How to become self-employed in Tarragona (2026)
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.
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Tax Identification Number (NIF/NIE)
DNI for Spanish citizens acts as NIF. Foreigners must have a NIE.
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Social Security Registration Number
Assigned at the time of registration if you have never contributed to Spain's Social Security system before.
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Details of Economic Activity
CNAE code or IAE epigraph of the economic activity to be carried out.
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Bank Account Number (IBAN)
To domiciliate the monthly payment to the Social Security system.
: 2026
Step by step
- 1
Register with Hacienda: Model 036 or 037
Go to official siteFirst, 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 siteWithin 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 siteCatalonia 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
TGSS — General Treasury of Social Security — Tarragona
Frequently asked questions
How much do self-employed individuals pay monthly in 2026?
Are there aid programs for self-employed individuals in Tarragona or Catalonia?
Do I need a digital certificate to register online?
Can I be self-employed and work for an employer at the same time?
Do I need to travel to Barcelona for registration as self-employed?
Official sources and useful links
- AEAT — Register in the Census of Entrepreneurs
- Social Security — Register in the RETA
- Generalitat de Catalunya — Self-employed Workers
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.