🇪🇸 Choosing the Right Work Permit in Spain
Spain offers two main paths for foreigners to live and work legally:
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Cuenta Ajena → work as an employee for a Spanish company
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Cuenta Propia → work as a freelancer or start your own business
Knowing the difference is essential for choosing the right visa and avoiding rejection.
🔍 What Is Cuenta Ajena?
Cuenta Ajena is the work authorization for employees who are:
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Hired by a Spanish employer
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Working under a job contract
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Paid a salary, enrolled in Seguridad Social
✅ Ideal for:
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Teachers, hospitality staff, tech workers, healthcare professionals
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Anyone with a firm job offer from a Spanish company
Application process:
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Employer submits EX-03 on your behalf
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Once approved, you apply for a residence visa at a consulate
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You receive your TIE card upon arrival in Spain
🧑💼 What Is Cuenta Propia?
Cuenta Propia is the work authorization for self-employed foreigners who:
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Work as freelancers (autónomos)
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Run their own small business or online venture
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Have no single employer or job contract
✅ Ideal for:
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Freelancers (designers, marketers, consultants, developers)
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Small shop or online store owners
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Remote professionals who invoice Spanish or international clients
Application process:
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You submit your business plan + EX-07 or EX-03
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Show income projections and contracts
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Register with tax agency and Seguridad Social as autónomo
🧾 Key Differences: Cuenta Ajena vs Cuenta Propia
| Feature | Cuenta Ajena | Cuenta Propia |
|---|---|---|
| Work type | Employee (contract) | Freelancer or business owner |
| Who applies | Employer | Applicant |
| Social security | Paid by employer | You pay autonomously |
| Business plan | ❌ Not needed | ✅ Required |
| Change of employer | Requires modification | You’re flexible |
| Common visas | Work visa, HQP visa, ICT | Self-employed visa, entrepreneur visa |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying for cuenta ajena without a confirmed job contract
❌ Submitting a cuenta propia application with no real business model
❌ Confusing digital nomad visa with cuenta propia (they are separate!)
❌ Not registering with Seguridad Social once approved
➡️ See Article 10 for a complete list of errors and how to avoid them.
🧠 How to Decide Which Path Is Right for You
✅ Choose Cuenta Ajena if:
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You’ve secured a job offer in Spain
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Your employer is willing to sponsor your work permit
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You want stable income with full-time work
✅ Choose Cuenta Propia if:
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You work remotely or freelance
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You want to run your own business
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You invoice multiple clients and manage your own time
👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps
We:
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Analyze your case and recommend the right permit
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Draft business plans for cuenta propia applications
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Liaise with Spanish employers or your freelance clients
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Register you with Hacienda + Seguridad Social
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Prepare all visa forms and manage consular/legal appointments
📞 Book a Consultation to Choose the Right Visa
Unsure whether to apply as an employee or as a freelancer?