Common Questions About Expat Services in Spain

NIE appointments in Madrid currently take 2–8 weeks depending on the police station and time of year. We advise on preparation so your appointment goes smoothly — and advise on faster options when available. Getting your NIE right the first time avoids months of delays.

Not at all. We offer consultations in English, Ukrainian, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Italian and Bulgarian. Simply mention your preferred language when you get in touch and we will assign the right consultant.

The Beckham Law (Régimen Especial de Impatriados) is a Spanish tax regime that lets qualifying new residents pay a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income for up to 6 years — instead of progressive IRPF rates up to 47%. Digital nomads, remote workers and employees who recently relocated to Spain may qualify. Crucially, the application window is just 6 months from becoming a tax resident. We check your eligibility in your first consultation.

Autónomo is simpler and cheaper to set up, but social security contributions are fixed regardless of income level. An S.L. gives you more tax optimisation options and limited liability protection, but has more administrative overhead. The right choice depends on your income, your situation, and your plans. We compare both structures in detail in your business structure consultation.

You become a Spanish tax resident — which means Spain has the right to tax your worldwide income, not just what you earn in Spain. This applies to the entire calendar year, not just from day 184. Understanding this early is critical for Beckham Law eligibility and for avoiding unexpected tax bills on foreign income.

When TPS expires, you need an alternative residence status to remain legally in Spain. Options include arraigo social (if you have 3+ years in Spain), a work permit, family reunification, or other permits depending on your situation. We assess your eligibility, explain the timeline, and advise on the best pathway in your migration consultation.

SpainDesk provides expert consultation — we explain what to do, which documents you need, what the deadlines are, and what next steps to take. For full legal representation, document processing and formal submissions to Spanish authorities, we connect you with LexDixit directly. This two-step model means you always get the right level of service.

Yes. We offer online consultations worldwide. Many of our clients consult us before they even arrive in Spain to understand their options in advance, plan their tax position, and avoid first-arrival mistakes.

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) allows non-EU remote workers to live legally in Spain while working for clients abroad. DNV holders are eligible for the Beckham Law regime, which caps Spanish income tax at 24% for up to 6 years. We cover both the visa requirements and the tax implications in your consultation.

We do not publish prices on our website. Contact us with a brief description of your situation and we will tell you exactly what a consultation costs — no hidden fees, no obligation. Most situations are covered in a single consultation.

If you are a Spanish tax resident, Spain taxes your worldwide income — including UK salaries, dividends, rental income from property abroad, and pension income. How much you actually pay depends on any applicable double taxation treaty between Spain and your home country. We map out your exact position and identify all available treaty protections in your personal tax consultation.

Modelo 100 is the annual Spanish personal income tax return (IRPF declaration) that all Spanish tax residents must file. It covers all income from the previous calendar year, including foreign income. The filing window is April–June each year. First-time filers frequently miss deductions or misreport foreign income — we advise on how to file correctly.

IRNR (Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes) is non-resident income tax. It applies to people who are not Spanish tax residents but earn income in Spain — most commonly from renting or selling Spanish property. The rate is 19% for EU/EEA residents and 24% for others. If you own property in Spain but live abroad, IRNR is your primary Spanish tax obligation.

Spanish tax residents must file Modelo 720 if they hold overseas bank accounts, investments, or real estate with a total value above €50,000 per category. The deadline is 31 March each year. Failure to declare can result in severe penalties. We advise on whether Modelo 720 applies to your situation and what to include.

Property purchase triggers several taxes: Transfer Tax (ITP) at 6–10% for resale properties, or VAT (IVA) at 10% for new builds. If you are a non-resident, you also have annual IRNR obligations on the property (even if not rented out). If you rent it out, rental income is taxable. Capital gains on sale are also taxable. We advise on the full tax picture before and after purchase.

Double taxation treaties generally prevent you from being fully taxed in both countries on the same income, but they do not always mean zero tax in one country. Treaty provisions vary significantly by income type (employment, dividends, pensions, etc.). Spain has treaties with the UK, Ukraine, US, Poland, Germany, France and many others. We explain exactly how the relevant treaty applies to your income in your consultation.

Spain's Golden Visa program, which granted residence permits to non-EU buyers of Spanish property worth €500,000 or more, was closed in April 2025. No new applications are being accepted. If you are looking for investment-based residence in Spain, we advise on the current alternatives available. If you already hold a Golden Visa, we advise on renewal and status maintenance.

Yes. Spain requires residents to declare cryptocurrency holdings and gains. This includes disclosing crypto assets in Modelo 720 if values exceed the threshold, declaring gains and losses on Modelo 100, and correctly categorising income from staking, trading and mining. We advise on your obligations and the correct reporting approach.