What this tool does
The Lifetti Autónomo Cost & Tax Calculator is a free tool that estimates the real cost of being self-employed (autónomo) in Spain for 2026, your RETA Social Security tramo and monthly cuota (€206–€607, or ~€88.72/month on the tarifa plana), your quarterly Modelo 130 income-tax prepayment, and your estimated annual take-home pay.
- Finds your RETA tramo across all 15 brackets in the two 2026 tables
- Shows your tarifa plana savings for the first 12 months (~€88.72/mo)
- Estimates quarterly Modelo 130 and whether you are exempt
- Flags cuota cero regions and quarterly filing deadlines
Best for: new autónomos, freelancers, and Digital Nomad Visa holders registering in Spain
🇪🇸 Self-Employment Cost Calculator, Spain
RETA and IRPF · 2026 rates
Your situation
The flat rate applies for the first 12 months, and for a further 12 if your net income stays below the minimum wage.
Months 13 to 24 are charged at the higher reduced rate.
If at least 70% of your income is invoiced to Spanish businesses with retención, you do not file the quarterly Modelo 130.
What you keep
€19,673 a year, after €4,327 in contributions and tax.
Tarifa plana saves you about €3,507 this year against the standard cuota.
Social contributions
€89 per month. Standard cuota for this income band is €381.
Income tax
Quarterly Modelo 130 payment on account · about €1,140
20% of profit less the 5% allowance, paid each quarter and credited against your annual IRPF.
Before you rely on this
- Your cuota is set from the income band you declare, and can be adjusted up to six times a year as your income changes.
- Several regions add a "cuota cero" scheme that refunds the flat rate for eligible new autónomos, so check your own region.
- VAT (Modelo 303) is separate: it is collected from your clients and passed on, so it is not part of your income.
- Contribution rates and thresholds are revised at least every year, and personal circumstances (dependants, other income, regional schemes) move the number. Treat this as a planning figure, not a filing.
VAT is not included above: it is collected from your clients and passed on, so it never was your money, but the periodic return is compulsory whether or not you owe anything.
Your estimate: €1,639 a month take-home as a autónomo. An accountant in Spain usually costs less per year than a single mistimed filing, and will tell you which regime actually fits your numbers. Free quote →
Get your Spanish tax and inheritance matters handled by experienced tax and legal specialists.
How your autónomo costs work
Since 2023, Spain charges autónomos an income-based Social Security cuota across 15 tramos in two tables. New autónomos pay a flat tarifa plana of about €88.72/month for their first 12 months. On top of the cuota you file quarterly income tax (Modelo 130) and VAT (Modelo 303). This calculator uses official 2026 figures.
For the full step-by-step process, see our complete guide: Autónomo Spain 2026: Registration, Tax & Filing Guide →
2026 RETA Contribution Tramos
| Table | Tramo | Net income / month | Approx. monthly quota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reducida | 1 | ≤ €670 | €206 |
| Reducida | 2 | €670–€900 | €226 |
| Reducida | 3 | €900–€1,167 | €268 |
| General | 1–3 | €1,167–€1,700 | €300–€303 |
| General | 4–6 | €1,700–€2,330 | €360–€401 |
| General | 7–9 | €2,330–€3,620 | €427–€479 |
| General | 10–11 | €3,620–€6,000 | €504–€546 |
| General | 12 | > €6,000 | €607 |
* Tope máximo general €5,101.20/month. Quotas are approximate 2026 figures based on Seguridad Social / Asepeyo data. You can change your base up to 6 times a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I calculate my autónomo costs in Spain?
Use Lifetti's free Autónomo Cost & Tax Calculator. It estimates your monthly RETA Social Security cuota (€206–€607, or ~€88.72/month on the tarifa plana), your quarterly Modelo 130 income-tax prepayment, and your estimated take-home pay in seconds, no sign-up.
How much does an autónomo pay per month in Spain?
New autónomos pay a flat tarifa plana of about €88.72/month for the first 12 months. After that, the cuota is income-based, ranging from €206/month (income under €670) up to €607/month (income over €6,000), across 15 tramos in two tables.
What is the tarifa plana and am I eligible?
The tarifa plana is a reduced Social Security rate for new autónomos, about €88.72/month for your first year. You qualify if you haven't been registered as autónomo in the past 2 years (3 years if you previously used the tarifa plana). Some regions add cuota cero on top, effectively refunding the cuota.
What is Modelo 130 and do I have to pay it?
Modelo 130 is a quarterly prepayment of 20% of your net profit toward your annual income tax. You're exempt if more than 70% of your invoices already include IRPF withholding, typically when your clients are Spanish businesses that withhold 15% (or 7% if you're new).
Can I change my RETA tramo during the year?
Yes. You can change your contribution base up to 6 times per year via Importass, with each change taking effect the following month. Seguridad Social regularizes your contributions against your real income at year-end, so keeping your tramo accurate avoids back payments.
Are these figures exact?
The RETA quotas are official 2026 approximations and the take-home figure uses a simplified national IRPF estimate. Your actual income tax depends on your region, personal circumstances and deductions. Use this as a planning guide, then confirm with a gestor.