Taxes for Expats in Spain
Expert tax advice for expats living in Spain. Understand how income tax in Spain for foreigners works, what you need to file, and how to stay compliant. Tytle helps expats manage Spain’s complex tax system with clear, reliable support tailored to your residency and income status.
Taxes in Spain for Non-Residents Made Simple
Here’s a quick overview to help you understand expat taxes in Spain:
If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, you're considered a tax resident and must declare worldwide income, such as pensions, rental income, and foreign investments, which may be covered by double taxation treaties.
New residents working in Spain may qualify for the Beckham Law, a special tax regime that allows eligible expats to be taxed at a flat reduced rate on their Spanish employment income for up to six years, while investment income continues to be taxed separately.
Non-residents are taxed only on Spanish-sourced income such as rental income and capital gains from Spanish properties. Pensions from Spain may also be taxable in Spain, depending on the type of pension and the applicable tax treaty. Understanding these tax obligations helps expats comply efficiently and avoid unexpected liabilities.
- Talk to a Spanish tax advisor to understand your obligations.
- Check if you have to pay taxes in Spain for income earned abroad, or a double taxation agreement applies.
- Check whether you need to deregister from your home country’s tax system.
- Make sure you understand all the tax residency requirements.
- Apply for your Spanish Tax ID (NIE).
- Register with the local tax office if you’ll earn income.
- If self-employed, submit your start of activity form (modelo 036 or 037).
- Keep records of your residency, housing, and income.
- Check if you qualify for the Beckham Law or expat tax regime.
- File your Spanish income tax return (Declaración de la Renta) on time.
- Declare Spanish-sourced income if you're a non-resident.
- Need support? Book a consultation with a Spanish tax expert.
Why choose Tytle?
Spain's tax rules for expats can be complex. From obtaining your Tax Identification Number (NIE) to filing income tax returns, we handle all essential expat tax services, so you stay compliant in Spain without the stress.
Affordable and transparent fees
Tytle has competitive and transparent fees. Gone are the times when tax experts billed hours without keeping you informed. Period.
Anywhere around the world
Tytle can take care of your tax filing wherever you go.
Quality tax help
Tytle offers the most competitive tax rates and the highest quality tax help.
Personalized tax advice
Receive personalized tax advice based on your unique situation. Our tax advisors help you maximize tax benefits in Spain for expats and avoid penalties.
Online tax filing
Spain’s income tax filing process can be overwhelming. We make it simple, from organizing your documents to filing your tax return.
Bookkeeping
Stay organized and compliant with our bookkeeping services designed to fit your specific needs and budget in Spain.
International support
Does your tax situation involve more than just Spain? We’ve got you covered! Our team adds cross-border tax assistance to ensure complete international tax compliance.
Dashboard
Enjoy the ease of a single dashboard to manage all your tax matters in Spain and beyond. Forget endless emails, phone calls, and scattered notes.
Archive
All your docs and correspondence are safely stored in your archive, easily accessible whenever you need them.
Customer testimonials
United States
Keith
United States
Tom
Portugal
Inês
Portugal
Marta
South Korea
Ji-eun
Tytle connects users with the right tax advisors
Wherever your journey takes you, Tytle’s network of tax experts is there to help - whether you’re in one country or crossing borders.
30+
50+
70%
Social proof to build credibility
Frequently asked questions
Expats who qualify as Italian tax residents must declare their worldwide income, including earnings from abroad, and comply with local filing deadlines. If expats do not qualify as Italian tax residents, they must still declare and (often) pay tax on income earned within Italy through an Italian income tax return. Residency is generally determined based on criteria like spending more than 183 days per year in Italy or having your main home or personal interests there. Registration with the Anagrafe (the municipal register) is also a factor, but it is not decisive on its own.
Yes, non-residents must pay tax in Italy on income earned within Italy, such as rental income or local employment. Tytle helps non-residents fulfill their Italian tax obligations and avoid penalties through accurate filings and local expertise.
Late filings usually lead to penalties starting around 30–60% of owed taxes plus interest. Higher fines (over 100%) apply only in cases of serious omission or tax evasion. Timely filing helps you avoid these costly penalties.
For employees and retirees using Form 730, the deadline is 30 September of the year after the income year. For self-employed or those filing Modello Redditi PF, the deadline is 31 October of the following year. Tax payments for Modello Redditi PF are generally split into installments due by 30 June and 30 November. Late filing within 90 days is allowed with minor penalties; after that, the return may be considered omitted with higher fines.
Yes, rental income is taxable, but expats may deduct certain expenses and sometimes opt for flat-tax regimes designed to simplify taxes on rental income.
Expats can deduct healthcare costs (19% of expenses over €129.11 per year) and mortgage interest on a primary residence (19% of up to €4,000 interest per year, which results in a maximum deduction of €760). Home office expenses are usually deductible only if self-employed. Other deductions like education fees and charitable donations are available to all residents.
Yes. Eligible freelancers in Italy can opt for the regime forfettario, which applies a flat substitute tax of 15% on taxable income (or 5% for the first five years if certain conditions are met). The regime simplifies tax reporting and is available only if annual revenues do not exceed €85,000.
Yes. If you are considered an Italian tax resident, you are taxed on your worldwide income, which includes remote work earnings from a foreign employer. The fact that your employer is abroad does not exempt you from Italian taxation. However, if your home country has a tax treaty with Italy, that treaty may prevent double taxation by allocating taxing rights and allowing foreign tax credits. You may also need to check whether your foreign employer has obligations in Italy, such as social security or payroll withholding.
Yes, foreign pensions are generally taxable in Italy if you’re a tax resident. Tax treaties may reduce or exempt some of this tax depending on your country of origin.
If working in Italy, you usually must contribute to the Italian social security system unless exempt under a bilateral agreement.
Yes, the Impatriate Regime offers significantly reduced taxation on income for eligible newcomers, lasting up to 5 years.
Affordable Tax Help for Expats in Spain and Abroad
