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How to become self-employed in Santander (2026)

Verified on:

Cost

€80.00

Monthly Flat Rate Fee (first year). Free registration process.

Time at office

0 minutes (100% online)

Estimated time

24-48 hours for effective registration

Quick summary

Complete guide for registering as a self-employed individual in Santander, Cantabria. Register with Hacienda and Seguridad Social, apply for the Flat Rate Scheme, and avail of Cantabria’s startup incentives in 2026.

Required documents

  • Digital Certificate or Electronic DNI

    Essential for all tax and social security procedures. Alternatively, you can use Cl@ve.

  • Bank Account Number (IBAN)

    For direct payment of self-employed monthly contributions to the RETA.

  • Tax Registration (Model 036 or 037)

    Notify the Tax Agency of your start-up activity and select the appropriate IAE tax class.

  • Registration in RETA

    Enroll as a Self-employed Individual under the Social Security through Importass portal.

80 €
Monthly Flat Rate Fee (first year). Free registration process. €80.00
€80.00
€80.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Register with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Go to official site

    Inform the Tax Agency of your start-up activity. Select the appropriate IAE tax class for your business. The Model 037 is a simplified version used by most individual self-employed.

    !

    Expert tip

    "You can submit it online with a Digital Certificate or Cl@ve. If unsure about the IAE class, use the AEAT’s search tool for economic activities."

  • 2

    Register in RETA (Social Security)

    Go to official site

    Within 60 days of starting your activity, register online through Importass portal. Registering on the first day of the month avoids paying a proportional contribution.

    !

    Expert tip

    "When registering in Importass, choose to apply for the Flat Rate Scheme of 80€/month. It’s automatic for new self-employed with no previous activity in the last two years."

  • 3

    Consult Cantabria’s startup support

    Go to official site

    The Government of Cantabria supports entrepreneurship through SODERCAN (Society for Regional Development of Cantabria). Offers guidance, financing, and access to entrepreneurial spaces in Santander and other municipalities. Programs are specific to tourism, maritime, and tech sectors. Key reference: SODERCAN / Government of Cantabria.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Many regional startup incentives can be combined with the national Flat Rate Scheme. Consult SODERCAN / Government of Cantabria before starting to avoid missing application deadlines."

  • 4

    Licence for opening or prior notification (if applicable)

    Go to official site

    If you plan to operate from a physical location in Santander, obtain the corresponding licence or declaration at the City Hall. For home-based services or professional offices with no public access, generally no licence is required.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For most home service activities and office-based businesses without public access, you don't need a municipal licence. Check with the City Hall if in doubt."

Offices and service points - Santander

Tax Office — Online Process (for Spain)

Online submission 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 80€ Flat Rate Scheme last?
The 80€/month Flat Rate Scheme applies for the first year of registration in RETA. After that, contributions are based on estimated net income for the current tax year (as of 2023).
Can I combine unemployment with self-employment?
Yes. You can claim full unemployment benefits initially to invest in your business or partially combine it. Check conditions at SEPE before registering.
What specific support does Cantabria offer for self-employed individuals?
SODERCAN manages the Cantabria Emprende program with free guidance, access to incubators and training. It also offers participatory loans for innovative projects and administers EU funds to co-finance new startups. The Cantabria Chamber of Commerce complements this with courses and networking.
Which IAE tax class should I choose?
The IAE tax class identifies your economic activity for Hacienda. Choose the one that best describes what you do. AEAT has an online search tool on its website. If you have multiple activities, you can register under several classes simultaneously.
When do I start paying self-employment contributions?
From the first day of the month in which you register. If you register on the 1st, pay the full monthly contribution for that month. If registering mid-month, pay a proportional amount. That’s why it’s better to register on the first day.

Official sources and useful links

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