How much it costs to be self-employed in Bizkaia
Contribution by income band, taxes and costs worth bearing in mind.
In a nutshell
- The clearest fixed cost is your Social Security contribution: €80 a month with the flat rate, or based on what you earn.
- You also pay tax on what you earn (income tax), and you charge and pass on the VAT on your invoices.
- Also budget for TicketBAI invoicing software, the bank and, if you want one, an adviser.
Being self-employed has fixed costs and costs that depend on what you invoice. Here they are so you can do the maths before you start.
The self-employed contribution
If you're registering for the first time, you can pay €80 a month during the first year with the flat rate (tarifa plana). After that you pay based on what you earn: in 2026 it ranges from about €206 a month, if you earn little, to over €600 if you earn a lot.
Taxes
- Income tax (IRPF): you pay on what you earn, after expenses. It can be paid in advance every quarter with prepayments or with the withholding on your invoices.
- VAT: you charge it on your invoices and pass it on to the Tax Office every quarter, minus the VAT on your expenses. It isn't a cost for you if you set it aside.
- IAE: individuals don't pay it, although they have to be registered.
Other common costs
- Invoicing software that complies with TicketBAI (compulsory in Bizkaia).
- A bank account for the activity (recommended, though not compulsory).
- Public liability insurance, if your activity requires it.
- An adviser, if you won't handle your taxes yourself.
A tip to avoid nasty surprises. Every month, set aside the VAT you charge and a percentage of what you earn for income tax. That way the quarterly returns won't catch you without money.
Frequently asked questions
Does registering cost money?
Registering with the Tax Office and Social Security is free. What costs money is having someone do it for you, if you don't do it yourself.