Canary Islands Government to Fund Social Security for Self-Employed During Sick Leave
Self-employed workers in the Canary Islands received positive news as the regional government announced it will cover Social Security contributions during periods of sick leave. This initiative is a significant step towards providing financial security for freelancers who often face economic challenges when unable to work due to health issues.
Details of the Initiative
The measure, revealed on Tuesday by Manuel Domínguez, Vice President and Minister of Economy, Industry, Trade and the Self-Employed, is part of the 2026 regional budget. It aims to alleviate the financial burden on freelancers across the archipelago. The initiative recognizes the unique challenges faced by self-employed individuals, who typically do not have the same safety nets as salaried employees.
Under this new initiative, the Canary Islands Government will pay contributions for up to two months of temporary incapacity, providing essential support for those unable to work due to illness. This measure is expected to significantly ease the stress on self-employed workers, allowing them to focus on recovery without the added worry of financial instability.
Domínguez stated, “We’ve all heard that a self-employed person can’t afford to get sick because they still have to pay their dues; we want that to change.” This statement underscores the government’s commitment to reforming the existing system to better support the self-employed population, which is vital for the region’s economy.
Additional Financial Support for Freelancers
In addition to covering Social Security during sick leave, the 2026 plan includes interest rate subsidies on loans for business investment. This initiative aims to assist freelancers in modernizing, expanding, and digitizing their businesses by making access to credit more affordable. By reducing the financial barriers to investment, the government hopes to foster a more dynamic and resilient freelance sector.
Domínguez explained, “This measure will allow the self-employed to take on projects that improve and grow their businesses at a lower financial cost.” The ability to invest in new technologies and processes can be transformative for freelancers, enabling them to compete more effectively in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Work-Life Balance Initiatives
The government will also enhance its “Concilia” programme, which offers three lines of aid designed to help freelancers balance work and family life. Recognizing the challenges of juggling professional and personal responsibilities, these initiatives aim to create a more supportive environment for self-employed individuals.
Domínguez emphasized the importance of supporting the self-employed in the Canary Islands’ economy, noting that “with 90% of our businesses being SMEs, we must support the self-employed differently than in the rest of Spain.” This tailored approach reflects the unique economic landscape of the Canary Islands, where small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in job creation and economic stability.
The zero-quota scheme, which benefited over 3,000 self-employed workers in 2024, will also see an increased allocation this year, rising by €800,000, from €2.5 million to €3.3 million. This increase demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive environment for freelancers, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive.
Overall, these initiatives reflect a broader recognition of the vital role that self-employed individuals play in the economy of the Canary Islands. By addressing the specific challenges they face, the government aims to create a more equitable and sustainable economic framework that benefits all residents of the archipelago.
Key points
- Subsidies to hire replacements during maternity or paternity leave, adoption, or pregnancy-related risk.
- Bonuses for permanent hires to assist in caring for children under 12 or dependents.
- Financial aid to help cover childcare or eldercare costs, such as nurseries or care homes.
