These are the quotas in the rest of the continent

The increase in the self-employed quota falls like a bucket of cold water on self-employed workers. And the proposal that is being considered by the Ministry of Social Security Looking ahead to the years 2026, 2027 and 2028, it appears that the amount to be paid will increase between 11 and 206 euros per month starting next year. In this context, a self-employed person with equivalent income At the average salary (between 2,030 and 2,330 euros) you would pay 428.53 euros compared to 390 euros per month in 2025.

The rejection has not been long in coming. The main association of self-employed workers, ATA, has already spoken out indicating that the proposed increase, especially for the minimum bases, is “excessive.” Hence, doubts are generated regarding the obstacles that entrepreneurs in Spain suffer compared to the favorable situation in other countries. Will the Spanish self-employed the least fortunate in Europe Or, on the contrary, are they part of a fair system with opportunities for growth?

How much do self-employed people pay in other European countries?

According to reports from Forbes magazine, Spain is one of the most expensive countries, if not the most expensive, to be self-employed. Since 2025, the self-employed contribution system changed to prioritize the actual contribution; that is to say, 15 contribution sections based on the annual net income of each self-employed worker. This measure led the country towards the norm in the rest of Europe, where Entrepreneurs do not have fixed fees and what they pay depends on the social benefits they choose.

France

The first year of activity as a freelancer is free. Furthermore, they have right to medical assistance, temporary disability and pensions. However, after the year the payment varies depending on the activity and income. In 2025, rates range between 12.3% of profits for the sale of products and 24.6% for service activities, including a small contribution to vocational training.

There is no fixed fee, you only pay if you invoice, which makes this system more flexible than in other countries, including Spain. On average, someone who earns the minimum wage, that is, about 17,000 euros per year, I would have to pay about 2,100 if you are dedicated to selling products.

Germany

In Germany, the minimum wage in 2025 is around 2,220 gross euros per month or close to 26,600 euros per year. A self-employed person who earns that amount does not pay a fixed fee as in Spain, but must assume several mandatory costs, such as medical and care insurance This expense can range between 400 and 900 euros per monthdepending on whether the public or private system is chosen.

Additionally, you must pay the income taxonce professional expenses have been deducted, and does not automatically contribute towards retirement, except in regulated professions or if one voluntarily enrolls in the pension system. In total, a German self-employed person earning the equivalent of the minimum wage could allocate around 5,000 euros per year for insurance and taxes.

Portugal

In Portugal, self-employed workers must contribute to the social security system with a contribution equivalent to 21.4% of its net income. However, it is not paid on the total billed, but on a calculation called relevant performancewhich normally corresponds to 70% of gross income. This means that a self-employed person who earns the minimum annual salary would be taxed on around 8,900 euros, paying around 1,900 euros per year in social contributions, about 160 euros a month.

The first 12 months of activity are exempt from Social Security contributions, which offers a respite for those who are just starting out.

Italy

In Italy, self-employed workers must pay contributions to the Italian Social Security (INPS)and the percentage depends on the type of activity. In the most common regime, that of Manage Separatethe rate is around 26.07% of net income. This means that someone earning the equivalent of the annual minimum wage would pay around 4,000 euros per year in quotes.

To this we must add the income tax (IRPEF)which varies between 23% and 43%, although many self-employed people choose the Regime Forfettarioa simplified system with a fixed rate of 15%. This regime makes it possible to significantly reduce the tax burden, since it is applied on a reduced tax base, generally between 40% and 78% of gross income, depending on the activity.