autonomos

Autónomos is the plural form of the term used in Spanish-speaking contexts to describe self-employed workers. An autónomo is someone who works for themselves rather than as an employee for a single employer, typically providing goods or services directly to clients. The concept is common in Spain and many Latin American countries, where it is often synonymous with self-employed or freelancer.

Registration and obligations vary by country but generally include registering with tax authorities and a social security or national insurance system, issuing invoices to clients, and declaring income for taxation. Autónomos typically manage their own bookkeeping and may deduct business expenses. Social security or pension contributions are common, and the level of coverage and required payments differ by jurisdiction.

Autónomos often enjoy flexibility in choosing clients, hours, and pricing, and can scale their activity through subcontracting or diversifying services. They also bear risks such as fluctuating income, lack of paid leave or employer-provided benefits, and administrative burdens related to tax filings and compliance.

In many places the autonomous status can be combined with different legal forms, such as sole proprietorships or small entities, and some systems offer incentives or simplified regimes for new autónomos. In English-language contexts, equivalents include freelancer, self-employed, or independent contractor, though local legal and tax treatment can vary significantly.