The Freelance Visa (Autónomo in Spain) is one of the most crucial permits, granting independent professionals the opportunity to establish their own business and reside legally in Spain. Despite the clarity of this path, many newcomers often struggle to understand the differences between this Self-Employed Visa and other options, such as the Digital Nomad Visa or the business incorporation route.
Understanding these differences is vital because they affect not only the type of residency but also extend to taxation, business management, and the future possibility of residency renewal.
What is the Freelance Visa (Autónomo Visa)?
Before delving into comparisons, it is essential to understand the legal definition of this visa.
The Freelance Visa (Autónomo Visa) is a residence permit granted to non-EU foreigners who wish to establish and manage their own economic activity in Spain. Instead of relying on an employer, applicants operate as independent workers responsible for managing their business, taxes, and social security contributions.
This Self-Employed Visa is ideal for the following categories:
- Freelancers targeting the Spanish market.
- Owners of small businesses and shops.
- Independent consultants and specialists.
- Entrepreneurs setting up sole proprietorships.
Legal Note: The official name of the visa at the consulate is "Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia" (Work Visa for Self-Employment), and it grants you a one-year residence permit, renewable thereafter.
Am I an "Autónomo" or a "Digital Nomad"?
With the rise of online work, many applicants feel that their work as freelancers places them in the "digital nomad" category.
This is where the confusion begins: Is working online enough for me to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa? Or do I actually fall under the Autónomo in Spain category?
The fact that you "work online" is not sufficient to determine the correct visa; your source of income is the deciding factor.
Digital Nomad Visa vs. Freelance Visa (Autónomo) in Spain
Although both visas allow you to live and work online in Spain, they are designed for different types of professionals.
The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): This visa is designed for remote employees and digital business owners whose majority income (80% minimum) must come from outside Spain. Local Spanish clients are limited to a maximum of 20%. A significant advantage is the potential to benefit from the "Beckham Law" (fixed and lower flat tax rate). This route requires proof of foreign employment contracts and continuous income, and no complex business plan is required.
The Freelance Visa (Autónomo Visa): In contrast, the Autónomo Visa represents the traditional path for those aiming to be an active part of the Spanish economy. It imposes no geographical restrictions on the source of income; you can earn 100% of your income from Spanish clients. However, acquiring this Self-Employed Visa requires a detailed and well-studied business plan to prove the project's viability. Holders of the Autónomo in Spain visa are subject to the General Tax System (progressive Personal Income Tax—IRPF).
Is "Autónomo" the Same as "Company Incorporation"?
When discussing the Freelance Visa (Autónomo), the concept of "starting an independent business" immediately comes to mind. While both paths ultimately aim to conduct private economic activity, there is a crucial distinction.
Freelance Sole Proprietorship vs. Company Incorporation
Spain offers two main routes: registering as an independent worker via the Freelance Visa (Autónomo) or incorporating a commercial company (such as an S.L.).
Freelance Sole Proprietorship (Autónomo): Under the Autónomo system, you and the business are legally one indivisible entity (Physical Person—Persona Física). This is the faster and more common way to start due to the easy procedures. However, you face full personal liability for any business debts, extending to your personal assets. Taxation is via the progressive Personal Income Tax (IRPF).
Company Incorporation (e.g., S.L.): This involves creating a new separate legal entity (Persona Jurídica). The core advantage is limited liability, where personal assets are protected, and liability is confined to the company's capital. While it offers more protection, it requires stricter administrative procedures and accurate accounting, and the company is subject to corporate tax.
Procedures for Obtaining the Freelance Visa (Autónomo) in Spain
Acquiring the Freelance Visa (Autónomo) requires following precise steps to ensure the application is accepted:
1. Preparing a Clear Business Plan
A detailed business plan must be submitted, outlining your activity and financial projections. This is the main document the consul relies on to evaluate your project's chances of success for the self-employed visa.
2. Proving Financial Resources
You must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses in Spain until your activity starts generating income.
3. Obtaining the Required Official Documents
Documents typically required for the Freelance Visa (Autónomo) application include a valid passport, a CV, a criminal record certificate, proof of financial resources, and a business plan.
4. Submitting the Application at the Spanish Consulate
The complete application file is submitted to the Spanish Consulate in the country of residence. Upon approval, an entry visa for Spain for self-employment will be issued.
5. Post-Arrival in Spain (Official Registration)
Upon arrival, you must obtain the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE). Afterwards, you complete the registration with Social Security (Seguridad Social) and the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) to legally commence the activity as an Autónomo in Spain and finally obtain the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
Financial Obligations of the Independent Worker (Autónomo)
To succeed in your project as an autónomo in Spain, you must understand the key financial obligations:
1. Social Contributions (RETA)
These are monthly fees to Social Security, now based on your actual net income. New freelancers can benefit from the Flat Rate (Tarifa Plana), paying only around €80 per month during the first year.
2. Personal Income Tax (IRPF)
This is the tax on your personal profits, paid progressively.
Important Tip: When your net income exceeds the €60,000 annual threshold, switching from the self-employed visa status to a limited liability company (S.L.) becomes more tax-efficient due to the higher IRPF rates above this limit.
3. Value Added Tax (VAT/IVA)
This consumption tax (standard 21%) is collected from clients, declared quarterly, and paid on the difference between sales tax collected and purchase tax paid on expenses.
Now that you have a clear vision of the difference between the Freelance Visa (Autónomo), the Digital Nomad Visa, and the difference between working as a freelancer and incorporating a company in Spain, you can confidently move to the stage of preparing your Self-Employed Visa file and starting your steps correctly from the very first moment.
If your goal is to launch your project within Europe, Spain is considered one of the fastest and strongest gateways to the European market.
Start today by establishing a solid professional foundation with the Zajel Team, and make Spain a real starting point and expansion base for your project in the European Union countries. Contact us now.
The New Electronic Invoicing System (SIF / VeriFactu)
In the context of tax and financial obligations, all freelancers (Autónomos) and small business owners must pay attention to the new Spanish government regulation regarding electronic invoices (SIF / VeriFactu). Starting July 1, 2026, electronic invoices will become legally invalid unless they are issued through compatible accounting software that guarantees they cannot be modified after issuance, as part of efforts to combat tax fraud.
To comply, self-employed individuals can choose one of two paths:
VeriFactu System: Automatically and instantly sends every invoice issued to the Tax Authority (Hacienda).
Non-Verifactu System: Technically guarantees the impossibility of modifying the invoice without sending it automatically.
It should be noted that this obligation primarily concerns those who issue invoices to Spanish clients as an Autónomo. However, Digital Nomad visa holders who work entirely with clients outside Spain are not obligated to join this system.
Don't let the complexities of the SIF system or any other tax law confuse your project. Contact Zajl now, and we will clarify the matter for you step-by-step with assurance and clarity.
(FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Freelance Visa (Autónomo) and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?
The main difference relates to the source of income: digital nomads primarily derive their income from abroad (80% minimum), while the freelance visa is intended for those relying on the Spanish market.
Do I need a business plan to obtain the Freelance Visa?
Yes, a business plan is an essential and crucial requirement when applying for the Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo) in Spain, as its purpose is to assess the viability of your activity.
Which is better for starting a new business: freelance (autónomo) or company incorporation?
Freelance (autónomo) is suitable for small, individual activities due to its simplicity. Company incorporation is suitable for larger projects or for protecting personal assets (limited liability).
Can digital nomads hire people within Spain?
No, this option is only available through company incorporation or registering as a local economic activity (Autónomo).
What types of clients can I invoice when I have the Freelance Visa?
You can invoice Spanish or foreign clients without restrictions, as the Autónomo visa grants you the ability to work both inside and outside of Spain.