Beckham Law Meets the UK LLP: Spain’s Tax Office Issues Game-Changer for Expatriates
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, such as changing residence status, but through technical missteps in the architecture of income. One such risk has worried inbound taxpayers for years: what happens […]
Spain’s Landmark Supreme Court Decision on BLS: A Turning Point for UK and International Visa Applicants
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 annually, including thousands of UK residents. The decision establishes that BLS International, Spain’s outsourced visa service provider, must be treated as an integral part of […]
Spain Finally Levels the Playing Field: UK Landlords Can Claim Rental Deductions Too
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 court extended a vital right, previously reserved for EU/EEA taxpayers, to non-EU residents, allowing them to deduct expenses directly tied to their Spanish rental income […]
Spain Confirms English Law Applies Without Probate in Cross-Border Succession: Key Resolution for STEP Practitioners
A groundbreaking resolution from Spain’s Directorate-General for Legal Security and Public Faith, issued on 4 August 2025, has provided crucial clarification for STEP practitioners managing cross-border estates between the UK and Spain. This decision establishes clear precedent that English law can govern Spanish asset inheritance through implied choice of law provisions, eliminating the need for […]
Spanish Probate for UK Nationals: A Complete Guide to Administering an Estate in Spain
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 UK nationals dealing with Spanish estates, this process differs significantly from the familiar UK probate system and requires careful navigation of Spanish civil law procedures, […]
The Spanish Beckham Tax Rule Vs Permanent Establishment Risk: Which Matters More for Your Spanish Move?
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 plans: Will your work arrangement create a Permanent Establishment (PE) that disqualifies you from the tax benefits you’re seeking? The 2025 Update to Article 5 […]
Why Does the Judge Speak So Much?
British clients who attend court in Spain often ask me the same question: “Why is the judge doing all the talking?” For anyone familiar with the English courtroom, where judges sit silently as barristers argue, the Spanish scene can feel unsettling. A magistrate in Madrid may cut into a witness’s testimony, demand further evidence, or redirect […]
Navigating Spain’s Golden Visa After the New Immigration Law Reform
The Investors residence permit (also known as golden visa) has been one of the most popular vehicles used by non-European expats in order to start a life in Spain. Between 2019 and 2020, before Brexit fully took effect, some UK citizens secured Spanish Golden Visas through property investments in anticipation of losing EU free movement […]
Why Private Wealth is the Next Tax Frontier – Published in Taxation
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. The piece looks at how governments are gradually shifting their attention away from corporate taxation and towards the taxation of private wealth – a change […]
Relocate to Atlantic North Spain
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 the east bordering with France. Between these two regions are Asturias and Cantabria, all of which combine to perfection green mountains and long sandy beaches. […]
Spain’s latest real estate policies: the end of the ‘GoldenVisa’
The end of the ‘GoldenVisa’. Spain currently faces a housing shortage and rising property prices. To address this, the government has announced plans to end the ‘Golden Visa’ program by March 2025, which allowed non-EU nationals residency via investments of at least €500,000. The government has also proposed a series of housing policies. What are […]
Bolonia: History, nature, and quality of life on Cadiz’s coast
Bolonia: History, nature, and quality of life on Cadiz’s coast. Bolonia is a hidden gem on the Cádiz coast, just minutes from Tarifa and Zahara de los Atunes. It perfectly combines unspoiled nature, rich history, and Andalusian charm. Located within the stunning Natural Park of the Strait of Gibraltar, Bolonia is famous for its pristine […]
Elimination of the Golden Visa in Spain
Elimination of the Golden Visa in Spain. In a recent development, the Spanish government has taken the decisive step to eliminate all pathways to obtaining a Golden Visa. This decision will impact foreign investors who are considering residency in Spain through real estate purchases, business investments, or other qualifying criteria. There are still many visa […]
Beckham law tax benefits for expat workers in the Basque Country
Beckham law tax benefits for expat workers in the Basque Country. Thanks to its unique fiscal system under the Basque Economic Agreement (Concierto Económico Vasco), the Basque Country allows Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Álava to manage and collect their own taxes. This system offers flexibility and proximity in tax administration and provides substantial fiscal incentives to […]
Update on Non Lucrative Visa and other visas
Update on Non Lucrative Visa and other visas. To adapt immigration regulations to the current economic and social situation and align them with EU legislation, a proposal with significant changes has been published by the Spanish Government on 22nd July 2024. This proposal is currently a draft Royal Decree and has not yet amended the […]
Things you (maybe) didn’t know about Spain
Things you (maybe) didn’t know about Spain. Spain has a rich and diverse history thanks to the influence of numerous cultures over the centuries. With its landscapes, architecture, and traditions, Spain is a country well worth visiting. To encourage you to do so, here are some interesting facts you may have yet to learn about […]
Extradition Procedure and INTERPOL Red notice
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 provides a platform where they can cooperate, even when there are no diplomatic relations between them. Red notice INTERPOL defines red notice as “a request […]
Telling Tales of Spain: 10 Uncommon Reasons to Choose the Iberian Haven
10 Uncommon Reasons to Choose the Iberian Haven. Spain, a land of contrasts and cultural richness, offers much more than its famous paella and sunny beaches. In this corner of southwestern Europe, you’ll find a unique blend of history, art, gastronomy, and lifestyle that make it an enticing destination for those seeking more than just […]
Moving to Spain: Navigating Spain’s Golden Visa Program
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. Its aim is to attract entrepreneurs to Spain, investment in real estate and other qualifying financial assets. If you are considering obtaining Spanish residency through […]
The Golden Visa continues in Spain
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 lawyers have helped dozens of clients gain residence benefits through it. But while there’s a lot of official information about this visa type, some aspects […]
A guide to family reunification visas: What you need to know
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. However, understanding the required documentation and procedures can make the process smoother. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through it. Key considerations The Family […]
Democratic Memory Law: Spanish Nationality for International Brigade Volunteers and their descendants
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 who participated in the Spanish Civil War to obtain Spanish citizenship in recognition of their efforts towards Spain’s democracy. There is no need to give […]
Moving to Spain: Understanding the Self-Employment Work Visa
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 Visa is your gateway to this dynamic environment, offering the perfect blend of temporary residence and the chance to launch or expand your business ventures […]
Exceeding the 90-day Schengen limit due to exceptional circumstances
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 submitted. How can I extend my 90-day stay? Required Documentation: Procedure for Application: Written by Sara Velasco Del Canto Chambers can help you to #movetospain. […]
Spanish Tax Investigations And Enforcement
According to research by the website InterNations, the top three cities in the world in which expatriates thrive are all in Spain, namely Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia. And with the Spanish Government lobbying Brussels to exempt British tourists from the 90-day visit rule, it is clear that Spain deeply values its expat communities, whether individuals, […]
The Democratic Memory Law: a pathway towards Spanish nationality
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 Spanish Civil War and the Franco dictatorship by enabling them to apply for their Spanish nationality. As a result, it is centered on upholding justice […]
