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How to become self-employed in Bilbao (2026)

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Cost

€80.00

Monthly fee Tariff Plan (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 Bilbao, País Vasco. Tax registration and Social Security enrollment, Tariff Plan, and business support programs in 2026.

Required documents

  • Digital Certificate or Electronic DNI

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

  • Bank Account Number (IBAN)

    For direct debiting of self-employed monthly contributions in RETA.

  • Censal Registration with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Notification to the Tax Agency of the start of economic activity and selection of the appropriate IAE classification.

  • Registration in RETA

    Enrollment in the Self-Employed Social Security Regime through Importass.

80 €
Monthly fee Tariff Plan (first year). Registration process: free. €80.00
€80.00
€80.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Tax Registration (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 classification. Model 037 is the simplified version and is used by most individual self-employed individuals.

    !

    Expert tip

    "You can submit it telematically with a digital certificate or Cl@ve. If you are unsure which IAE classification to choose, the AEAT has an online activity search tool on its website."

  • 2

    Social Security Registration (RETA)

    Go to official site

    You have up to 60 natural days from the start of your activity to complete this. 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 contribution.

    !

    Expert tip

    "When registering in Importass, check the box to qualify for the Tariff Plan at 80€/month. It is automatic for new self-employed individuals without previous activity within the last two years."

  • 3

    Consult business support programs of País Vasco

    Go to official site

    The Basque Country has one of the most developed ecosystems of entrepreneurial support in Spain. Lanbide manages employment aid, SPRI (Society for Competitive Transformation) supports high-potential business projects, and each Diputación Foral (provincial council) offers its own additional programs. Reference entity: Lanbide / SPRI / Hobetuz.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Many regional aids are compatible with the National Tariff Plan. Consult Lanbide / SPRI / Hobetuz before starting your business to avoid missing deadlines."

  • 4

    Business license or prior notification (if applicable)

    Go to official site

    If you plan to have a physical location in Bilbao, you will need the corresponding license or declaration of responsibility at the City Hall. For office-based or professional activities without public access, typically no license is required.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For most service activities conducted from home or in an office with no public access, a municipal license is not needed. Consult the City Hall if you have doubts."

Offices and service points - Bilbao

Tax Agency — Online process (for all Spain)

Online 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€ Tariff Plan for self-employed last?
The 80€/month Tariff Plan applies during the first year of registration in RETA. After this period, contributions are calculated based on estimated net income (income-based contribution system effective since 2023).
Can I combine unemployment with self-employment?
Yes. You can use your unemployment benefits (receive full unemployment payment once to invest in your business) or partially combine them. Check conditions at SEPE before registering.
What specific support programs does País Vasco offer for self-employed individuals?
The Basque regime allows additional tax deductions for new self-employed individuals. Lanbide offers grants up to 10,000€ for unemployed people becoming self-employed. Each Diputación Foral has its own microcredit and advisory programs complementing those of the Basque Government.
Which IAE classification should I choose?
The IAE classification identifies your economic activity with Hacienda. You must select the one that best describes what you will do. The AEAT has a search tool on its e-Sede. If you have multiple activities, you can register for several classifications simultaneously.
When do I start paying self-employed contributions?
Starting from the first day of the month in which you register. If you register on January 1st, you pay the full contribution for that month. If you register mid-month, you pay a proportional amount. That's why it's best to register at the beginning 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.