Social Security changes for self-employed workers in 2025: how to adapt

 

The implementation of Royal Decree-law 1/2025 marks another step in Spain's shift to a real-income-based contribution system for freelancers. The reform introduces key adjustments to Social Security contributions, thresholds, retirement conditions, and includes a new bonus for workers with dual activity. Understanding these changes is essential for proper financial planning and career management.

1. New contribution bases and monthly quotas

As of January 2025, the contribution bases for self-employed workers have been updated:

• The maximum base rises by 4%, reaching €4,909.50/month.

• The minimum base is adjusted based on net income, ranging from €653.59 to €1,928.10.

This results in:

• Lower contributions for lower-income earners.
  Little change for those earning between €1,300 and €1,700.

• Significant increases for higher-income brackets, possibly over €900 per year.

Self-employed workers can still adjust their contribution tier up to six times per year, allowing them to align it more closely with their actual earnings.

2. Bonus for dual activity

A new bonus is introduced for self-employed individuals with dual activity (those also employed by others). If their annual contributions exceed a certain threshold, they may recover up to 50% of the excess paid.

3. New retirement age

From 2025, only those with at least 38 years and 3 months of contributions will be able to retire at 65. Others will need to wait until 66 years and 6 months. This measure, also applicable to employees in the general scheme, aims to support the sustainability of the pension system and highlights the need for careful retirement planning.

Knowing the new rules is the first step to making smarter decisions as a self-employed professional in 2025.