International Non Profit Foundations Case Study

International Non Profit Foundations Case Study

The Commercial Driver

Del Canto Chambers has significant expertise in Charity Law and has helped many not for profit foundations navigate the unique legal, tax and regulatory requirements of the sector, especially with the added complexity of an international element. Some examples of foundations we have advised are:

  • ArtAids & Han Nefkens Foundation. We helped Dutch writer and art collector Han Nefkens set up The ArtAids foundation that uses art to raise public consciousness about Aids, which included the establishment of three separate ArtAids organisations in the Netherlands, Thailand and Spain. We also assisted with the establishment of the Han Nefkens Foundation which supports emerging international video artists through its extensive network in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea, Ecuador, Peru, Spain and the Netherlands.
  • Al Sharq Forum is an independent, international not for profit think tank, with offices in London, Istanbul, Geneva and Kuala Lumpur, that aims to develop long-term strategies and programs that contribute to the Al Sharq region and the world.
  • Observatorio de Habla Hispana. Conducting the negotiations between the London School of Economics and El País to create Observatorio de Habla Hispana in London.

Contact us for more information

How Del Canto Chambers delivered value

Del Canto helped identify the best legal structure and formation of these foundations, including the legal implications and special tax regime that non-profit organisations are entitled to.

We advised on the constitution and registration, ensuring their correct operation and compliance with all formal requirements across various jurisdictions. We also provide guidance on operations and governance to trustees and management.

The Result

All of these not for profits foundations faced a unique range of legal, regulatory, governance and tax issues. We successfully assisted with the design and formation of the foundations, advised on the tax and legal implications and ensured compliance at all stages of their development across numerous jurisdictions, making them tax-efficient entities.

Related Services

FAQs about the Beckham Rule:

The Beckham Rule is a special Spanish tax regime for expatriates. It allows qualifying individuals to pay a flat tax rate on employment income and to be treated as non-residents for certain other tax purposes.

Any individual who moves to Spain for professional reasons and has not been tax resident in Spain during the five previous tax years may apply. This includes employees, remote workers, directors, and certain entrepreneurs.

Qualifying income is taxed at a flat rate of 24% up to €600,000. Income exceeding that threshold is taxed at 47%.

You must not have been considered a tax resident in Spain during the five tax years immediately preceding your relocation.

Your move to Spain must be for genuine employment or professional reasons, such as:

  • Holding an employment contract with a Spanish or foreign companyWorking remotely from Spain under a Digital Nomad Visa

  • Acting as a highly qualified professional or entrepreneur conducting a business activity in Spain

  • Serving as a director of a company, provided that—if the company is asset-holding—you hold no more than 25% of its shares

You must apply for the regime within six months of registering with the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social). This deadline is strictly enforced.

The regime applies for a total of six tax years: the year you become a Spanish tax resident and the following five full years.

The regime applies for a total of six tax years: the year you become a Spanish tax resident and the following five full years.

Under the Beckham Rule, all employment and professional income is taxable in Spain, regardless of where it is earned. However, income from non-Spanish sources—such as interest, dividends, investment income, and capital gains—is not subject to Spanish tax.

You are only subject to Wealth Tax and Solidarity Tax on assets located in Spain. Foreign assets are excluded from the Spanish tax base during the six-year period.

Your spouse and dependent children under 25 (or of any age if legally disabled) may also benefit from the regime, provided they meet the requirements and file separate applications.

If you move to Spain to act as a director, you may apply regardless of your shareholding. However, if the company is an asset-holding entity, your ownership must not exceed 25%.

If you cease to be tax resident in Spain before completing the six-year period, you will automatically lose the benefits of the regime. From that point onward, you will be taxed under the general Spanish tax system, which includes progressive rates and worldwide income taxation.

London based Spanish Legal Experts are ready to guide you

Del Canto Chambers has a specialised team ready and eager to support you to apply for Spanish nationality. If you are interested in applying and would like to know if you are eligible, we would be delighted to help you.

Major Cases

You can see some of our major clients here:

Featured in Leading Media

Del Canto Chambers has a long track record and our lawyers and barristers are often represented in different media

Service areas

Special focus on:

DC Chambers news & articles

If you wish to make an enquiry, please complete the form below. We will get back to you within 24 hours.

In accordance to the Bar Standards Board, we hereby inform you that you may contact us for a quotation.