Changes pose real challenges, and the path forward isn’t simple to chart. Expect adjustments in how self‑employed workers contribute and how social security handles semi‑fixed income. A sizable portion of this group is being nudged toward leadership roles, and most will move from a fixed monthly payment to a variable method. So far, almost nine in ten people have contributed to a minimum base, roughly 294 euros per month. The task remains to calculate real income regularly to set the quota accurately.
Even more striking, about one fifth of professionals, precisely 21.3%, remain unsure about their exact take-home after new rules take effect on January 1, according to a survey from the ATA association. “That’s what advisors are for,” says the head of ATA in the community, Alberto Callreflects the reality many self‑employed people face. The majority turn to third‑party services to handle administrative relations. This reliance is likely to grow as reforms intensify.
As Ara notes, the reform’s aim is to align contributions with actual income for both self‑employed workers and wage earners. The goal is to improve the system’s sustainability and ensure benefits are funded equitably across groups. The fact that the majority contribute to the minimum base—88% in Alicante—means lower incomes when illness strikes or pensions are calculated. For context, the average pension for a salaried worker in Alicante is about 1,184 euros per month, while a self‑employed person earns just over 800 euros on average.
Electricians and other construction trades moved into self‑employment last year, reflecting broader shifts in the labor market. For this transition, the new system uses 15 distinct sections, with each self‑employed individual positioned according to their actual net income. In 2023, those earning less than 670 euros per month paid a quota of 234 euros, while the top earners earning more than 6,000 euros faced about 510 euros. Over the next two years, these figures will be adjusted toward the target agreed by the government and industry associations. The minimum quota is projected to drop to 204 euros, while the maximum could rise to 601 euros.
Up to six changes
To give some peace of mind to the 21% who are unsure, the self‑employed will forecast their quotas for January and February. The new quota starts on March 1, and adjustments can be made up to six times, depending on how things unfold, as noted by UPTA‑PV general secretary Javier Pastor. Those who don’t adjust will pay the same rate as before.
In practice, the final amount owed is calculated by Social Security using data from the Tax Office at the end of the fiscal year. If someone earned more than estimated, the difference is due; if earnings were lower, the public institution issues a refund.
These reforms, while broad, carry especially significant implications at regional borders. Alicante shows a higher self‑employment rate than the national average. Across the province, up to 19.5% of workers are self‑employed, compared with about 16.4% nationwide.
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Last year, three hundred eighty thousand people registered with the special Social Security regime for these professionals. The total reached 138,451, a gain of 5,746 from before the pandemic. Yet, the overall increase last year was muted by inflation and rising costs in certain sectors. Commerce and small industry, along with construction linked to reform and maintenance, saw a shift that reduced growth in some areas. Real estate and self‑employment sectors, including consultants and advisers, also experienced movement, with some declines in certain periods.
María Antonia Oliva, president of the Social Alumni College, notes that consulting firms report a calm mood as they’ve updated clients on recent changes. Many workers are on vacation or in transition. ATA reports a surge in inquiries—up more than 70% in recent months. Still, the full impact of the changes will unfold in the coming months.
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More than 70% of those affected will pay the same or less. Calculations by the government and major associations indicate that over 70% will pay a lower wage than before, while the minority will face higher costs. María Antonia Oliva emphasizes that the reform will be especially favorable for self‑employed individuals with very low incomes, as those who do not yet achieve comparable earnings may not enroll in SMI. This makes the argument for broader coverage less compelling.