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How to become self-employed in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (2026)

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Cost

€80.00

Monthly Tarifa Plana fee (first year). Free registration process.

Time at office

0 minutes (100% online process)

Estimated time

24-48 hours for effective registration

Quick summary

Comprehensive guide for registering as a self-employed individual in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. Register with Hacienda and Social Security, Tarifa Plana, and Canarian startup aids for 2026.

Required documents

  • Digital Certificate or Electronic DNI

    Essential for all telematic procedures with Hacienda and Social Security. Alternatively, you can use Cl@ve.

  • Bank Account Number (IBAN)

    To automate the monthly self-employed payments in the RETA.

  • Census Registration with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Notify the Tax Agency about the start of your economic activity and select the appropriate IAE code. Model 037 is the simplified version used by most individual self-employed individuals.

  • Registration in RETA

    Enroll as a Self-Employed Worker in the Social Security through Importass.

80 €
Monthly Tarifa Plana fee (first year). Free registration process. €80.00
€80.00
€80.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Census Registration with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Go to official site

    You must communicate to the Tax Agency the start of your economic activity. Select the appropriate IAE code for your business. Model 037 is the simplified version and is used by most individual self-employed individuals.

    !

    Expert tip

    "You can submit it telematically with a Digital Certificate or Cl@ve. If you are unsure about which IAE code to choose, the AEAT has an online search tool for economic activities on its website."

  • 2

    Registration in RETA (Social Security)

    Go to official site

    You have up to 60 natural days from the start of your activity to complete this process. Do it through the Importass portal of Social Security. If you register on the first day of the month, you avoid paying a proportional fee.

    !

    Expert tip

    "When enrolling in Importass, check the box for the Tarifa Plana of 80€/month. This is automatic for new self-employed individuals without previous activity in the last two years."

  • 3

    Consult Canarian startup aids

    Go to official site

    The Canary Government has specific programs to support self-employment tailored to the island's realities. SODECAN supports projects in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, while each island has its own Cabildo with specific programs. Canary autonomous region beneficiaries include the Canarian Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF), which offers a lower IGIC rate of 7% compared to the mainland's VAT at 21%, as well as special deductions. Reference: PROEXCA / SODECAN / Canary Government.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Many autonomous region aids are compatible with the national Tarifa Plana. Consult PROEXCA / SODECAN / Canary Government before starting your business to avoid missing application deadlines."

  • 4

    Business License or Prior Notice (if applicable)

    Go to official site

    If you plan to operate from a physical location in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you will need to apply for the relevant license or declaration of responsibility at your local city hall. For office-based activities without public access, general licensing is usually not required.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For most home or office-based services, you do not need a municipal license. Consult your local city hall if you have any doubts."

Offices and service points - Las Palmas

Tax Agency — Online Service (for Spain)

Online service available at sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es

901 200 345
Online: 24 hours / Phone: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 19:00

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Tarifa Plana of 80€ last?
The Tarifa Plana of 80€/month applies for the first year of registration in RETA. After that, contributions are calculated based on estimated net earnings for the current year (since 2023).
Can I combine unemployment with becoming self-employed?
Yes. You can use unemployment benefits to invest in your business or partially combine them. Check the conditions at SEPE before registering.
What specific startup aids does Canaria offer for self-employment?
Yes, there are important ones. The Canary IGIC rate is 7% (compared to 21% VAT on the mainland). Additionally, the Canarian REF includes the Investment Reserve in Canary Islands (RIC) and special investment deductions. The ZEC (Special Economic Zone of the Canary Islands) offers a reduced corporate tax rate of 4% for self-employed individuals who form a company.
Which IAE code should I choose?
The IAE code identifies your economic activity with Hacienda. You must select one that best describes what you will do. The AEAT has an online search tool on its website. If you have multiple activities, you can register under several codes simultaneously.
When do I start paying the self-employed fee?
Starting from the first day of the month in which you are registered. If you register on January 1, you pay the full monthly fee for that month. If you register mid-month, you only pay a proportionate amount. That's why it's better to register on the first day of the month.

This procedure in other cities

Official sources and useful links

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.