Spanish Taxes for New Residents in 2026: the Beckham Law at 24%, the 183-Day Rule, Wealth Tax and Model 720
In my experience, taxes are the part of a move to Spain that people prepare least. The visa is the easy part. Becoming a Spanish tax resident is a long-term decision. Below I explain the main rules, using the Spanish Tax Agency as the main source. This is general information, not tax advice.
When you become a tax resident
You are usually a Spanish tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, or if your main business or economic interests are in Spain. Most permits for actually living in Spain, including the non-lucrative visa, lead to tax residency.
The general rules
| Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| Employment, business and pension income | progressive state and regional scale, top rate from about 45% depending on the region |
| Savings income: interest, dividends, capital gains | 19%, 21%, 23%, 27% and 30% above €300,000 |
Tax residents must also report foreign assets above €50,000 per category on Model 720. Wealth tax is a state tax that the regions can reduce, and the temporary solidarity tax on large fortunes applies to net wealth above €3 million.
The Beckham law
The special regime for impatriates allows a new resident to be taxed under non-resident rules for the year of the move and the next five years.
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rate on employment income | 24% up to €600,000, 47% above |
| Duration | year of arrival plus 5 years |
| Prior non-residence | not resident in Spain for the previous 5 years |
| Application | within 6 months of starting work in Spain |
Who qualifies: people who move for an employment contract with a Spanish employer or for remote work, including holders of the digital nomad visa; company directors, with limits for holding companies; people with an entrepreneurial activity approved under Law 14/2013; and highly qualified professionals working for startups or in research and innovation. The spouse and children can join the regime under conditions.
Who does not benefit
Retirees and rentiers on the non-lucrative visa cannot use the Beckham law. For them, the general rules apply from the first year of residence, and planning before the move is essential.
My honest view
For a remote worker or an executive with a high salary, the Beckham law can save a lot in the first six years. For people with large investment portfolios Spain is one of the more expensive countries in Europe. I always advise calculating the tax burden before choosing the visa.
Questions and answers
When do I become a Spanish tax resident?
As a rule, if you spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, or if the centre of your economic interests is in Spain. Tax residents pay tax on their worldwide income.
What is the Beckham law?
The special regime for impatriates in article 93 of the income tax law. Those who qualify pay 24% on employment income up to €600,000 and 47% above that, for the year they become resident and the five following years.
Who can use the Beckham law?
People who have not been Spanish tax residents in the previous five years and move to Spain for an employment contract, including remote work, to become a company director, for an entrepreneurial activity or as a highly qualified professional serving startups.
Does the non-lucrative visa give access to the Beckham law?
No. The regime requires a move for work or business. People on the non-lucrative visa are taxed under the general rules.
Sources
- Spanish Tax Agency: special regime for impatriates (article 93)
- Law 14/2013 on entrepreneurs
- Embassy of Spain: telework visa
Checked on 3 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm them with the official sources before you file anything.