Hola,

don't worry, Your case is relatively simple.

Working as a freelance just requires Your registration as an "autonomo". The registration should be handled by a certified tax/labour agency ("asesor laboral/fiscal").

Your business registrations requires a permanent residence first. I.e. you need to have either a long-term "largo tiempo") rental agreement (longer than 3 months) or proof of having bought a home.

The tax/labour agency will then be able to
1. apply for a "NIE" (Foreigners registration Number) - please note: there is no/no more "tarjeta de residencia" - its was just abolished for the Canaries in April!
2. register You with the Revenue Service ("Hacienda") and
3. the Social Security System ("Securidad Social") - social security payments are compulsory also for anyone working self-employed (approx. 270 Euros/month min.).

The registration just takes a few hours so the the major problem is really to find a suitable house or apartment. This takes normally a while:
1. It is difficult to find any broker or owner to react to Your enquieries as long as You are still abroad, realistically You can only start Your search after Your arrival on Gran Canaria
2. Most of the houses are for sale and not for rent. However, in the touristic areas of Gran Canaria (Maspalomas, Mogan) should should find quite a few.

Subsequently it is recommended that you make a hotel arragement for the first 1-3 months, after Your arrival open up a local bank account to improve Your financial standing for the upcoming negotiations and employ a reliable (!not many around!) real estate agent. The charges (mandatory by law) upon conclusion of a rental agreement are 1 monthly rent for each:
1. 1st month's rent
2. deposit ("fianza") and
3. the real estate agent

Normally there is a standard contract for long-term (=longer than 3 months) rental agreements. It is very important to choose a reliable real estate agent to work for You because the agent should also negotiate contract details on your behalf an in your favour.

Don't worry, if you need a few weeks before You can register jobwise especially, if You move during the second half of the year. Meanwhile You just stay on the british system.

If You have any further questions or need recommendations for agents etc. just drop me a line via PM.

Saludos de Gran Canaria
Bill