Delivery, driving and ride-hailing work as self-employed

Terms used

• VTC — VTC is private hire with a driver, booked in advance, which needs its own authorisation for each vehicle.
• MDL — The MDL is the goods transport authorisation for light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
• MDP — The MDP is the goods transport authorisation for heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
• RETA — RETA is the Social Security scheme where self-employed workers register and pay contributions.
• Licencia — The licencia is the municipal or area licence that allows a taxi to operate.

Key rules

• Platform riders: If a delivery platform controls how you work, you are presumed an employee, not self-employed.
• Goods transport: Carrying goods for hire in a vehicle over 2 tonnes generally needs a regional authorisation.
• VTC: Every VTC vehicle needs its own authorisation, and regional conditions differ.
• Taxi: Taxi work needs a local licence and driver permit, not VTC requirements.

Riders on delivery platforms are presumed employees

If you deliver food or goods for a platform that organises, directs and controls your work, including through an algorithm, the law presumes you are an employee. This has been the rule since August 2021. The platform must register you with Social Security and pay the contributions. Registering yourself as self-employed to work for such a platform is not a safe option.

Inspections have led to fines and court rulings against platforms, including a Supreme Court decision in 2020 on riders.

The presumption does not cover couriers who truly run their own organisation. That means you choose your clients, set your own terms and are not directed by a platform's system. Only choose self-employed status as a courier if that describes your work. If a platform controls how you work, ask for an employment contract instead.

The rider rule is specific to delivery. Other platform workers are judged under the general test of whether the work is really employment.

Goods transport needs an authorisation

Carrying goods for hire or reward generally needs a transport authorisation from your regional transport authority. Self-employed status only fits if you hold it.

• MDL covers light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised weight.
• MDP covers vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. It usually has stricter fleet conditions, including a minimum number of vehicles.
• Vans of 2 tonnes or less do not need an authorisation for transport within Spain.
• For international transport, vans over 2.5 tonnes can need one.

To get one you must show good repute, financial capacity and an effective base with a proper vehicle. You must also hold a certificate of professional competence, which you get by passing an exam run by the regional authority. Carrying only your own goods follows different rules. Weight thresholds and fleet conditions have changed over time, so confirm yours with the regional transport authority before you buy a vehicle.

VTC driving needs a licence per vehicle

VTC means private hire with a driver. Each vehicle needs its own administrative authorisation, on top of registering as a transport operator. The rules are unsettled. A ratio of one VTC licence for every 30 taxi licences has been under revision after a 2024 European court ruling, and regions can add conditions such as pre-booking times and urban limits. Ask your regional transport department what applies now before you invest in a car.

As a driver you will usually need:

• a valid Spanish category B driving licence, often with at least one year of experience
• a clean criminal record certificate
• a vehicle that meets VTC specifications, typically 4 to 9 seats, an age limit and VTC identification
• in many regions, a professional driver certificate or training

You must also register as self-employed in RETA, the Social Security scheme for the self-employed.

Taxi driving is a different route

Taxis do not follow the VTC requirements. You need a taxi licence (licencia) held by you or a company, and a local driver permit (permiso municipal de conductor) obtained through a local exam. You also need a B licence, a clean record and a vehicle that meets local rules. These vary by town and region, so ask your town hall or regional transport department. Self-employed taxi drivers also register in RETA.

What to do next

The checklist and FAQ below set out the steps and common questions.

Checklist

• Check whether the platform you deliver for organises, directs and controls your work, because riders on such platforms are presumed employees and the platform must employ you.

• Ask the platform for a contract with Social Security registration if it controls how you work, instead of registering as self-employed.

• Confirm that you truly run your own organisation before choosing self-employed status as a courier.

• Check your vehicle's maximum authorised weight to see whether goods transport needs an MDL (up to 3.5 tonnes) or an MDP (over 3.5 tonnes) authorisation.

• Apply to your regional transport authority for the goods transport authorisation, and book the professional competence exam if you do not have the certificate.

• Ask your regional transport department for the current VTC authorisation rules, since each vehicle needs its own authorisation and regions set their own conditions.

• Gather your category B driving licence and a clean criminal record certificate before applying as a VTC driver.

• Check with your regional transport department whether a professional driver certificate or training is required for VTC.

• Ask your local council about the taxi licence and local driver permit exam if you want to drive a taxi.

Frequently asked questions

Can a delivery courier with their own van work as self-employed?

Yes, a courier who truly runs their own organisation can be self-employed, but not if a platform controls the work.

What is the difference between the MDL and MDP transport authorisations?

MDL covers light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, while MDP covers vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Both need good repute, financial capacity and a professional competence certificate (capacitación profesional), which you get by exam from the regional authority. MDP also needs a minimum number of vehicles.

What does a self-employed VTC driver need personally?

You need a Spanish category B driving licence, usually with at least one year of experience, and a clean criminal record certificate. Your vehicle must meet VTC specifications, and many regions also ask for a professional driver certificate or training.

Can I drive a taxi as self-employed with the same requirements as VTC?

No, taxi work has its own requirements. You need a taxi licence (licencia) held by you or a company, plus a local driver permit (permiso municipal de conductor) obtained through a local exam. Rules vary by municipality, so ask your local council.