Spain has made a decision that will impact hundreds of thousands of autónomos: in 2026, their contributions will remain at the 2025 level. The Council of Ministers approved keeping the current rates in place, despite previous discussions about an increase. For many small business owners, this came as an unexpected relief, as only recently there had been talk of a significant hike in payments.
The Ministry of Social Security had proposed raising contributions for all 15 categories of autónomos established after the 2023 reform. The increase could have ranged from 11 to 206 euros per month, sparking sharp criticism from the largest association ATA (Asociación de Trabajadores Autónomos), affiliated with CEOE. ATA called the initiative ‘a blow to the pocket’ and refused to support it. The Junts party, whose support was essential for the changes to pass in parliament, also opposed it.
Political disagreements
Due to the lack of consensus, the ministry shifted its position and proposed freezing contributions for low-income autónomos and capping the increase for others at a maximum of 2.5%—even below the inflation rate. This option satisfied ATA, but not the trade unions and other sector organizations, such as UATAE and UPTA. They insisted on a more substantial increase for those earning more.
Minister of Social Security Elma Saiz, recently appointed as government spokesperson, stated that authorities continue to seek a compromise with autónomos representatives. However, due to tight deadlines, it was decided to extend the current rates. Saiz recalled the reform initiated by former minister José Luis Escrivá, which envisioned annual increases in contributions to gradually align them with the real incomes of autónomos.
Sector reaction
ATA head Lorenzo Amor welcomed the decision to extend current rates. He emphasized that autónomos can already voluntarily increase their contributions based on their income level. In his view, the system already takes real earnings into account, although the difference between contributions from autónomos and salaried employees with similar incomes remains noticeable, especially among those earning more.
According to the reform plan, by 2032 autónomos should pay the same contributions as salaried workers with comparable income. To achieve this, the government was supposed to agree with social partners on a schedule for annual rate increases. However, current difficulties in approving even small increases show that implementing this plan will be extremely challenging.
The future of the reform
The issue of fairness and the amount of contributions for autónomos remains unresolved. While many small business owners welcomed the decision to freeze payments, trade unions and some politicians continue to push for further changes. They point to the gap in social protections between autónomos and salaried workers, which is directly linked to contribution levels.
For now, the Spanish authorities have opted to play it safe and maintain the status quo to avoid new conflicts and allow time to find a compromise. In the coming months, new rounds of negotiations are expected that could shape the future of the autónomos contribution system for years to come.
