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How to become self-employed in San Sebastián (2026)

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Cost

€80.00

Monthly fee for Tarifa Plana (first year). Free registration process.

Time at office

0 minutes (100% online process)

Estimated time

24-48 hours for effective registration

Quick summary

Complete guide for registering as a self-employed individual in San Sebastián, País Vasco. Includes registration with Hacienda and Seguridad Social, Tarifa Plana, and support from the Basque Country for entrepreneurs in 2026.

Required documents

  • Digital Certificate or Electronic DNI

    Required for all online procedures with Hacienda and Seguridad Social. Alternatively, Cl@ve can be used.

  • Bank Account Number (IBAN)

    For direct debit of self-employed monthly contributions in the RETA.

  • Censal Registration with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Notify the Tax Agency about the start of your economic activity. Choose the appropriate IAE category for your business. Model 037 is the simplified version, used by most individual self-employed individuals.

  • Registration in RETA

    Enroll in the Self-Employed Special Regime of Social Security through Importass.

80 €
Monthly fee for Tarifa Plana (first year). Free registration process. €80.00
€80.00
€80.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Register with Hacienda (Model 036 or 037)

    Go to official site

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

    !

    Expert tip

    "You can submit this electronically using a digital certificate or Cl@ve. If you're unsure which IAE category to choose, the AEAT has an online search tool for business activities."

  • 2

    Register in RETA (Social Security)

    Go to official site

    You have up to 60 natural days from the start of your activity to register. Do it through the Importass portal of Social Security. If you register on the first day of the month, avoid paying a proportional contribution.

    !

    Expert tip

    "When registering in Importass, mark the box to enroll in the Tarifa Plana at 80€ per month. This is automatic for new self-employed individuals without prior activity in the last two years."

  • 3

    Consult Basque Country support

    Go to official site

    The Basque Country has one of the most developed ecosystems of entrepreneurial support systems in Spain. Lanbide manages subsidies for self-employment, SPRI (Society for Competitive Transformation) supports business projects with high potential, and the Diputaciones Forales of Álava, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa have their own additional programs. Key organizations: Lanbide / SPRI / Hobetuz.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Many regional subsidies are compatible with the national Tarifa Plana. Consult Lanbide / SPRI / Hobetuz before starting your business to avoid missing application deadlines."

  • 4

    Business License or Pre-notification (if applicable)

    Go to official site

    If you have a physical premises in San Sebastián, you will need to apply for the appropriate license or declaration with the City Hall. For office-based or professional services without public access, licenses are generally not required.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For most home-based service businesses or offices without public access, no municipal license is needed. Consult the City Hall if you have doubts."

Offices and service points - San Sebastian

Tax Office — Online Service (for Spain)

Online service 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 Tarifa Plana of 80€ apply for self-employed individuals?
The Tarifa Plana of 80€ per month applies during the first year of registration in RETA. After that period, contributions are calculated based on net estimated income for the current year (real earnings system, effective since 2023).
Can I combine unemployment with self-employment?
Yes. You can claim full unemployment benefits (100%) or partially combine them while starting your business. Consult the SEPE office before registering.
What specific support does the Basque Country offer for self-employed individuals?
The Foral regime of the Basque Country allows additional tax deductions for new self-employed individuals. Lanbide offers subsidies up to 10,000€ for unemployed people becoming self-employed. The three Diputaciones Forales have their own microcredit and advisory programs, complementary to those from the Government of the Basque Country.
What IAE category should I choose?
The IAE category identifies your economic activity with Hacienda. You must select the one that best describes what you will do. The AEAT has an online search tool on its e-office portal. If you have multiple activities, you can register for several categories 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 the 1st, pay the full contribution for that month. If you register mid-month, pay the proportional part. That's why it's better 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.