Property News from Spain

Relocating to Spain offers an enriching lifestyle and new opportunities, but careful financial planning is essential to making the most of your move. As an expat, understanding how residency status, tax obligations, and managing foreign income will impact your finances can help you build a stable foundation. This guide provides an overview of the basics you’ll need to know, from determining your residency status and visa type to handling taxes on income earned abroad.

Navigating residency and visas

When moving to Spain, choosing the right visa is an important first step. Residency status affects your eligibility for work, the tax you pay, and your access to public services. Below, we explain some basic concepts on this subject.

Visa types for expats in Spain

The visa you need depends on your income and plans in Spain. Here are the main options:

• Non-Lucrative visa: Designed for retirees or those with passive income from outside Spain, this visa allows you to live in Spain but not to work.
• Work visa: Necessary if you plan to work for a Spanish employer or start a business in Spain.
• Other visa types: Spain offers additional options, such as student visas, entrepreneur visas, and family reunification visas for expats joining family members.

For a detailed overview of each visa type, requirements, and application steps, refer to our complete guide to Spanish visas.

Understanding tax residency

Tax residency is determined by where you live and where you have economic ties. In Spain, you’ll generally be considered a tax resident if: