Canary Island freelancers lead the way in uncertain times

22% of Canary Island self‑employed, who are calling for stronger support, anticipate a “deterioration” of their activity in 2026.

A 42.4% share of the group considers it a priority to create specific incentives and bonuses for hiring the first employee, thereby facilitating business growth.

The figures come from the Self‑Employed Worker Barometer for the first quarter of 2026, compiled by the Association of Self‑Employed Workers of the Canary Islands and published by the Observatory of the Self‑Employed of the regional Ministry of Economy, Industry, Commerce and Self‑Employment. The study analyses the current situation of this sector across the islands.

Outlook for 2026

• 35.5% of self‑employed expect their activity to remain unchanged.
• 28% foresee growth.
• 22% anticipate a worsening of their business.

Employment levels are stable, but hiring remains difficult.

Rising Costs

• 74.3% report that their expenses have increased over the past 12 months.
• 57.1% say the increase exceeds 10%.
• 76.6% have had to raise prices since March 2025 to preserve project viability, and three out of four expect this trend to continue throughout the current year.

The perception of instability is widespread: almost nine out of ten self‑employed consider the central government’s measures “insufficient or lacking a specific focus” for their reality.

Most Urgent Demands

• Reduction of bureaucracy – 45.7%
• Exemption from IGIC for those billing less than €85,000 – 45.1%
• Simplified filing of tax forms – (percentage not specified)

Priorities

• Incentives for hiring and business growth – 51.6%
• Promotion of work‑life balance and wellbeing – 46.7%

In summary, the sector prioritizes measures that make it easier to hire, conciliate, and access financing to grow.

Government Response

“The policies of the Canary Islands Government are aligned with the demands of self‑employed workers,” said Regional Vice President Manuel Domínguez. “We are about to launch the Concilia and +uno52 programmes, as well as the Temporary Incapacity scheme, which covers Social Security contributions for the first two months of sick leave.”

Domínguez also highlighted that the regional executive has raised the IGIC exemption threshold for small entrepreneurs and professionals to €50,000 in annual turnover, aiming to ease tax and bureaucratic burdens for lower‑scale businesses.

“The barometer shows the resilience and reinvention of this collective, which not only grows but also evolves,” the vice president added.