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How to become self-employed in Tarragona (2026)

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Cost

Free

The registration is free. The monthly self-employment tax in 2026 ranges from €200 to €590 depending on actual income. New self-employed individuals: flat-rate of €80 per month for the first 12 months, extendable.

Time at office

1-2 hours (between the two procedures)

Estimated time

1-2 business days (effective registration)

Quick summary

Complete guide for registering as a self-employed individual in Tarragona. Register with Hacienda (model 036/037) at the Provincial Delegation of the AEAT in Tarragona, register with RETA, pay self-employment tax and available aid in Catalonia.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Valid identity document of the applicant.

  • Tax Identification Number (NIF/NIE)

    DNI for Spanish citizens acts as NIF. Foreigners must have a NIE.

  • Social Security Registration Number

    Assigned at the time of registration if you have never contributed to Spain's Social Security system before.

  • Details of Economic Activity

    CNAE code or IAE epigraph of the economic activity to be carried out.

  • Bank Account Number (IBAN)

    To domiciliate the monthly payment to the Social Security system.

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The registration is free. The monthly self-employment tax in 2026 ranges from €200 to €590 depending on actual income. New self-employed individuals: flat-rate of €80 per month for the first 12 months, extendable. €0.00
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: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Register with Hacienda: Model 036 or 037

    Go to official site

    First, register in the Census of Entrepreneurs at the Provincial Delegation of the AEAT through Model 037 (simplified) or Model 036 (detailed). You can do this online with a digital certificate or in person at the AEAT Provincial Delegation in Tarragona (C/ de les Gavarres, 5).

    !

    Expert tip

    "Model 037 is valid for most self-employed individuals without employees. Tarragona has its own Provincial Delegation of the AEAT, so there's no need to travel to Barcelona for in-person procedures. Book an appointment at the AEAT office."

  • 2

    Register with Social Security: RETA

    Go to official site

    Within 60 natural days (best is the same day), register in the RETA at the General Treasury of Social Security. You can do this online with a digital certificate or at the TGSS office in Tarragona (Av. de Roma, 18).

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you register before the first of the month, the tax is paid for the full month. If after, it's pro-rated. Ideal date: the 1st of the month."

  • 3

    Choose the Base of Calculation According to Estimated Income

    With the system in effect since 2023, your monthly tax is adjusted to your actual net income. You must indicate an estimated annual income. You can change it up to six times a year.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you're a new self-employed individual, request the flat-rate (€80 per month for the first 12 months extendable if income < SMIC). Select 'Flat-Rate Application' when registering in the RETA."

  • 4

    Declare Registration with IAE (if applicable)

    Most self-employed individuals (turnover < €1 million) are exempt from the Business Activities Tax. If you exceed that threshold, you must register.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Almost all individual entrepreneurs are exempt from the IAE. No additional procedures are necessary at the Tarragona City Hall in most cases."

  • 5

    Check for Aid Programs from the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Ajuntament de Tarragona

    Go to official site

    Catalonia offers grants and subsidies for new self-employed individuals through the SOC (Service of Employment of Catalonia) and the Department of Enterprise. The City Hall of Tarragona also provides local support lines to entrepreneurs. Check current calls for applications.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The SOC offers up to €10,000 in grants to self-employed individuals from certain groups (youths, women, long-term unemployed). Check the Generalitat's portal if you qualify. The Chamber of Commerce of Tarragona also provides free advice for entrepreneurs."

Offices and service points - Tarragona

Provincial Delegation of AEAT in Tarragona

C/ de les Gavarres, 5, 43005 Tarragona

Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 14:00 (by appointment)

TGSS — General Treasury of Social Security — Tarragona

Av. de Roma, 18, 43005 Tarragona

Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 14:00 (by appointment)

Frequently asked questions

How much do self-employed individuals pay monthly in 2026?
With the real income-based system, the tax varies between €200/month (very low income) and €590/month (high income). If you are a new self-employed individual, you can request the flat-rate: €80/month for the first 12 months, extendable if your net income is below SMIC.
Are there aid programs for self-employed individuals in Tarragona or Catalonia?
Yes. In addition to the national flat-rate, the Generalitat de Catalunya and the SOC offer subsidies for new self-employed individuals, especially young people under 30, women, and long-term unemployed persons. The City Hall of Tarragona also has local support lines. Check calls for applications on empresa.gencat.cat.
Do I need a digital certificate to register online?
Yes. To process the registration in the AEAT and Social Security Sede Electrónica, you need a digital certificate (FNMT), DNI electronic, or access Cl@ve. In Catalonia, you can also use idCAT or idCAT Mòbil.
Can I be self-employed and work for an employer at the same time?
Yes. Pluriactivity is legal. If you are already contributing as a worker on a part-time basis, there's a reduction in the RETA tax to avoid excessive double taxation.
Do I need to travel to Barcelona for registration as self-employed?
No. Tarragona has its own Provincial Delegation of AEAT and TGSS office. You can complete all procedures in Tarragona or online with a digital certificate.

Official sources and useful links

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