• International Private Client & Tax Services

    Moving to Spain

    If you’re planning to move to Spain, buy a home, invest, or start a business here, it’s important to understand how Spanish taxes will affect you. Whether you live here full-time or just own property, you’ll be liable for some form of Spanish tax, and the amount depends on whether you’re considered a Spanish tax resident or a non-resident.

    Before doing anything else, it’s essential to clarify your tax residency status in Spain. It determines what income, assets and investments you’ll need to declare — and where.

Spanish Tax Residency Rules

You are considered a Spanish tax resident if any of the following apply:

  • You spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year.
  • Your main financial or vital interests are located in Spain.
  • Your spouse and/or dependent children live in Spain.

Understanding whether you are a tax resident is crucial, as it determines how your income and assets will be taxed both in Spain and abroad.

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Becoming a Spanish Tax Resident

As a Spanish tax resident you should pay attention to the following taxes:

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Income Tax (IRPF)

Spanish tax residents must declare their worldwide income under Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas (IRPF). This includes employment income, business profits, pensions and certain investment returns, taxed at progressive rates depending on annual income.
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Wealth Tax

Wealth Tax applies to the global assets of Spanish tax residents, including property and investments. Rates generally range from 0.2% to 3.5%, depending on regional regulations and available deductions.
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Capital Gains Tax

Spanish residents are taxed on capital gains from the sale of real estate, shares or other assets. Rates range between 19% and 28%, depending on the amount of the gain.
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Inheritance and Gift Tax

Inheritance and gift taxes depend on the region and on the relationship between donor and beneficiary. Rates and exemptions vary significantly across Spain.
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Solidarity Tax on Large Fortunes

This temporary tax applies to residents with net wealth exceeding €3 million, complementing existing Wealth Tax obligations.

Spanish income tax and non-residence rules must be considered carefully when buying property or investing in Spain.

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Spanish Non-Resident Tax

If you are a non-resident in Spain, you are still liable for certain taxes on your assets or property located in the country.

I.B.I Tax
Comparable to UK council tax, this annual payment is made to the local town hall (ayuntamiento) or SUMA office. It is based on the property’s valor catastral and varies between 0.4% and 1.1%, depending on the municipality.

NRIT – Non-Resident Income Tax (NRIT)
Even if a property is not rented out, non-residents must pay an annual tax on “imputed income”. If rented, NRIT is payable quarterly, even during periods without rental income. When a property is sold, 3% of the sale price is withheld and paid to the tax office to cover potential liabilities.

Non-Resident Wealth Tax
Non-residents must also pay Wealth Tax on assets and investments held in Spain.

Solidarity Tax on Large Fortunes
This tax may also apply to non-residents whose net wealth in Spain exceeds €3 million.

Capital Gains Tax
When selling property or assets in Spain, non-residents must pay Capital Gains Tax at a rate of 19%.

Inheritance and Gift Tax
Spanish inheritance and gift taxes must also be considered by non-residents who own property or assets in Spain.

Spanish income tax and non-residence rules must be carefully reviewed when buying property, investing, or relocating to Spain. Professional advice ensures full compliance with the Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) and helps you structure your assets efficiently when moving to or investing in Spain.