Catalan Self-Employed in Limbo Over 2027 Contributions

The Confederació de Treballadors Autònoms de Catalunya (CTAC-Autònoms), part of UGT Catalunya, has warned that self-employed workers in Catalonia still do not know how their social security contributions will change in 2027. In a statement issued on 1 September 2026, the union said it is “unacceptable” to approach the new year without clear answers or progress on reforms to improve social protection for the self-employed. CTAC-Autònoms is demanding that the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration immediately convene the negotiation table to address upcoming changes. The group represents thousands of solo traders and small business owners across the region who rely on predictable contribution frameworks for financial planning.

Demand for Contribution Reform Tied to Earnings

The organisation supports the national proposal from the Union of Professionals and Self-Employed Workers (UPTA) that contributions should rise at least three percentage points above inflation (IPC), gradually and linked to actual earnings. According to UPTA data, the average monthly pension under the General Regime is €1,734, compared to just €1,062 under the Special Scheme for Self-Employed Workers (RETA), a gap of nearly €672 per month.

We cannot keep delaying decisions that affect the future pensions and protections of over 3.4 million self-employed workers.

As an example, UPTA calculates that a self-employed worker currently paying €240 per month would pay €257.52 in 2027 if contributions were increased by 7.3%, based on a 4.3% IPC and a 3-point premium, adding €17.52 monthly.

Key Reforms Still Pending

Alongside updated contribution models, CTAC-Autònoms is calling for several key reforms:

  • Maintaining the freeze on the minimum contribution base for corporate and family-assisting self-employed workers
  • Reforming the cessation of activity benefit
  • Improving access to subsidies for those over 52 years old
  • Enhancing benefits for illness, work accidents, and occupational diseases

The union stresses that without action, current policies risk shifting financial burdens to retirement, undermining long-term security. The ministry has not yet announced a date for negotiations, leaving many self-employed individuals in limbo as 2027 approaches.

Reported by europapress.es, democrata.es, CatalunyaPress.es.