In Spain, taxation for non-residents has its own characteristics. For example, income received in the country is taxed at a rate of 24%. You also need to consider taxation when selling real estate or other assets. It is also important to know that Spain has tax treaties with some countries, which may affect your taxation. Therefore, to avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is recommended to turn to professionals to correctly assess your tax obligations in Spain.

For whom is it important?

It is necessary to pay taxes when conducting business activities in Spain, including salaries, business income, purchase, sale and rental of real estate. Reporting is required to be completed within a specified time frame, which usually requires specialist assistance for both foreigners and locals.

In addition to paying taxes, it is important to remember to meet all reporting deadlines. In Spain, the reporting forms are different from what we are used to, so it is recommended to seek help from specialists. This is important for both foreigners and local residents, who most often also prefer to entrust this task to experts. It is important to understand that taxes are an inevitable part of running any business in this country, so it is rational to use the services of experts to ensure the correct payment of taxes.

Who is considered a tax resident

To obtain tax residency in Spain, you must stay in the country for 183 days a year. Residents must pay taxes on all income, including income earned outside Spain. Also, resident status can be assigned to a person for whom business in Spain is the main source of income, even if he does not reside in the country for 183 days.

In this case, Spanish tax legislation takes into account the principle of “centre of vital interests”. This means that if your main source of income or business activity is in Spain, even if you are not permanently resident here, you may be considered a tax resident. Therefore, it is important to consider all aspects of your business and financial situation when deciding on tax residency in this beautiful country. Do not forget about your responsibilities to the tax authorities and monitor current legislation.

Income tax for non-resident individuals in Spain IRNR

Non-residents in Spain pay tax on income earned only in the country, at a rate of 19% for citizens of the EU and some other countries, and 24% for others. There is no progressive rate or tax-free minimum due to the work ban.

For non-residents who receive income only in Spain, it is important to remember that non-resident tax (IRNR) is only levied on income received in Spain. At the same time, we must not forget that non-residents are prohibited from working in the country, therefore there is no progressive taxation scale, and no tax-free minimum is applied. The tax rate on non-resident income depends on the citizenship of the person. Citizens of European Union countries and some other countries such as Iceland and Norway are taxed at 19 percent. While citizens of other countries are required to pay a tax of 24 percent. It is important to be aware of these rules and obligations in order to correctly pay your tax obligations in Spain.

Where is the best place to pay taxes?

For tax planning in Spain, it is important to take into account double taxation agreements with other countries, such as Russia, Kazakhstan, where tax rates may be lower. The difference in income tax rates between countries can be significant, ranging from 1.5 to 3 times.

Property tax

Property tax in Spain (ΙΒΙ) is municipal and depends on the location of the property. The rate varies from 0.4% to 1.1% of the cadastral value. Tax payers are property owners on January 1 of each year. IBI tax does not require filing a return and is billed by the tax departments.

IBI is also known as property tax in Spain and it plays an important role in the financing of public services and infrastructure. Property owners should take this tax into account when planning their finances. Although filing a return is not required, it is important to ensure that taxes are paid on time to avoid penalties and legal problems. Remember that tax rules can change, so it's always best to stay up to date with the latest updates and consult with a professional if questions arise. Owning property in another country is an amazing opportunity, but it's important to be aware of all the financial responsibilities that come with it.

Additional tax on non-residents IRNR

In Spain, non-residents are asked to pay 24% tax on 2% of the cadastral value of the property per year, regardless of rental. Tax offices do not send invoices; foreigners must fill out the declarations themselves.

This tax, known as capital gains tax, may not be noticeable to many non-residents in Spain. Make sure you are aware of all tax obligations associated with your property in this beautiful country. Do not hesitate to seek help from specialists or tax consultants to avoid unpleasant surprises and comply with all legal requirements.

Luxury tax in Spain ˗ Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio

In Spain, property valued over 700,000 euros is subject to luxury tax. Property includes real estate, transportation, savings, securities, jewelry and other valuables. The tax applies to residents and non-residents, with varying deduction rights and a progressive rate ranging from 0.2% to 2.5% depending on the value of the property.

Tax benefits

In Spain there are many tax benefits for tax residents. Registering a company in Spain may be more beneficial for tax planning.

It is important to remember that Spanish tax legislation can be quite complex and varied. Therefore, those considering tax benefits or setting up a company in this country are advised to seek advice from experienced tax professionals. This will help you avoid mistakes and make the most of the available tax advantages in Spain.

What is a NIE number in Spain

NIE is the individual tax number of a foreign citizen in Spain.

Property owners, workers, students and other foreign nationals living in Spain are required to obtain a NIE. This number is necessary for carrying out financial transactions, concluding rental agreements, purchasing a car and many other important procedures. You can obtain a NIE by contacting your local police department or consulate. Property owners must provide additional documents confirming their right to reside in the country. Having a NIE is an important step to living and working fully in Spain.

Who needs a NIE in Spain and why?


NIE in Spain is required for:

How to get a NIE in Spain

Foreign nationals living in Spain can request a NIE, which is an identification number for taxes and other administrative procedures, regardless of visa type, if they are in the country legally for more than a month. It is possible to obtain a NIE both in Spain by contacting the local police department and at the Spanish consulate. Citizens of European Union and non-EU countries apply to different police departments to obtain this important document. Having a NIE will allow foreigners to legally work, buy property, open bank accounts and perform other legal activities in Spain.

The following package of documents must be submitted:

You can apply through a representative, such as a lawyer or a real estate agent. A notarized power of attorney and a copy of the representative’s identity document are required.

Timeframe for obtaining a NIE in Spain

The time it takes to obtain a NIE varies from 5 days to several weeks. Sometimes slight delays may be caused by various factors, but eventually you will receive the required document.

Validity of NIE in Spain

The NIE in Spain is assigned to a foreign citizen once and for all, but the paper certificate is valid for 90 days. Some institutions may not pay attention to this deadline.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of all the requirements and rules associated with obtaining a NIE in Spain. To avoid unnecessary problems, it is recommended to take care in advance of timely replacement of the paper certificate with a permanent NIE.

This way, you can safely enjoy your stay in this beautiful country without worrying about possible difficulties due to an outdated document.

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