The Community of Madrid has allocated more than 143 million euros during the current Legislature to support self-employed workers. For 2026, the regional government has increased funds for this group by 18%, reaching 37 million euros, aiming to benefit approximately 12,000 individuals. This was announced by the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Employment, Rocío Albert, during a press briefing.
Since 2023, measures implemented by the Madrid government have supported over 53,000 self-employed individuals. Notably, the Tarifa Cero initiative covers 100% of Social Security contributions during the first year of activity, with the possibility of extension to a second year. This aid line already benefits 19,000 self-employed workers and has seen its maximum amounts increased by 40% this year, accounting for 73% of the total aid.
Additionally, new initiatives were announced by the president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, during the latest State of the Region Debate. One of these is a pioneering Tarifa Cero for active retirement, through which the Madrid government will cover 100% of contributions for the first year for self-employed individuals who, after reaching the legal retirement age, choose to continue working while receiving their pension.
The second initiative involves a monthly subsidy of 1,250 euros to enable self-employed workers to hire a replacement during periods of maternity, paternity, childcare, high-risk pregnancy, or prolonged incapacity. Furthermore, the regional executive will cover 100% of the contribution for the first 60 days of sick leave.
This support has driven the growth of self-employment in the region, which now exceeds 443,000 affiliates and has seen seven consecutive years of expansion. Since 2019, the number of self-employed individuals in Madrid has increased by 11.3%, nearly double the national average of 6.4%. This growth is in addition to Madrid's leadership in job creation in 2025, with 108,159 new positions and a historic record of Social Security affiliates, reaching 3.86 million.
