MEI (intergenerational equity mechanism)

The MEI (mecanismo de equidad intergeneracional) is an earmarked extra social security contribution that feeds Spain's pension reserve fund. In 2026 it is 0.9% of the contribution base and, for the self-employed, it is already included in the total 31.5% rate.

It is the only component of the self-employed quota that went up in 2026 (from 0.8% to 0.9%). Note that on the 80-euro flat rate the TGSS (Social Security Treasury) charges the MEI separately, so the real monthly charge is around 88.56 euros in 2026.

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SMI (Spain's minimum wage)

Epígrafe IAE (business activity code)

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