Living in Spain

Spain remains a highly desirable location both for travel and residence. Its capital city Madrid and port city Barcelona are world-famous and draw millions of visitors to the country’s shores every year. The unique essence of Spain can be felt in its lively music and dance traditions such as flamenco, cuisine that is influenced by the seafood found in the waters that surround the country, and in the architecture of the sophisticated cities that inspired some of the world’s greatest artists.

A country that is as geographically diverse as it is culturally, Spain has a landscape that ranges from citrus orchards to snow-capped mountains, to hot beaches, to rugged hills. The climate is temperate, with hot summers and cool winters. Bordered to the west by Portugal, to the northeast by France, and to the far south by Gibraltar, Spain enjoys both Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and residents and citizens of Spain have easy access to the rest of Europe, Latin America, and North Africa — allowing for ultimate ease of travel.

Impressive legal system

The country employs a civil law legal system (with regional variations), which benefits both residents and citizens alike. Spain is a significant model for freedom and human rights, including those of the LGBTQIA+ community, with same-sex unions respected throughout the nation. Moreover, the country’s life expectancy rate averages at 82 years, which is a notably high rate worldwide.

Advanced economy and business landscape

Despite suffering a severe economic recession following the 2008 global financial crisis, Spain has recovered impressively, even recording consecutive years of GDP growth that is above the EU average. Its economy is the fourth largest of the Eurozone, and Spain was ranked an impressive 30 out of 190 on the 2020 Ease of Doing Business Index. Its industries are strong, with the textile and apparel (including footwear) industry a global leader in the fashion space. The Spanish economy is dynamic and rapidly growing.

Attractive tax regime for residents

Residents by investment do not become tax residents unless they spend more than 183 days per year in Spain. Non-residents are taxed in Spain only on Spanish-sourced income, in accordance with applicable ‘tax treaty’ provisions, which may result in lower tax rates on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains. Taxation depends on the nature of the income and on the investor’s tax residence status. A new regulation (the Beckham Rule) provides a flat tax rate for Spanish tax residents relocated from abroad during their first six years of effective residence.