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Alta en el RETA - registration in the special social security regime for the self-employed
Online verifiedAlta en el RETA (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos)
Who needs it
Every autónomo (self-employed worker) in Spain must register in the RETA and pay monthly Seguridad Social contributions.
When needed
At the same time as the Hacienda registration (Modelo 036/037) - typically on or just before the day activity starts.
Where to get it
TesorerÃa General de la Seguridad Social - online via Importass / sede electrónica, or in person at a TGSS office.
Timeline
Online filing is immediate; the confirmation is usually issued within the same working day.
Faster with Key4SpainCita previa
Not required for online filing; required for in-person filing at a TGSS office.
What to bring
- •NIE / TIE
- •Bank account details (IBAN) for direct debit of monthly contributions
- •Confirmation of the Hacienda alta (Modelo 036/037) already filed
- •Cl@ve or certificado digital if filing online
Common mistakes
- âš Delaying the RETA filing past the start of activity - contributions are charged retroactively from the activity start date
- âš Wrong activity start date on the form - alta should be on or before the first invoice
- âš Forgetting to set up direct debit for the monthly contribution
- âš Treating the first-year tarifa plana discount as automatic - conditions must be verified case by case
What to say at the counter
I need to register as autónomo in the RETA. (Necesito darme de alta en el RETA como trabajador autónomo.)
Key4Spain service
Handling this via Key4Spain ensures 0% margin for error.