Procesli
ES EN

How to become self-employed in Vitoria-Gasteiz (2026)

Verified on:

Cost

€80.00

Monthly Tarifa Plana fee (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 setting up as a self-employed individual in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Pais Vasco. Tax registration and Social Security enrollment, Tarifa Plana, and entrepreneurship support from the Basque Country in 2026.

Required documents

  • Digital Certificate or Electronic DNI

    Required for all tax and Social Security online procedures. Alternatively, you can use Cl@ve.

  • Bank Account Number (IBAN)

    For direct deposit of self-employed monthly contributions into the RETA system.

  • Tax Censal Registration (Modelo 036 or 037)

    Notification to the Tax Agency about the start of your economic activity and selection of the IAE tax code category.

  • Social Security Enrollment in RETA

    Enrollment as a Self-employed individual in the Social Security system via Importass.

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

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Tax Registration (Modelo 036 or 037)

    Go to official site

    Notify the Tax Agency about your start of economic activity. Select the appropriate IAE tax code category. The Modelo 037 is a simplified version and is used by most individual self-employed.

    !

    Expert tip

    "You can submit it online with your Digital Certificate or Cl@ve. If you're unsure about the appropriate tax code, the AEAT has an activity search tool on its website."

  • 2

    Social Security Enrollment (RETA)

    Go to official site

    Register within 60 natural days of starting your activity through Importass. If you register at the start of a month, avoid paying a proportional monthly contribution.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 3

    Check Basque Country entrepreneurship support

    Go to official site

    The Basque Country has one of the most developed ecosystems of entrepreneurial support in Spain. Lanbide manages unemployment-to-employment aid, SPRI supports high-potential business projects, and the three Provinces have their own additional programs. Key reference: Lanbide / SPRI / Hobetuz.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Many regional aids are compatible with the national Tarifa Plana. Check Lanbide / SPRI / Hobetuz before starting your activity to avoid missing application deadlines."

  • 4

    Business License or Prior Notification (if applicable)

    Go to official site

    If you plan to have a physical location in Vitoria-Gasteiz, you need to apply for the corresponding license or notify the city hall. For office-based or professional services without public access, no such license is usually required.

    !

    Expert tip

    "For most home-based or office-based service activities with no public access, a municipal business license may not be needed. Consult the city hall if you have doubts."

Offices and service points - Vitoria

Tax Agency — Online Process (for Spain)

Online available at sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es

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

Frequently asked questions

How long does the 80€ Tarifa Plana last?
The 80€ Tarifa Plana fee applies for the first year of registration in the RETA system. After that, contributions are calculated based on net income estimates for the current year (real earnings-based system, effective since 2023).
Can I combine unemployment with self-employment?
Yes. You can capitalize on unemployment benefits by collecting full unemployment compensation to invest in your business or partially integrate it. Check the conditions at your SEPE office before enrolling.
What specific entrepreneurship support does the Basque Country offer?
The foral regime of the Basque Country allows additional tax deductions for new self-employed individuals. Lanbide offers grants up to 10,000€ for unemployed people who become self-employed. The three Provincial Councils have their own microcredit and advisory programs, complementary to those from the Government of the Basque Country.
What IAE tax code should I choose?
The IAE tax code identifies your economic activity with the Tax Agency. Choose the one that best describes what you will do. The AEAT has a search tool on its e-Sede platform. If you have multiple activities, you can register under several codes 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 monthly contribution for that month. If you register mid-month, pay a proportional amount. That's why it's best to register on the 1st 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.