How to become self-employed in Hospitalet de Llobregat (2026)
Cost
Free
Registration is free. The monthly fee for self-employed individuals in 2026 ranges from €200 to €590 based on actual income. New self-employed: flat rate of €80 per month for the first 12 months, prorrogable.
Time at office
1-2 hours (between both processes)
Estimated time
1-2 business days (effective registration)
Quick summary
Complete guide for registering as a self-employed individual in Hospitalet de Llobregat. Tax registration with Hacienda (model 036/037), social security registration (RETA), self-employed monthly fees, and available support from the Generalitat de Cataluña.
Required documents
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Valid DNI or NIE
Valid identification document of the applicant.
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Tax Identification Number (NIF/NIE)
DNI acts as NIF for Spanish citizens. Non-EU nationals need a NIE.
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Social Security Registration Number
Assigned at the time of registration if you have never worked in Spain before.
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Details of Economic Activity
CNAE code or IAE subheading for the activity you will be carrying out.
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Bank Account Number (IBAN)
For direct bank transfer of monthly social security contributions.
: 2026
Step by step
- 1
Tax Agency Registration: Model 036 or 037
Go to official siteFirst, register for the Census of Entrepreneurs at the Tax Agency through model 037 (simplified) or model 036 (detailed). You can do this online with a digital certificate or in person at the AEAT Delegation in Hospitalet de Llobregat (Avenida de la Granvia de l'Hospitalet, 87).
!Expert tip
"Model 037 is valid for most self-employed individuals without employees. If you have doubts about the subheading, consult the AEAT’s activity search tool. The AEAT Delegation in Hospitalet requires an appointment; wait times are usually shorter than at Barcelona city."
- 2
Social Security Registration: RETA
Go to official siteRegister within 60 natural days (best if done on the same day) with the RETA in Social Security General Treasury. You can do this online with a digital certificate or at the TGSS office on Rambla de la Marina, 420, L'Hospitalet.
!Expert tip
"If you register before the first day of the month, the full monthly fee is due that month. If it’s after, pay proportionally. Optimal date: the 1st of the month."
- 3
Choose the contribution base according to estimated income
With the current system since 2023, your monthly fee adjusts based on your actual net earnings. You must provide an estimate of annual income. You can change it up to six times a year.
!Expert tip
"If you are a new self-employed individual, apply for the flat rate (€80 per month during the first 12 months, prorrogable if income is below SMI). Select 'Request flat-rate' at registration."
- 4
Register with the IAE if applicable
Most self-employed individuals (with annual turnover < €1 million) are exempt from the Economic Activity Tax. If you exceed this threshold, you must register.
!Expert tip
"Almost all individual self-employers are exempt from the IAE. You generally do not need to file any additional paperwork with the Hospitalet Town Hall in most cases."
- 5
Check for support programs offered by the Generalitat de Catalunya
Go to official siteThe Generalitat of Catalonia offers grants and bonuses for new self-employed individuals through SOC (Service of Employment of Catalonia) and the Department of Enterprise. Check current calls for funding.
!Expert tip
"The SOC offers up to €10,000 in grants for self-employed individuals from certain groups (youth, women, long-term unemployed). As a resident of Hospitalet, you can access the same funding calls as residents of Barcelona."
Offices and service points - Hospitalet De Llobregat
AEAT Delegation in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
Avenida de la Granvia de l'Hospitalet, 87, 08902 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
TGSS — Social Security General Treasury — L'Hospitalet
Rambla de la Marina, 420, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to be self-employed in 2026?
Are there support programs for self-employed individuals in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat or Catalonia?
Can I register as self-employed in the L'Hospitalet office or do I need to go to Barcelona?
Do I need a digital certificate for online registration?
Can I be self-employed and work for someone else at the same time?
Official sources and useful links
- AEAT — Registration in the Census of Entrepreneurs
- Social Security — RETA Registration
- Generalitat de Catalunya — Self-employed Workers
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.