Independent entrepreneurs to be eligible for social benefits

Independent entrepreneurs will be eligible for social benefits. This is stipulated in a decision approved today by the Government.

Thus, resident individuals who independently carry out economic activities in the service provision and pay state social insurance contributions will be able to receive the same social benefits as other categories of insured persons.

The social benefits are the allowance for temporary incapacity for work, maternity allowance, benefits for families with children, and paternity allowance.

“We are extending the right to social benefits for independent entrepreneurs. Thus, those who apply for freelancer status will benefit from allowances for temporary incapacity for work, maternity allowance, allowance for families with children, paternity allowance and the right to an old-age pension. Through this measure, we strengthen the fairness of the social insurance system and take an important step towards a modern, flexible and inclusive labour market,” said Minister of Labour and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru at the Government meeting.

The implementation of the decision will involve expenditures within the limits of the financial resources projected in the State Social Insurance Budget Law for 2026.

As of January 1, 2026, a new tax regime dedicated to the independent economic activity of individuals, known as the “Freelancers’ Law”, entered into force. For the first time, freelancers have a separate legal framework that is simplified and adapted to the realities of independent work, without unnecessary trips and without complicated bureaucracy. They will be able to work officially, without having to open a company and without hiring an accountant, and at the same time they will be covered by social and health insurance, paying a single tax of 15 percent on declared income.

According to statistics, from January 1, 2026 until now, over 500 citizens have chosen to work legally, simply and with low taxes, using the new freelancers’ regime. They registered their activity with the Public Services Agency or in the EVO application.