you legally optimize your taxes?
Taxes in Spain are more than just compliance. They are the competent structuring of your activities for a legal and financially efficient life.
What This Step Means?
Critical Insight
Choosing the wrong tax status can cost you thousands of euros a year. Autónomo is not suitable for everyone. SL is not a universal solution either. It all depends on your specific situation.
The right tax structure gives you:
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Legal activity in Spain
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Tax burden optimization
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Possibility of obtaining an entrepreneur visa
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Access to social and health insurance
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The ability to hire employees
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Building a business history in Spain
What's included:
60-minute consultation with a tax specialist
Analysis of your current situation and business plans
Recommendations on the optimal structure (autónomo vs SL)
Detailed calculation of tax costs for each option
Explanation of tax residency rules
Roadmap with steps, deadlines, and costs
Legal tax optimization strategy
Information on benefits and legal deductions
+ VAT
€250
Tax strategy for Spanish banking and residency
Dream Tax Consulting
What's included:
Obtaining a NIE (if not already obtained)
Registration as Autónomo in the social security system
Personalized support via WhatsApp
Assistance in applying for the new autónomos benefit (€80/month for the first year)
Basic consultation on tax obligations
Notification of the start of activity to the relevant authorities
Obtaining a contribution account code
Registration with the mutual insurance company (Mutua)
Selection of the appropriate economic activity (CNAE)
Registration with the tax agency (Hacienda) - submission of form 036/037
Mini Dream Business
Full registration as a self-employed person (Autónomo)
+ VAT
€500
Autónomo registration process (5 key steps)
1-2 days
1-2 days
Step 1: Registration with the social security system
- Obtaining a social security number (if you don't already have one)
- Registration in the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA)
- Filling out form TA0521
1 day
1 day
Step 2: Choosing a mutual insurance company
- Choosing a Mutua to cover professional risks
- Compulsory temporary disability insurance
1-2 days
1-2 days
Stage 3: Tax registration
- Registration in the business census (model 036 or 037)
- Choosing an economic activity (CNAE)
- Determining the tax regime
1 day
1 day
Stage 4: Notifying the labor authorities
Notifying the Department of Labor of the opening of a work center
Stage 5: Consultation on licenses
- Assistance in determining the necessary municipal licenses
- Requirements of the specific municipality
What's included:
Reservation and registration of the company name in the Central Trade Register
Legal support throughout the entire process
Comprehensive legal advice
Obtaining a digital certificate for the company
Filing of the property transfer tax (ITP) return
Registration in the provincial commercial register
Obtaining a temporary and permanent NIF for the company
Signing of the memorandum of association at a notary
Assistance in opening a corporate bank account
Preparation and registration of the company's articles of association (statutes)
Dream Big Business
Full company registration (SL)
+ VAT
€1,500
SL registration process
1 day
1 day
Stage 1: Company name reservation
- Submission of an application to the Central Commercial Register with 3-5 name options
- Obtaining a negative denomination certificate (valid for 3 months)
1-2 days
1-2 days
Stage 2: Opening a bank account
- Open a corporate account in the name of the future company
- Deposit the minimum share capital of €3,006
- Obtain a bank certificate
2-3 days
2-3 days
Stage 3: Preparation of the company's articles of association
- Develop the company's articles of association, taking into account the specifics of its activities
- Determine the management structure (sole administrator or board of directors)
- Legal review of documents
1 day
1 day
Stage 4: Notarization
- Signing the memorandum of association at a notary
- Submission of all necessary documents
1-2 day
1-2 day
Stage 5: Obtaining a temporary NIF
- Submission of form 036 to the tax agency
- Obtaining a temporary tax number (valid for 6 months)
1-2 day
1-2 day
Stage 6: Tax registration
- Registration with the tax agency (form 036)
- Selection of economic activity (CNAE)
- Submission of property transfer tax (ITP) declaration - exempt from payment
15 days
15 days
Stage 7: Registration in the provincial commercial register
- Submission of documents to the commercial register (must be done within 2 months of notarization)
- Obtaining full legal capacity for the company
1-2 days
1-2 days
Step 8: Obtaining a permanent NIF
✓ Obtaining the company's final tax number
✓ Activation of all corporate capabilities
✓ Activation of all corporate capabilities
We strongly recommend starting with Dream Tax Consulting (€250) to choose the right structure between autónomo and SL and understand the real costs. However, if you are already sure of your choice, you can order Mini Dream Business (€500) or Dream Big Business (€1,500) directly.
Autónomo vs SL: Complete Comparison
Criterion
Autónomo
SL (Company)
Registration time
5-7 days
15-30 days
Registration cost
€605
€1,815 + €3,000 capital + €600-1,200 notary + €183.52 fees
Liability
Personal (all property)
Limited (only capital)
Income tax
IRPF 19-47%
Corporate tax 25% (15% first 2 years)
Monthly costs
€294/month (€80 first year) + accountant €50-100
€60/month fees + accountant €150-300
Suitable for
Turnover up to €40-60K, freelancers
Turnover €60K+, scaling
Optimization
Professional expenses
Dividends, salary
Common mistakes
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Wrong choice between autónomo and SL
Open an autónomo because “it's easier,” and a year later realize that an SL would have been more profitable for turnover. -
Lack of knowledge about tax obligations
They register and then are shocked by the €294/month social security contributions + quarterly taxes + annual tax return. -
Wrong choice of economic activity (CNAE)
They choose the first code they come across, and then it turns out that it limits their options or requires additional licenses. -
Lack of tax planning
They don't know about legal deductions, benefits for new autónomos (reduced rate of €80/month for the first year), optimization through professional expenses. -
Problems with documents
They try to register themselves, don't understand the Spanish system, make mistakes in forms 036/037, and waste weeks.
Available Services
Choose the level of support that fits your needs
F.A.Q.
It depends on your turnover, type of activity, and plans. With a turnover of up to €40-60K, autónomo is usually more profitable. Above this threshold, it is worth considering SL for tax optimization. Order a consultation for an accurate calculation for your situation.
Minimum:
● €80/month to the social fund (first year with a discount)
● €294/month to the social security fund (from the second year)
● Quarterly taxes (depending on income)
● Accountant ~€50-100/month
Total: first year ~€130-180/month, then ~€344-394/month + % of income
● €80/month to the social fund (first year with a discount)
● €294/month to the social security fund (from the second year)
● Quarterly taxes (depending on income)
● Accountant ~€50-100/month
Total: first year ~€130-180/month, then ~€344-394/month + % of income
Minimum:
● €60/month in government fees
● Accountant €150-300/month
● Corporate tax 25% on profits (15% for the first 2 years)
Total: ~€210-360/month + 25% of profits
● €60/month in government fees
● Accountant €150-300/month
● Corporate tax 25% on profits (15% for the first 2 years)
Total: ~€210-360/month + 25% of profits
No, a NIE is mandatory for any registration in Spain. If you do not have one, we can help you obtain it as part of our Mini Dream Business service.
Autónomo: 5-7 business days. SL: 15-30 business days. We manage the process from start to finish.
Yes, when a company is closed, the share capital is returned to the founders (minus debts and liquidation costs)
Social security contribution relief - €80/month instead of €294 for the first year. We help you apply for this relief.
Reduced corporate tax of 15% (instead of 25%) for the first two years of operation. Exemption from economic activity tax (IAE) in the first year.
Yes, we register autónomos and companies throughout Spain remotely. The process is completely remote.
Fines ranging from €1,000 to €10,000+ depending on the situation. Problems with visas and residency. Inability to legally issue invoices. We recommend registering BEFORE starting your business.
Book Service
Fill out the form to receive detailed information and rates.
Our Team
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Alina
CEO & Founder of Dreamlife -
Azalia
Dream Growth -
Anton
Dream Care