emilyemily

What will happen if I arrive in Spain and register as self-employed, will I have access to public health system straight away? I think of moving to Spain because I know the country and speak the language fluently, I also studied there (on erasmus); I would like to register as self-employed and pay taxes, but I have a pre-existing health condition which needs regular treatment every few weeks. Not sure what to expect.

mikelincs

not too sure how long it takes for the autonomo to kick in, but it will be €250 a month. and the health care isn't free. there will be things to pay for.

angiescarr

I have a feeling (can't be 100% sure) that it's 3 months but if you have health problems will you be able to run your Autonomo successfuly enough to keep paying at the level they want you to?
Mike what are the things you think you still have to pay for?

emilyemily

Well, I have been running it successfully for 2 years now, despite health issues. EUR 250 a month would not be a problem. Mike, what do you have to pay for in the public health care? There surely is a limit of co-payments, whatever they are for? So, 3 months without treatment is not an option for me, I would have to start organizing things and go back to the UK, then come back when it's all ready, does that sound logical :/

snikpoh

It's now nearer 260€ depending on age.

BUT, with the new scheme in place you would start on 50€ per month rising to the full payment after 2 - 3 years (can't remember which).

Fred James

You pay €50 a month for 6 months, then a 30% discount for another 24 months.

angiescarr

I believe that's only if you've been unemployed for some time. Although it might apply to all young people. My Autonomo payment was 280 a month and if I couldn't pay one month...which I often couldn't it rose to up to 350. Before that you have to pay IVA (Vat) and after that you havbe to pay 25% is income tax. it literally is possible to pay out more than you earn on a bad month. Watch out!

Fred James

The only restriction is that you must not have been previously self employed within the last 5 years.

When the law was introduced earlier this year it only applied to men under 30 and women under 35. The scheme was so successful that later this year it was extended to all first time self employed.

I cannot find any reference that it only applies to unemployed people, but of course, they will be the main beneficiaries.

lynnxa

to add to that - you must not have been previously self employed in Spain within the last 5 years, so for the OP, it's ideal

I know several new arrivals to Spain who have taken advantage of this scheme

here's an explanation I prepared for somewhere else

rafikiphoto

If you haven't done so already you would be wise to check whether the treatment you need, particularly any medications, are available from the Spanish healthcare system. What the UK will fund may not necessarily be provided here.