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Cabify: Ride-Hailing in Spain and Latin America

Cabify: Ride-Hailing in Spain and Latin America

Cabify is a Madrid-based ride-hailing app that operates in six countries: Spain, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Uruguay. It connects private drivers and taxi drivers with individual riders and a large base of business clients. In Spain you drive through a licensed VTC operator; in Latin America the route in depends on the country.

At a glance

Type of workRide-hailing for private and business riders, plus taxi and delivery options
How you earnPer-trip earnings, with corporate trips a large part of demand
Cost to joinNone from Cabify; local licensing costs may apply
Where it worksSpain, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Uruguay, in 40+ cities
RequirementsYour city’s minimum driving age, a valid license, a vehicle that meets Cabify’s standards, and a certificate of no criminal or sexual convictions
In SpainA vehicle with a VTC license, usually through a fleet company

How Cabify works for drivers

You apply through the driver section of Cabify’s website or the Cabify Driver app, with your license, ID, vehicle details and the required certificates. Cabify has stricter selection than most ride-hailing apps and runs training for new drivers. Once you’re active, you log in, connect, and accept trips. All trips are GPS-tracked and you see the rider’s identity before pickup.

Cabify also works with licensed taxi drivers, who can take Cabify trips alongside street hails, and in some markets offers delivery with cars or motorbikes.

Spain is a special case

In Spain, ride-hailing runs on VTC licenses, which are attached to vehicles and limited in number. Most Cabify drivers in Spain don’t own a license themselves; they drive for a fleet company that holds them, under a commercial contract or as an employee of that company. So “driving for Cabify” in Madrid or Barcelona usually means applying to a VTC fleet that works with Cabify. Cabify’s help center says as much, and notes that many such companies are looking for drivers.

How drivers earn

Earnings depend on how you work with Cabify. Independent drivers in Latin American markets earn per trip after Cabify’s share. Fleet drivers in Spain are paid under the terms of their fleet company. Taxi drivers earn the fare. A big part of Cabify’s demand comes from business accounts: tens of thousands of companies use it for staff travel, which tends to mean steadier, longer trips than casual rides.

What it costs you

If you drive your own car, you carry the fuel, insurance, maintenance and any local permits. If you join a fleet in Spain, the fleet supplies the licensed vehicle and takes its share, so read the contract carefully: how pay is calculated, who covers fuel, and how many hours are expected.

Owen’s take

Cabify is the more professional, more selective cousin of the big rideshare apps, and its corporate client base is a genuine advantage. If you’re in one of its six countries, it’s worth a look. But treat it as a job route, not an app you casually switch on. In Spain especially, you’re really choosing a fleet operator, and the fleet’s terms matter more than Cabify’s. Ask around, compare two or three fleets, and never sign the first contract you’re handed.

Who it suits

It suits drivers in Spain, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia or Uruguay who want a structured, professional ride-hailing role, and licensed taxi drivers looking for extra trips. It suits less well anyone outside those countries, or anyone who wants to drive a few casual hours with no commitment.

Similar options

  • Uber operates in most of the same countries and is the main alternative.
  • Bolt covers much of Europe and parts of Latin America.
  • Uber Eats offers delivery work in many of the same cities.

More local options are in Gig Work.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Large base of business riders
  • Works with taxi drivers as well as private drivers
  • Strong safety features: GPS tracking and verified riders

Cons

  • Only six countries
  • In Spain, access usually depends on a VTC fleet
  • Stricter selection than most apps

FAQ

Which countries is Cabify in?
Spain, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Uruguay, across more than 40 cities.

What do I need to drive with Cabify?
You need to meet your city’s minimum driving age, have a valid license and a vehicle that meets Cabify’s standards, and provide a certificate showing no criminal or sexual convictions.

Can I drive for Cabify in Spain with my own car?
Usually not with a regular car. Ride-hailing in Spain needs a vehicle with a VTC license, so most drivers join a fleet company that holds the licenses and works with Cabify.

Can taxi drivers use Cabify?
Yes. Cabify works with licensed taxi drivers, who can take Cabify trips as well as their usual fares.

Other options in this market

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