How to start a cleaning business in Spain: steps, costs and first customers
Starting a cleaning business in Spain step by step: autónomo or SL, the IAE code, social security, insurance, start-up costs, hourly rate and first customers.
340 real Google reviewsWhat decides whether a cleaning business makes it
A cleaning business is cheap to start compared with almost any other: no premises, no diploma, and the basic kit fits in a car boot. That is exactly why competition is fierce. What separates the ones still open after a year is not the equipment but three things you decide before you start.
Legal requirements for a cleaning business in Spain
Cleaning is not a regulated activity: you need no diploma or special licence to clean homes or offices. You do need to be registered with the tax office and social security from the first job.
Starting a cleaning business in 6 steps
In this order, so you do not pay contributions before you have customers.
Pick a specialism and an area
Homes, offices, post-renovation or upholstery. Each needs different kit and a different customer. Start with one, in a few neighbourhoods.
Work out your hourly rate
Add contributions, insurance, products, transport, phone and accountant, add the hours you cannot bill (travel, quotes), and spread it all over the hours you do bill.
Register
Form 036 or 037 under group 922 plus self-employed registration, or set up the SL. An accountant sorts it in a few days.
Get insured
Civil liability before the first job. Many office and building customers ask for it in writing.
Buy only what you need
A professional vacuum, mops, colour-coded cloths, concentrated products and a trolley. Expensive machines only once jobs pay for them.
Find your first customers
A Google profile with real photos, a simple website, reviews from the first job and fast replies to every request.
How to find customers for a cleaning business
What few people tell you
In cleaning the margin sits in the hours you bill, and it leaks away in travel, cancellations and quotes that go nowhere. The first months are usually more about finding customers than cleaning. If you already clean well and what you lack is customers, you can start by working with a company that already has demand while you build your own base.
Autónomo or SL for a cleaning business
| Autónomo | Limited company (SL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | Almost nothing: tax and social security registration is free | Notary, registry and accountant before you invoice |
| Monthly contribution | A reduced flat rate in year one, then income-based | The director pays the corporate self-employed contribution |
| Tax | Income tax (IRPF) on profit | Corporation tax on profit |
| Liability | Your personal assets are on the line | Limited to the company's capital, with exceptions |
| Minimum capital | None | Symbolic since the Crea y Crece law |
| When it usually fits | Starting alone or with low turnover | When turnover grows or you hire |
What it costs to start and what to charge per hour
To clean homes as a self-employed cleaner you need little: basic kit and products. The figure rises with upholstery, high windows or pressure washing, because professional machines cost thousands. To set the hourly price, work backwards: first what each month costs you, then the hours you can really bill.
What kind of cleaning business to start
Each specialism needs different kit and a different customer
Home cleaning
The easiest start: little kit and plenty of demand. The key is regular customers and a small area.
Offices and buildings
Monthly contracts outside office hours. They expect insurance, invoices and consistency.
Post-renovation
Big, physical jobs, usually in a team. A good fit if you already know builders.
Upholstery and rugs
An injection-extraction machine and technique. Less competition and short jobs.
Windows and facades
Water-fed poles and purified water. Work at height needs training and specific insurance.
Holiday lets
Changeover cleans on fixed schedules. High turnover and little flexibility.
Send your application
Through this form only, no calls and no CV. We review complete applications and reply within 2 working days.
Do you run your own cleaning company or have a specialism, such as upholstery or windows? Work with us as a partner
Questions about starting a cleaning business
Do I need a licence to start a cleaning business in Spain?
Which IAE code covers cleaning?
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?
Autónomo or SL to start?
How do I work out my hourly rate?
Can I start without my own customers?
Start with customers from day one
If you are registered, or about to be, work with Claro Clean: we bring the customer with an accepted quote and you do the job.