Madrid Hits Record with 438,500 Self-Employed and Boosts Support for Entrepreneurs
Madrid sets a record with over 438,500 self-employed workers and announces increased financial support for entrepreneurship initiatives.
- • Madrid reaches a record high of 438,548 self-employed individuals.
- • Government increases aid for self-employed by 17.7% for 2026.
- • 83.4 million euros to be invested from 2025 to 2027 to support entrepreneurship.
- • New aid lines created for businesses over three years old and 40% increase in subsidies for new self-employed workers.
Key details
Madrid has achieved a historic milestone with 438,548 self-employed individuals registered, marking the highest figure ever recorded and establishing the city as a leading center for entrepreneurship in Spain. This growth coincides with the Community of Madrid announcing a 17.7% increase in aid for the self-employed in 2026, aiming to further empower this vital economic sector.
The regional government plans to invest a substantial 83.4 million euros from 2025 to 2027, with an annual budget of 37 million euros dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship. Among new measures is the introduction of aid lines targeting businesses over three years old, a departure from past policies that focused mainly on startups. Additionally, the Tarifa Cero program, providing a monthly supplement of 480 euros and exemption from social contributions, will extend to entrepreneurs over 52 starting new projects after unemployment benefits.
The reforms also include a 40% increase in direct subsidies for new self-employed workers, placing Madrid among Spain’s top regions in financial support for entrepreneurship. Rocío Albert, Madrid’s regional Minister of Economy, Finance, and Employment, hailed self-employed workers as “heroes” essential to job creation and wealth generation, while criticizing the central government for its less supportive stance, including higher taxes and limited maternity leave for self-employed women. Albert stressed the need to reduce obstacles and highlighted that 60% of claims for cessation of self-employment are denied nationally, contrasting with Madrid’s more nurturing approach.
Overall, Madrid’s record numbers and substantial financial commitments reflect a proactive strategy to foster self-employment and entrepreneurship despite contrasting national policies.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.