Why Spanish Wealth Tax Catches Many UK Residents by Surprise
How UK Residents Get Caught by Spanish Wealth Tax Spanish wealth tax tends to surface for UK residents at precisely the wrong moment. A holiday home is acquired on the
How UK Residents Get Caught by Spanish Wealth Tax Spanish wealth tax tends to surface for UK residents at precisely the wrong moment. A holiday home is acquired on the
The recent Audiencia Nacional ruling on the Shakira Spanish tax case has exposed critical flaws in the administrative methods of the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT). The real significance of this judgment is
For over two centuries, the United Kingdom’s “non-dom” regime was the bedrock of its appeal to the global elite. It was a system built on the complex, often elusive concept
For nearly two decades, the Special Tax Regime for Displaced Workers famously known as the Beckham Law has been the crown jewel of Spanish tax planning. However, navigating the Beckham Law Spain
Yesterday, 14 April 2026, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved a historic Royal Decree. The Spain 2026 Residency Regularisation is a massive opportunity for 500,000 foreign nationals to obtain legal status. This
With the Digital Nomad Visa Spain, the dream for many UK-based professionals of trading a grey London morning for a coffee on a terrace in Seville or a co-working space in
Recognition, Jurisdiction, and the 2021 Law Reform For many British expatriates and high-net-worth individuals, managing an English LPA in Spain is a cornerstone of future planning. These documents, prepared under the Mental
EDAV Spain residential real estate continues to be a primary destination for international capital due to its unique tax advantages. While the sunshine and lifestyle are perennial draws, the sophisticated investor
The global business landscape is transforming. Recent research from the Financial Times reveals that nearly 6,000 owners of high-growth businesses have relocated from the UK over the past two years,
Navigating English probate for Spanish property causes friction in Spanish notarial and registration practice for one simple reason: the two systems start from opposite assumptions about how to prove a valid succession.
The traditional nuclear family, married parents, biological children, assets in one country, was once the bedrock of European succession law. Today, it’s increasingly the exception rather than the rule. Modern
On 28 January 2026, the Spanish Central Economic-Administrative Tribunal (TEAC) issued a unification decision (00/09964/2023/00/00) that clarifies, in unequivocal terms, the legal boundary between two distinct anti-avoidance doctrines that have
Spain’s “Beckham Law” was designed to attract international talent. But in practice, it has evolved into something more fragile: a regime that can be lost not only through obvious breaches,
With the 31st January UK tax return deadline fast approaching, thousands of British nationals living in Spain face a question that appears deceptively simple. Where are you tax resident? For
Spain’s “Beckham Law” (Article 93 LIRPF) remains one of the most attractive tax incentives in Europe for foreign professionals relocating to Spain. Named after the footballer who famously benefited from
Here’s a question that might make you spit out your tea (or café con leche): Which country is most similar to Britain? If you guessed Denmark, Sweden, or perhaps Canada,
International divorce between the UK and Spain raises complex legal and strategic issues. Following Brexit, the legal landscape has shifted from automatic EU regulations to a more nuanced framework of international
Spain’s Supreme Court has issued a groundbreaking ruling, STS 1324/2025, October 21, 2025, that fundamentally reshapes visa processing for the more than 1.5 million people who apply for Spanish visas
Spain’s National Court has rocked the world of Spanish real estate taxation with a decision that stands to benefit thousands of non-EU landlords and international investors. In July 2025, the
Spanish probate is the legal process of organising and administering a deceased person’s assets in Spain and distributing them to beneficiaries once all debts and taxes have been paid. For
Beckham Tax Rule vs Permanent Establishment Risk. For Digital Nomad workers and expats eyeing Spain’s attractive Beckham tax regime, there’s a critical question that could make or break your relocation
Over recent months, we have seen a growing number of UK taxpayers receiving letters from HMRC demanding payment of Spanish tax debts on behalf of the Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT). In many of these
Spain’s Supreme Court has delivered two landmark decisions (STS 1372/2025 and STS 1402/2025) that fundamentally reshape how non-residents are taxed when they own significant assets in Spain. For the first
If you’ve been working from Spain while maintaining tax residence elsewhere, you might be surprised to learn that you could still owe Spanish taxes on that employment income. Spanish Non-Resident
Much is said about trusts today : especially by corporate trustees and continental-trained lawyers : yet much of it misses the essence of what a trust really is. For many,
A trust is a legal relationship originating in common law whereby a person (the settlor) transfers assets to another (the trustee) to hold and manage for the benefit of one
It is no secret that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become ever more present within the legal profession and a prevalent topic of debate. In fact, its come
We are pleased to share that an article by Fernando Del Canto, “Why Private Wealth is the Next Tax Frontier”, has been published in Taxation magazine, the UK’s leading publication for tax professionals.
Understanding the Challenge Managing estates across borders presents unique challenges, particularly between the UK and Spain. With over 293,000 British citizens residing in Spain and countless others owning holiday homes,
As more UK employers support staff working remotely from Spain under the Digital Nomad Visa, it is crucial to understand which employment laws apply and what obligations arise. UK Law
The UK probate system from a Spanish perspective. In Spain, the probate process, called sucesión, is often more straightforward than compared to its English counterpart, namely the grant of probate.
Relocate to Atlantic North Spain. The Atlantic north coast of Spain on the Bay of Biscay/Cantabrian Sea runs from Galicia over Portugal in the west to the Basque Country in
Malaga, a city on the rise. Malaga is known by some as the ‘European Silicon Valley’ or ‘of the south’. The city has become a favourite destination for multinational companies
Important update on Spain’s Golden Visa programme. The Spanish Congress of Deputies has published a proposed amendment to Law 14/2013, which governs the well-known Golden Visa. The key points are
Spanish tax notifications for non-residents. Non-resident taxpayers with ties to Spain must stay proactive about their tax obligations. Keeping your address updated with the Spanish Tax Administration is vital to
What is INTERPOL? Extradition Procedure and INTERPOL Red notice. The International Criminal Police Organization is an inter-governmental organisation with 196 member countries. It connects police from all these countries and
Discover how to obtain Spanish nationality under the Democratic Memory Law. If you have historical ties to Spain or ancestors who were exiled during the Spanish Civil War or the
Navigating Spain’s Golden Visa Program. The Spanish Golden Visa program offers the possibility of obtaining residency in Spain through an investment of €500,000 in real estate or qualified financial investments.
The Golden Visa continues in Spain. Since it was introduced in 2013, the Golden Visa has proved a popular option for investors in Spain and at Del Canto Chambers, our
US Citizens Moving to Spain: The Beckham Tax Rule.@ For Americans looking to move to Spain for work or business purposes, the Beckham Rule is a game-changer. The Beckham Rule,
Spanish Nationality Deadline Prolonged for Heritage Seekers. The Spanish Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory has made a pivotal announcement regarding the extension of the deadline to apply for
Del Canto Chambers partner with San Telmo Business School. San Telmo Business School is a well-respected business school in Spain, with campuses in Sevilla and Málaga. Their main goal is
A guide to family reunification visas. If you’re considering bringing your family members to join you in Spain, navigating the process of obtaining a Family Reunification visa can seem daunting.
Spanish Nationality for International Brigade Volunteers and their descendants. The Democratic Memory Law (Ley 20/2022, de 19 de septiembre, de Memoria Democrática) allows descendants and volunteers of the International Brigades
Understanding the Self-Employment Work Visa. Spain is a vibrant hub for innovative entrepreneurs seeking a thriving workplace. With the recent tax changes brought by the Beckham rule, the Self-Employment Work
Moving to Spain: Remote working with the Spanish Nomad Visa. Imagine waking up to sunshine near the beach or in a charming city in Spain. With the Spanish Nomad Visa,
Exceeding the 90-day Schengen limit due to exceptional circumstances. Spanish Law 4/2000, establishes the possibility of applying for an extension, provided that certain requirements are met and appropriate documentation is
The Prestige of the Spanish Passport: A Global Leader. In December 2023, the Spanish passport achieved an unparalleled status, securing the highest ranking of 90.36 on VisaGuide.World. This exceptional score
New Beckham Rule forms have been approved to include Digital Nomads, among others. The Spanish government has recently published a new version of the Beckham Rule form, which is form
The Democratic Memory Law offers descendants of Spanish citizens the opportunity to obtain Spanish nationality. This law is designed to safeguard the Spanish citizenship rights of those affected by the
Yes, if you moved to Spain to run a business through a Spanish company as a director you may apply for the Beckham tax regime for a maximum of six
When it comes to obtaining Spanish residency as an investor (Golden VIsa) or a Digital Nomad, there are often numerous inquiries and uncertainties surrounding the process, especially in the case
Drafting and Signing a Spanish Business Acquisition Agreement. Welcome to the final article in our series on purchasing a business in Spain. This piece focuses on the drafting and signing
Buying a Business In Spain – Confidentiality Agreements Welcome to the second article in our series on buying a Spanish business. In this series we discuss in detail all the
Buying a Spanish Business – Letter of Intent. Welcome to the first article in our series on buying a Spanish business. In this series, we discuss in detail all the
Acquiring A Spanish Company: The Due Diligence Process. Here’s some good news if you’re considering purchasing a Spanish company. The economy grew more than expected in the first quarter, a
All Your Questions Concerning The Beckham Rule Answered. David Beckham’s legacy to Spanish ex-pats is more than providing stellar football viewing (he scored five times in his first 16 matches),
If you’re one of the many foreign couples living in Spain and have decided to separate, taking counsel from an expert in international divorce can make all the difference. In
Could the new digital nomad visa in Spain be the answer for UK and other non-EEA professionals who wish to live and work in Spain? If so, what would be
Why bending it like Beckham could make financial sense in Spain. We sum up the pros and cons of the so-called Beckham Law to help you decide if this tax
6 myths about Spanish wills debunked. As with many legal matters, Spanish wills come with their fair share of myths. At Del Canto Chambers, we’re more than used to clients’
9 top tips when applying for the Golden Visa in Spain. Since it was introduced in 2013, the Golden Visa has proved a popular option for investors in Spain and
Russian’s war puts Golden Visa under the European Parliament Escrutiny. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Parliament has raised serious concerns on residency and citizenship through investment programs (the
Legal tips for foreigners. Year after year, thousands of foreigners from all around the world decide to start their new life in Spain. And there is enough reason for that:
Making a will in Spain (II). In the previous post about wills and inheritance in Spain, we discussed how the difference between the United Kingdom and the European Union context
Making a will in Spain (I). Getting ready for the British exit of the European Union involves many administrative processes for individuals and companies, which are rapidly coming to terms
COVID-19 and the franchise landscape. Spain is one of Europe’s leading consumer markets, partly aided by its role as the second most popular tourist destination in the world. Franchisors have
European Court of Justice new ruling on mortgage claims. There are many good things to be said about Spain, from its weather to its fantastic food and welcoming people. Sadly,
An HMRC nudge letter regarding your Spanish assets?. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) receives details of taxpayers with overseas income or gains under the Common Reporting Standard, that the UK
Starting a business in Spain. Thanks to its strategic position between Europe, Africa and Latin America, Spain has grown as an economic node of great importance in sectors like transportation,
British expats living in Spain: are their rights at stake?. Hundreds of thousands of British expats living in Spain face increasingly unfavorable tax burdens and discrimination over their pre-Brexit immigration
Ibiza for expats Do you think of Ibiza as merely a party island? You’d be so wrong. Ibiza is the home to thousands of expatriates who value its warm climate,
How to relocate your business to SpainWhile businesses face challenging times on a global scale, UK investors are viewing Spain as one of the more attractive markets in Europe in
Practical questions for UK citizens after Brexit in Spain. During the transitional period of departure of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union –
Justice on the Costa Del Sol. Mortgage contracts on Spanish properties have been a headache for British borrowers for some years now, due to the abusive nature of Spanish bank
Guide to dealing with probate. Dealing with probate after the death of a loved one has never been an easy procedure. Covid-19 has made it more challenging and the need
Spanish residence permit for British Citizens after Brexit. The British exit from the EU on January the 31st seems like a lifetime ago, as the events of recent months have
The Brexit Prophecy and “Brexpats” in Spain. International tax barrister Leon Fernando Del Canto looks at what Brexit will mean for businesses and individuals in the EU and in particular
In 2005, Darren and Mary used their savings to buy a flat in a housing development in Málaga, like many Britons looking for a chance of having a second home
Many call for a quick and achievable resolution for internet defamation. Unfortunately the Internet defamation is more usual than desired. It is not hard to imagine that at this very
One of the questions asked by the entrepreneur residing in Spain is whether she should work as self-employed or should set up a company. Although we could consider for this
As we announced in our last article, the New Spanish Law for contractors and freelancers reforming Self Employed conditions came into force on the 1st of January 2018. These are some
PAST: The Federation for self-employed workers (ATA) had long called for an ambitious reform of the self-employed statute for recovering a very punished sector. According to its president, 2 out
The Balearic Islands has approved by Decree Law the modification on the rental of touristic accommodations. In this way, the number of visitors to the islands is limited and the
Recently we published an article with regards to court claims in mortgage expenses (Notary fees, Land´s Registry fees, Property Appraisal and management costs among others). Furthermore, a First Instance Judge
Spain will incorporate to its legislation the Directive 2014/17 CE of 4th February 2014 on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property. It means that banks will have
Regarding the costs of the trial Paying legal costs even if having good chances for winning a case against banks, may be deterrent rather than effective and may prevent consumers from
Touristic Lettings in Andalucía: What should we know about… Touristic Lettings are significantly increased during the Summer. If you are one of those thinking about renting your property for touristic
Capital gain, cadastre and taxes increase the final price of housing by 25% The calculation of the municipal surplus value and the increase of the value of the land by
A ruling of the provincial Court of Madrid annuls the IRPH banking The Provincial Court of Madrid annuls the IRPH of a mortgage loan for abusive following the doctrine that
The TS recovers its old doctrine on the transparency of the floor clauses The Supreme Court issues a new ruling on the floor clauses in which it tightens the requirements
The Parliament of the Balearics will discuss modifying the standard of tourist rentals The Balearic parliament will urgently discuss a bill to regulate tourist rentals on the islands and ensure
Floor clauses: Also a nightmare for British residents in Spain It is estimated that around 200.000 British residents in Spain own properties with mortgages containing floor clauses that could be
Recovering deposit paid for Spanish properties British tourists at the end of the 90’s started to dream with a home in Spain. Banks were happily lending money to make the
Higher Education and Visa Requirement in Spain for International Students Spain offers a variety of higher education choices. Students come from different countries to study in one of the seventy
Self-employed workers and SMEs, with more margin to defer their debts with the Spanish Tax Agency SMEs and self-employed workers will be able to defer their debts and tax payments
Investment triangle between government, companies and investors in SID 2017 The event “Spain Investors Day” celebrates a new edition in Madrid and brings together foreign investors with the government and
04-01-2017 | EXPAT NETWORK Our Managing Partner, León Fernando del Canto, has published statements in the British magazine Expat Network in which he highlights that Spain, despite Brexit and the
The Government will pass a procedure for floor clauses refund In view of the predictable wave of claims following the ruling of the CJEU, the government will provide banks with
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