Self-Employed in Different Countries: Price and Condition Differences
As I recently mentioned about the process of incorporating companies in different parts of the world (prices, times and facilities), today I want to talk about another classic: the self-employed. That great pain in Spain and, at the same time, a much more common and natural figure in other countries.
💡 Being self-employed doesn't cost the same everywhere.
What here means starting to pay a fixed fee from day one, abroad is usually more flexible: you contribute according to what you invoice or even pay nothing if you don't generate income. Let's look at some key differences:
Country Comparison
🇪🇸 Spain
- • Fixed monthly fee, even if you invoice €0.
- • New brackets according to income, but with high burden from the start.
- • Heavy processing (Social Security + Treasury).
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (self-employed)
- • No fixed monthly fee.
- • You contribute at the end of the year according to profits.
- • Simple registration and 100% online.
🇩🇪 Germany (Freiberufler)
- • VAT doesn't always apply (liberal professions exempt).
- • Health insurance according to income, not standard fee.
- • More bureaucratic registration, but progressive taxation.
🇺🇸 United States (sole proprietorship)
- • No monthly fee.
- • You pay taxes on annual net profits.
- • Very easy to start, although with less social protection.
🇦🇺 Australia (ABN – Australian Business Number)
- • Free registration and online in minutes.
- • No fixed monthly fee.
- • You only pay taxes if you exceed a certain income threshold.
The Model Difference
The model difference is evident: In Spain, being self-employed means paying from day one. In countries like UK, USA or Australia, it is understood as a natural step towards entrepreneurship: you contribute when you earn.
📌 The model difference is evident: In Spain, being self-employed means paying from day one. In countries like UK, USA or Australia, it is understood as a natural step towards entrepreneurship: you contribute when you earn.
Do You Need Legal Advice for Your International Project?
If you are considering starting a business in another country or need advice on the most suitable legal structure for your project, at Satya Legal we can help you.
Our Services
- ✓ Advice on incorporating companies in different countries
- ✓ International tax structuring for self-employed and startups
- ✓ Legal compliance in cross-border operations
Why Choose Us?
- ✓ International experience in multiple jurisdictions
- ✓ Deep knowledge of regulatory differences
- ✓ Practical and results-oriented approach
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Contact us for a free consultation and discover how we can help you choose the best legal structure for your project, both in Spain and abroad.
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