Renewing self-employed residence (autónomo): documents and requirements

If you hold a self-employed residence and work authorisation and its expiry is approaching, it's time to get ready. Renewing self-employed (autónomo) residence is not a simple formality: the Immigration Office checks that your activity has kept running and that you are up to date with the Tax Agency and Social Security. In this orientation guide we explain which documents to gather, when to submit them and what criteria apply under the new Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025).

When you can renew self-employed (autónomo) residence

The renewal is applied for within a specific window and it's best not to leave it to the last minute:

• From 60 calendar days before your card expires.
• Up to 90 calendar days after the expiry date. Submitting within this window entails no penalty and extends the validity of your authorisation while it is being decided.

Submitting the application on time keeps your status regular during processing. If you let the 90 days afterwards pass, you may lose the right to renew and be forced to start the process from scratch.

Requirements to renew autónomo self-employed residence

To renew self-employed (autónomo) residence, the Administration essentially assesses that the economic activity has been maintained and that you have met your obligations. In general terms, the following is required:

• Continuity of the activity: that you keep carrying out the self-employed activity that led to your authorisation, or a new self-employed activity.
• Being registered and up to date in the RETA (Special Scheme for Self-Employed Workers) of Social Security.
• Being up to date with the Tax Agency (AEAT): having filed your returns (VAT, personal income tax, instalment payments) and having no debts pending collection in the enforcement period.
• Economic means derived from the activity, sufficient to support yourself and your family.

With RD 1155/2024, the viability and continuation of the project is assessed flexibly: the activity is not required to have run without any interruption, but rather to have been maintained overall and to be sustainable. If you did not contribute throughout the whole period, the situation as a whole can be taken into account.

Documents for the renewal

These are the documents you should generally prepare. Always check the specific list of the Immigration Office in your province, because there may be nuances:

• Official application form EX-07, in duplicate and signed, ticking the renewal box.
• Full valid passport (and a copy of every page).
• Your previous TIE (the one you are renewing).
• Proof of continuity in Social Security: working-life report (informe de vida laboral) and proof of being up to date in the RETA.
• Tax documents: personal income tax and VAT returns filed during the period, forms 130/131 (instalment payments) and a certificate of being up to date with the AEAT.
• Proof of the activity: business tax registration (form 036/037), any licences or registrations the activity requires, and evidence that the business is still operating (invoices, contracts, etc.).
• Form 790 code 052 (authorisation processing fee) paid.

When your renewal is granted, you will also have to pay the fee for issuing the new card and book an appointment for fingerprinting. If you need help finding your route or comparing options, you can use our immigration route finder.

Duration of the renewal under the new regulation

One of the changes in RD 1155/2024 concerns duration. Compared with the previous scheme, the first renewal of the self-employed residence and work authorisation now generally has a validity of four years. This reduces the number of procedures and gives the self-employed worker greater stability. You can review the details of this route on the page for self-employed residence and work.

When you accumulate five years of legal and continuous residence, you can consider the leap to long-term residence, which no longer depends on maintaining the activity and offers a much more stable framework. And if your ultimate goal is a Spanish passport, review the timeframes on the page for Spanish citizenship by residence.

Tips so your renewal is not refused

• Get up to date before applying: settle any debt with the Tax Agency or Social Security. Debts are the most common cause of refusal.
• Keep evidence of your activity throughout the whole period: invoices, contracts, bank movements.
• Don't wait until the last day: apply within the 60 days before expiry.
• Keep your fee and RETA payment receipts, which are frequently requested.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew if I had a month without contributing to the RETA?

It's possible. RD 1155/2024 assesses the overall continuation of the activity, not uninterrupted contributions. A justified one-off gap does not necessarily prevent renewal, though it's advisable to document the situation well.

What happens if my card has already expired?

You can submit the renewal up to 90 calendar days after the expiry date without penalty and keeping the authorisation valid. Once that period has passed, the risk of losing the right to renew is high.

Can I change my activity and still renew as self-employed?

Yes. It is not essential to keep exactly the same activity: you can renew by carrying out a new self-employed activity, provided you meet your tax and Social Security obligations.

How long does the renewal take to be decided?

Timeframes vary depending on the Immigration Office. While it is being decided, your authorisation is deemed extended if you applied on time, so you can keep working normally.

Notice: this guide is for orientation only and does not replace individualised legal advice or official information. Requirements and documents may vary depending on your Immigration Office and your specific situation. Always verify the current list with official sources or consult an immigration professional before submitting your application.