PROPERTY TAXATION · EU RESIDENTS
Tax obligations when moving to Spain
Moving to Spain can change the income and assets that must be reported. The transition should be planned with the advisers responsible in each country.
THE STEPS INVOLVED
From initial review
to practical completion.
Determining tax residence
We assess time spent, economic interests, family circumstances and the relevant treaty. An administrative address or registration is not the sole deciding factor.
Discuss your situationReviewing income sources
Pensions, employment, rentals and investments can require different treatment. We organise the information needed for Spanish filings and coordination with the former country of residence.
Discuss your situationAssets outside Spain
Foreign-asset reporting, including Modelo 720 where its conditions are met, may need review. Reporting an asset and paying tax on it are distinct questions.
Discuss your situationPlanning the transition year
The timing of the move, disposals and exceptional income should be examined before the transactions take place. We coordinate the Spanish work with your overseas adviser.
Discuss your situationINITIAL DOCUMENTS
A clear starting point
for your case.
You do not need a complete file to get started. After an initial review, we explain which documents are still needed.
- Travel and relocation calendar
- Income, pensions and employment arrangements
- Assets and accounts in each country
- Latest tax returns
EU RESIDENTS AND SPAIN
For clients resident in the EU
Your country of residence, nationality and family circumstances may point to different legal and tax requirements. We establish the facts and coordinate your Spanish matter with the relevant advisers.
- If you are tax resident in Spain, Spanish resident income-tax rules may apply. Residence in another EU country does not make you Spanish tax resident.
- For a non-resident Spanish property owner, confirm the country of tax residence and obtain supporting evidence before assessing the applicable rates and deductions.
- Keep Spanish rental statements, expenses and purchase documents for coordination with your home-country adviser under the relevant treaty.
- Review every owner’s position separately: sharing a property does not mean sharing the same residence status or tax return.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What you may want
to know before acting.
Does having a NIE make me tax resident?
No. It is an identification number, not a determination of tax residence.
Must every foreign asset always be reported?
Reporting depends on the categories, values and applicable conditions. The inventory should be reviewed rather than assumptions made.
When should I prepare?
Ideally before relocating and before a significant asset transaction, so that the consequences in both countries can be coordinated.
What if I am resident in Spain itself?
Spain is in the EU, but a Spanish tax resident is not treated as a Spanish non-resident. Tell us your actual country of tax residence so we can identify the appropriate returns.
Will you work with my adviser abroad?
Yes, where appropriate and with your agreement. We coordinate the Spanish documents and steps with your own qualified adviser, who remains responsible for advice and filings in their jurisdiction.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR CASE
Would you like us to review your situation?
Tell us about your plans or concerns. We will connect you with the appropriate specialist in our team in Spain.
Send us your question through the contact form. We will connect you with the right specialist.
Go to the contact formThis is general information, to be applied to your circumstances and the rules in force. Sirejacob Legal & Tax advises on your matter in Spain. Foreign law and overseas filings are handled, where needed, with your own qualified adviser.