The Spanish government is set to significantly raise social security contributions for self-employed workers, known in Spanish as "autónomos", starting in 2026. This proposed reform aims to strengthen the pension system and align contributions with actual earnings, but it has sparked controversy among freelancers and self-employed associations.
How the new self-employed fees will look in 2026
Currently, Spanish autónomos pay monthly contributions ranging from €200 to €590, depending on their income. However, the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration has proposed a new scale that will see fees increase across the board. According to Spanish newspaper El País, the proposed changes are as follows:
| Monthly Income (€) | Increase (€) | New Contribution (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 670 | 17 | 217.37 |
| 670 – 900 | 15 | 234.85 |
| 900 – 1,166 | 11 | 271.24 |
| 1,166.7 – 1,300 | 11 | 302 |
| 1,300 – 1,500 | 17 | 311 |
| 1,500 – 1,700 | 28 | 322 |
| 1,700 – 1,850 | 28 | 378 |
| 1,850 – 2,030 | 33 | 403 |
| 2,030 – 2,330 | 39 | 439 |
| 2,330 – 2,760 | 50 | 456 |
| 2,760 – 3,190 | 67 | 507 |
| 3,190 – 3,620 | 85 | 550 |
| 3,620 – 4,050 | 103 | 593 |
| 4,050 – 6,000 | 118 | 648 |
| Above 6,000 | 206 | 796 |
This reform would be implemented gradually and could remain in place until 2031, in line with an agreement signed in 2022 between the government and autonomous workers’ associations.
Projected increases in 2027 and 2028
The increases won’t stop in 2026. According to the government proposal:
| Year | Minimum Contribution (€) | Maximum Contribution (€) |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 234.73 | 1,002.49 |
| 2028 | 252.10 | 1,208.73 |
These changes aim to create a contribution system more closely tied to actual income, ensuring the sustainability of Spain’s social security and pension schemes.
Reactions from autonomous workers’ associations
The response from self-employed associations has been mixed. ATA, Spain’s largest association, described the proposal as a “sablazo” (a heavy blow) and criticised the plan for locking in increases for several years without flexibility. Lorenzo Amor, ATA president, stated:
"We are not willing to accept another blow to autónomos. They can take the decree to Congress, but it won’t have ATA’s support."
Meanwhile, UPTA (Union of Self-Employed Professionals) noted that the proposal is largely similar to the 2022 agreement but urged further modifications, including creating a lower contribution tier for freelancers in the arts and content creation sectors.
What this means for freelancers in Spain
Self-employed workers in Spain need to prepare for a noticeable increase in monthly contributions over the next few years. While higher fees may reportedly strengthen the pension system, they will also impact the cash flow of small businesses, artists, and freelancers with lower incomes.
Those affected should consider revising their budgets, exploring deductions, and planning ahead to accommodate the rising costs.