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How to become self-employed in Cartagena (2026)

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Cost

€80.00

Monthly Tarifa Plana fee (first year). Registration process: free.

Time at office

0 minutes (process 100% online)

Estimated time

24-48 hours for effective registration

Quick summary

Complete guide for registering as a self-employed individual in Cartagena, Region of Murcia. Register with Hacienda and Seguridad Social, Tarifa Plana, and Region of Murcia support for entrepreneurs in 2026.

Required documents

  • Digital Certificate or Electronic DNI

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

  • Bank Account Number (IBAN)

    For the direct debiting of self-employed monthly fees into RETA.

  • Census Registration with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Notification to the Tax Agency about the start of economic activity and selection of the IAE tax code. Model 037 is a simplified version used by most individual self-employed individuals.

  • Registration in RETA

    Enrollment in the Self-Employed Workers' Special Regime of the Social Security through Importass.

80 €
Monthly Tarifa Plana fee (first year). Registration process: free. €80.00
€80.00
€80.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Registration with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Go to official site

    You must notify the Tax Agency of the start of your economic activity. Choose the appropriate IAE tax code for your business. The simplified Model 037 is used by most individual self-employed individuals.

    !

    Expert tip

    "You can submit it digitally using a digital certificate or Cl@ve. If you're unsure which tax code to choose, the AEAT has an online search tool 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 the registration. Do it through the Importass portal of the Social Security. If you register on the first day of the month, you avoid paying a proportional fee.

    !

    Expert tip

    "When registering in Importass, mark the box to qualify for the Tarifa Plana at 80€ per month. It is automatic for new self-employed without previous activity within the last two years."

  • 3

    Consult Region of Murcia Support Programs

    Go to official site

    The Region of Murcia supports entrepreneurship through INFO (Institute for Regional Development). It manages business incubators and entrepreneurial centers in Cartagena, Murcia, and Lorca. The INFO runs the Emprendes program with grants, participatory loans, and specialized advice. Key reference entity: INFO / Region of Murcia Entrepreneurship.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Many regional support programs are compatible with national Tarifa Plana. Consult INFO / Region of Murcia Entrepreneurship before starting to avoid missing application deadlines."

  • 4

    Business License or Preliminary Notice (if applicable)

    Go to official site

    If you plan to have a physical establishment in Cartagena, you will need to obtain the appropriate license or declaration from the local council. For office-based activities without public access, generally no such license is required.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For most home-based services or office-based activities without public access, you do not need a municipal license. Consult the local council if you have doubts."

Offices and service points - Cartagena

Tax Agency — Online Process (available in Spain)

Online service available at sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es

901 200 345
Online: 24 hours / Teléfono: Mon-Fri 09:00 - 19:00

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Tarifa Plana of 80€ last for self-employed?
The Tarifa Plana fee of 80€ per month applies during the first year after registration in RETA. After this period, the contribution is calculated based on estimated net earnings for the current year (as of 2023).
Can I combine unemployment with becoming self-employed?
Yes. You can take advantage of unemployment benefits or partially combine them to invest in your business. Check conditions at SEPE before registering.
What specific support programs does the Region of Murcia offer for self-employed individuals?
INFO offers Emprendes with no-strings-attached grants, preferential participatory loans, and free advice across all incubators. It also manages the Joven Emprende program for under 35s and has specific programs for agro-industrial and tourism sectors.
Which IAE tax code should I choose?
The IAE tax code identifies your economic activity with Hacienda. Choose the 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 for several codes simultaneously.
When do I start paying self-employment fees?
Starting from the first day of the month after registration. If you register on the 1st, pay the full fee for that month. If you register mid-month, pay a proportional amount. That's why it's best 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.