How can the self-employed in Spain take sick leave? More precisely, to request sick leave 🇪🇸

You can do it! Good news for autónomos or freelancers in Spain, one of the most difficult countries in Europe for self-employment. This is because you have to pay taxes and a monthly social security contribution on the first euro you earn. The contribution now depends on the amount of earnings, but is roughly 230€ for low earners, 320€ for medium earners and 500€ for high earners.

Paying for sick leave due to illness or accident is one of the benefits freelancers receive. Whether you have multiple clients, own your own business or work for a single company, you as a sole proprietor are ennoscriptd to paid sick leave.

The Spanish Social Security Administration clarifies that if, due to illness or accident, a person is unable to temporarily perform their work, both the necessary medical care and economic benefits can be requested.

How does this work?
If you are sick or have an accident that is not work-related, you are only ennoscriptd to receive your wages from the fourth day of your vacation.

You must fulfill a number of requirements to receive the benefit:
1. You must be registered with the Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA). This is a special registry for entrepreneurs
2. You must make all social security payments on time.
3. And make social security contributions for at least 180 days in the 5 years preceding the illness or accident.

The maximum period of temporary leave is 12 months with periodic medical examinations. However, additional extensions of leave for a maximum of 6 months are possible.

How do I apply for sick leave?
1. First of all, you should go to your doctor and ask for «baja» (sick leave) or vacation. If the doctor deems it justified or necessary, he or she will issue an official sick leave form.
2. You should also notify your insurance company. You can find out which Mutua you belong to from the original RETA document proving your registration as an autónomo.
3. Next, you need to fill out an official social security document. There you must indicate why you are on vacation and explain the situation. You can download the form online, but you will have to go to the social security office to present it with your documents. If your illness prevents you from doing this, you can have someone else do it for you by giving them a certified photocopy of your ID. For example, TIE.

How much sick leave will I receive?
In the case of leave due to general sickness or an accident not at work, you will be paid 60% of the self-employed regulatory base (average earnings per month). You will receive this from the 4th to the 20th day of your leave. If the illness lasts longer than 20 days, this amount increases to 75% of the same base.

If you have a long illness, remember, however, that you must continue to pay social security contributions during the first 2 months of your vacation. This means that you will receive even less sick pay, as you will also have to pay a contribution from it. After the first 60 days, you don't have to pay any contributions.

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Coffee, caffeine, caffeine. Where are we going for dessert with coffee this weekend?

We could go to Hidden Roasters. (https://hiddencoffeeroasters.com/) There are several in town, it's delicious, as delicious as it can be when coffee is handled by professionals. Delicious desserts, cookies and pies are there too.

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Barcelona's most photogenic streets according to visitbarcelona

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Monday's news 🇪🇸

Neighboring Portugal has been voted the best country for digital nomads. The study was conducted by rental platform Flatio. The team surveyed 1,200 nomads around the world about their motivations, frustrations and favorite destinations, as well as taxes and housing. Thailand came in second place, with Spain in third place.

Usually we talk about successful startups, today we'll break the rule: Turkish food delivery startup Getir is leaving Italy, Spain and Portugal. The startup did great in the pandemic, but couldn't sustain the return of consumers in stores.

Renfe will allow the transportation of pets weighing up to 10 kilograms for 10 euros. One pet per passenger weighing no more than 10 kilograms and provided it is a dog, cat, ferret, guinea pig, hamster or rabbit. Animals must be transported in a cage or carrier of maximum size 60x35x35 cm, at the feet or on the lap of the passenger, without taking up space.

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Bar World News — the best bar in the world will soon open a private cocktail club

We are talking about La Confiteria group, owners of Paradiso bar, which was included in the list of 50 best bars in the world. Now they are opening Stravinsky Club. It will be next to Dr. Stravinsky's, and they will also make their own alcohol. The guys have already made their own vodka, and by the end of the year they plan to make gin.

It will be possible to get into the club, you will only need to register. As in other projects, there will be a virtual queue (you scan a QR code that tells you how many minutes are left until the table is ready).

Dr. Stravinsky on the photo.

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Wednesday’s news ⚡️

The Madrid Metro has created places to talk to elderly passengers. This is how they want to help pensioners cope with the lack of communication.

A city in Catalonia will check compliance with the ban on filling swimming pools with drones. Violators face a fine of 750 to 1500 euros.

Some Spanish beaches are closed after «abnormal» amounts of bacteria were found in the water. These are the beaches of Urbanova and San Gabriel in Alicante. They have already been reopened after checking the bacteria levels again. And on the beaches of Valencia, an unknown white coloured substance was found. The beaches have already been reopened and the substance is still being dealt with.

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*talks in bureaucratic* 🇪🇸

Vocabulary that may come in handy when applying for a residence permit or other stories with documents. These words and acronyms can be found in articles, forms or heard somewhere and it is better to understand what the beast behind them is.

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — foreigner identification card, it confirms the legality of being in the country.

Residencia temporal — temporary residence permit. The duration of stay under it can be 90 days, but cannot be more than 5 years.

Residencia de larga duración — a long-term residence permit, which gives the right to live in the country and work as an employee or entrepreneur.

Cita previa — means «appointment», without which you cannot get into some institutions.

Oficina de Extranjeros/ Extranjería — Spain’s migration service.

Modelo — the form or sample you fill in to apply.

Solicitud / solicitar — the application or its submission.

Extranjero/a — foreigner.

Sede electrónica — the online platform of the Spanish administration

Visado para residencia no lucrativa — residence permit without the right to work.

Trabajar por cuenta propia o ajena — Self-employed or employed. Different visas can be obtained for each of these.

Huellas digitales — Digital fingerprints

Tasa — A rate, fee or charge.

Cónyuge — spouse.

Padrón — An official proof of address that is obtained from the city hall. It is often required when applying for a residence permit.

Ingresos — income.

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Friday news ⚡️

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has launched an investigation into budget airlines. They are suspected of charging extra money for carry-on luggage and other fees, resulting in the price most passengers pay being higher than originally quoted.

Storm Patricia will bring rain and a sharp drop in temperature to hot Spain. Strong winds, rain and a temperature drop of up to 13 degrees Celsius are predicted.

A perfectly preserved mosaic depicting the gorgon Medusa has been found in Spain. The 30 square meter panel was created around the 2nd century AD.

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If you are not sitting at home and want some activity, and plans in advance you did not make any, then for you one recommendation and link 🪩

Eventbride took over your plans. They collect in one place events of all formats — raves, techno parties, concerts, standups. You can see the price and venue right away. You can look at events online or for the weekend, choose the ones with food (or just music).

📎 https://www.eventbrite.com/d/spain--barcelona/events/

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The 3 cheapest pools in Barcelona

If you want to cool off and the beaches are too crowded.

The third place is at the Piscina Municipal de la Clota. General admission costs 6.93€. Children under 5 years old are free admission. For adults and children over 5 years old, a ticket costs 5,27€.

In second place is the CEM Guinardó. It is a little further from the center, but it has a garden and picnic area. A ticket costs 6.35€.

In first place is the lake in the park. We wrote about it here. It's only 2,49€ for a ticket without a sun lounger.

If you don't mind the higher price, there's more:
~ CEM de la Ciutadella (16,91€)
~ CEM Can Caralleu (15,14€)
~ Bernat Picornell (13,63€)

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Did you know that on the roof of El Palace Barcelona Hotel, or rather on its terrace, they show cool movies? You can watch a movie here with popcorn and a cocktail 🎟🍸🍿

You can sit on a double bench for two or on a chaise lounge alone. Movies are shown in the original version with Spanish subnoscripts. You can bring a child, but they need a ticket and the cocktail that comes with the ticket can be exchanged for another drink.

Here’s you can see the schedule, buy tickets and find all the other info you need. This week it’s «Breakfast at Tiffany’s», «Mamma Mia», «The Parent Trap» and «Casino Royale.»

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5 convenient ways to pay less tax in Spain

The Spanish tax system seems complicated even for Spaniards, let alone foreigners who are not fluent in Spanish.

For self-employed Spaniards, known as autónomos, the quarterly payment of tax returns (and its preparation) can not only be costly, but can also come as a shock.

There are a number of relatively simple ways to pay less tax, whether you are self-employed, just living in Spain or you are a sole proprietor.

Investing in pension plans
One way to save on tax and save for the future at the same time is by investing in pension plans or, if you are already doing so, increasing your contributions. This is because pension plans are taxed differently, and most pension plans allow you to deduct income tax (called IRPF in Spain).

Therefore, the money you invest can be deducted from your tax base and saved. In addition, IRPF is a progressive tax. Therefore, those with higher incomes save more in retirement plan deductions.

Take advantage of regional deductions
The regions of the country not only differ in languages and traditions, but also in tax regimes. Many regions offer a variety of possible IRPF deductions, ranging from child care and education expenses to rent and transportation costs. Details on regional tax deductions can be found on the IRS website.

For family reasons
If you have had a child, divorced or something serious has happened to your health, be sure to inform your employer and the tax office of the changes, as income and deduction requirements. There are many tax benefits for single parents or custodial parents.

Receiving a portion of your paycheck in the form of nontaxable benefits
You can deduct a portion of your paycheck in the form of benefits. If you have to renegotiate your salary or change companies, many companies offer certain tax-free perks (like gym membership or travel cards), meaning your paycheck won't be taxed but will go directly to these perks.

Wait to sell your home until you reach age 65
If you are approaching the age of 65 and are thinking of selling your house, it is better to wait and then the transaction will not be taxable.
If the house is in the name of both the spouses, then both of them should be above 65 years of age, as otherwise only the relevant gain of the spouse who has attained that age is exempted. The tax exemption can be applied even if it's a second home you don't live in.

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#money

A summer plan for another summer day ✨

La Roca Village is hosting «Streets of Love,» an open-air street art exhibition. The works by artist TVBOY are dedicated to eternal themes, and you can look at them while relaxedly wandering around the village. Sounds great, I think. You can also shop here, there are plenty of brand name stores with clothing and jewelry. Or sit on the terrace of a restaurant.

📍 La Roca Village s/n, 08430 Santa Agnès de Malanyanes

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The rubric «interesting facts about places in the city»

Barcelona sells sunglasses that were invented by a NASA optical engineer. To create the glasses, he used the same technology that NASA used to protect satellites from the sun’s rays. The company Revo is now 37 years old, they only recently opened a physical store in Spain.

📍Baixada de la Llibreteria, 10

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