diff --git a/tests/fixtures/database.ts b/tests/fixtures/database.ts
index cbb176f3..5ffd7daa 100644
--- a/tests/fixtures/database.ts
+++ b/tests/fixtures/database.ts
@@ -34,19 +34,32 @@ export async function setupTestUser(
     throw new Error('Service role key not configured');
   }
 
-  // Create user in auth
-  const { data: authData, error: authError } = await supabaseAdmin.auth.admin.createUser({
-    email,
-    password,
-    email_confirm: true,
-  });
+  // Check if user already exists
+  const { data: existingUsers } = await supabaseAdmin.auth.admin.listUsers();
+  const existingUser = existingUsers?.users.find(u => u.email === email);
 
-  if (authError) throw authError;
-  if (!authData.user) throw new Error('User creation failed');
+  let userId: string;
 
-  const userId = authData.user.id;
+  if (existingUser) {
+    // User exists - use their ID
+    userId = existingUser.id;
+    console.log(`ℹ️  Using existing test user: ${email}`);
+  } else {
+    // User doesn't exist - create new one
+    const { data: authData, error: authError } = await supabaseAdmin.auth.admin.createUser({
+      email,
+      password,
+      email_confirm: true,
+    });
 
-  // Create profile
+    if (authError) throw authError;
+    if (!authData.user) throw new Error('User creation failed');
+
+    userId = authData.user.id;
+    console.log(`✓ Created new test user: ${email}`);
+  }
+
+  // Create or update profile (ensures correct role and is_test_data flag)
   const { error: profileError } = await supabaseAdmin
     .from('profiles')
     .upsert({