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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions related to our services here.

Our website is a valuable source of information, providing a wealth of details on various relevant topics. We have done our best to offer comprehensive insights into our services and business opportunities. You will find detailed information on processes, legal frameworks, and various industries we cover. However, we understand that individual questions and concerns may arise. In such cases, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always ready to answer your questions and assist you on your journey. Your feedback and inquiries are highly valuable to us, and we look forward to hearing from you and providing further assistance.

General questions - Self-employment in Spain

Can I become self-employed as a foreigner in Spain?

As a foreigner, it is generally possible to become self-employed in Spain. Spain has an open attitude towards entrepreneurship and encourages the establishment of businesses by both locals and foreigners alike. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Residence Permit: Before you can become self-employed, you need a corresponding residence permit. The specific requirements may vary depending on nationality. EU citizens usually have the right to free settlement and work in Spain. Non-EU citizens may need to obtain a special work or self-employment permit.
  2. Business Registration: Establishing a business in Spain requires registration with the relevant Chamber of Commerce and the tax office. You need to fill out the appropriate forms and pay fees. There are different legal forms for businesses, such as sole proprietorship (autónomo), limited liability companies (sociedad limitada), or public limited companies (sociedad anónima). The choice of legal form depends on various factors, including the size of the business and liability limitations.
  3. Taxes and Social Security: As a self-employed person in Spain, you will be required to pay taxes. This includes income tax, value-added tax (IVA), and possibly corporate tax. Additionally, you must register with social security and make monthly contributions.
  4. Business License: Depending on the type of business you want to operate, a specific business license may be required. This is especially true for certain services or industries.
  5. Bank Account: You need to open a business account with a bank in Spain. This is necessary for handling business transactions and managing tax matters.
  6. Language Skills: Spanish proficiency is often crucial, especially if you are in direct contact with customers, suppliers, and authorities. While English is increasingly used in certain regions, knowledge of the local language is a significant advantage.

It is advisable to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. This may include a lawyer, tax advisor, or business consultant. The local business environment and regulations may change, so staying updated is important.

Is there mandatory social security for self-employed individuals in Spain?

When, as a foreigner, you decide to emigrate to Spain and become self-employed, you generally have to register with the Spanish social security system. In Spain, there is a mandatory social security system that includes various benefits such as health insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment insurance. Registering with the Spanish social security system is compulsory for self-employed individuals to access social benefits.

The social security system for self-employed individuals in Spain is known as “Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos” (RETA). As a self-employed entrepreneur, you will need to pay monthly contributions to the social security system. The exact amount of contributions depends on various factors, such as your income and the nature of your self-employed activity.

It’s important to note that the Spanish social security system provides comprehensive coverage beyond the benefits of private insurance. It covers not only health insurance but also other social security provisions.

However, there are cases in which self-employed individuals working in Spain may also take out private health insurance. This might be necessary if you desire additional services or have specific requirements not covered by public health insurance.

Before making a decision, it is advisable to consult with an expert in social security or a tax advisor in Spain to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and find the solution that best suits your situation.

Is HR Consulting Expensive?

Hiring an experienced HR professional on staff is more expensive than hiring a consultant.

According to Businessweek Magazine, employers can save up to 30 percent by hiring an independent contractor because they avoid paying payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and disability, as well as benefits that include pensions, sick days, health insurance and vacation time.

Does small business need compliance?

No matter how small your company is, there are some federal and state regulations that apply to your company.  More than 15 federal regulations apply to businesses with less than 15 employees, and the amount of regulation only increases from there as you add employees.  Regulations and legal interpretation change constantly.

Having a seasoned HR professional on your side is a great way to reduce legal risks of regulation violations and lawsuits, especially in society that filing a lawsuit is commonplace.

Frivolous lawsuits are an all-too-common problem for small businesses. There is almost no risk to trial attorneys or their clients for bringing even absurd cases to court. While large companies routinely retain attorneys and have the financial means to protect themselves from frivolous lawsuits, small businesses aren’t quite as prepared. Regardless of whether there is any truth to the claim, the small business owners will have to hire attorneys and will typically incur legal fees even if they win the case.

HR recruiting vs recruiting company

Finding the right employee to fill a position is vital to the future of your company and is a time consuming process. According to a small business survey, 30% of small business failures are blamed on poor hiring decisions.  We get to know your company’s culture, the challenges, and the benefits, so we can be the face of your company and market your job openings as a personal extension of you at a reasonable price.

Recruiters typically charge anywhere from 20 to 35 percent of the starting salary while we charge an hourly rate.  Recruiters have competing interests they are trying to please (trying to meet your deadlines, their agency deadlines, working with multiple companies and multiple positions) and the temptation is very real to push through a candidate that may not be right for the role. They don’t have a long term relationship with your company.  We are only trying to please you, and get you the best candidate.

Serious confident european senior businessman in suit looks at laptop, create solution in office

Questions about the Process

Why Avantage?

In order to grow any business, you need more people. People management takes time, and if not managed well, you lose people which takes even more time and money. If that’s not enough, the rules of people management is contantly changing. It is almost a full time job keeping up with the latest requirements with attending training and professional groups, and professional reading.

Our experienced HR consultants can respond to the human resource needs that you simply don’t have the time, expertise or resources to address effectively.

When do I need HR Services?

In order to grow any business, you need more people. People management takes time, and if not managed well, you lose people which takes even more time and money. If that’s not enough, the rules of people management is contantly changing. It is almost a full time job keeping up with the latest requirements with attending training and professional groups, and professional reading.

Our experienced HR consultants can respond to the human resource needs that you simply don’t have the time, expertise or resources to address effectively.

Is HR Consulting Expensive?

Hiring an experienced HR professional on staff is more expensive than hiring a consultant.

According to Businessweek Magazine, employers can save up to 30 percent by hiring an independent contractor because they avoid paying payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and disability, as well as benefits that include pensions, sick days, health insurance and vacation time.

Does small business need compliance?

No matter how small your company is, there are some federal and state regulations that apply to your company.  More than 15 federal regulations apply to businesses with less than 15 employees, and the amount of regulation only increases from there as you add employees.  Regulations and legal interpretation change constantly.

Having a seasoned HR professional on your side is a great way to reduce legal risks of regulation violations and lawsuits, especially in society that filing a lawsuit is commonplace.

Frivolous lawsuits are an all-too-common problem for small businesses. There is almost no risk to trial attorneys or their clients for bringing even absurd cases to court. While large companies routinely retain attorneys and have the financial means to protect themselves from frivolous lawsuits, small businesses aren’t quite as prepared. Regardless of whether there is any truth to the claim, the small business owners will have to hire attorneys and will typically incur legal fees even if they win the case.

HR recruiting vs recruiting company

Finding the right employee to fill a position is vital to the future of your company and is a time consuming process. According to a small business survey, 30% of small business failures are blamed on poor hiring decisions.  We get to know your company’s culture, the challenges, and the benefits, so we can be the face of your company and market your job openings as a personal extension of you at a reasonable price.

Recruiters typically charge anywhere from 20 to 35 percent of the starting salary while we charge an hourly rate.  Recruiters have competing interests they are trying to please (trying to meet your deadlines, their agency deadlines, working with multiple companies and multiple positions) and the temptation is very real to push through a candidate that may not be right for the role. They don’t have a long term relationship with your company.  We are only trying to please you, and get you the best candidate.

Questions about Startup Packages

Why Avantage?

In order to grow any business, you need more people. People management takes time, and if not managed well, you lose people which takes even more time and money. If that’s not enough, the rules of people management is contantly changing. It is almost a full time job keeping up with the latest requirements with attending training and professional groups, and professional reading.

Our experienced HR consultants can respond to the human resource needs that you simply don’t have the time, expertise or resources to address effectively.

When do I need HR Services?

In order to grow any business, you need more people. People management takes time, and if not managed well, you lose people which takes even more time and money. If that’s not enough, the rules of people management is contantly changing. It is almost a full time job keeping up with the latest requirements with attending training and professional groups, and professional reading.

Our experienced HR consultants can respond to the human resource needs that you simply don’t have the time, expertise or resources to address effectively.

Is HR Consulting Expensive?

Hiring an experienced HR professional on staff is more expensive than hiring a consultant.

According to Businessweek Magazine, employers can save up to 30 percent by hiring an independent contractor because they avoid paying payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and disability, as well as benefits that include pensions, sick days, health insurance and vacation time.

Does small business need compliance?

No matter how small your company is, there are some federal and state regulations that apply to your company.  More than 15 federal regulations apply to businesses with less than 15 employees, and the amount of regulation only increases from there as you add employees.  Regulations and legal interpretation change constantly.

Having a seasoned HR professional on your side is a great way to reduce legal risks of regulation violations and lawsuits, especially in society that filing a lawsuit is commonplace.

Frivolous lawsuits are an all-too-common problem for small businesses. There is almost no risk to trial attorneys or their clients for bringing even absurd cases to court. While large companies routinely retain attorneys and have the financial means to protect themselves from frivolous lawsuits, small businesses aren’t quite as prepared. Regardless of whether there is any truth to the claim, the small business owners will have to hire attorneys and will typically incur legal fees even if they win the case.

HR recruiting vs recruiting company

Finding the right employee to fill a position is vital to the future of your company and is a time consuming process. According to a small business survey, 30% of small business failures are blamed on poor hiring decisions.  We get to know your company’s culture, the challenges, and the benefits, so we can be the face of your company and market your job openings as a personal extension of you at a reasonable price.

Recruiters typically charge anywhere from 20 to 35 percent of the starting salary while we charge an hourly rate.  Recruiters have competing interests they are trying to please (trying to meet your deadlines, their agency deadlines, working with multiple companies and multiple positions) and the temptation is very real to push through a candidate that may not be right for the role. They don’t have a long term relationship with your company.  We are only trying to please you, and get you the best candidate.

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