How Many Days Do You Have to Live in Spain to Pay Taxes?

Spain’s tax residency rules are critical to understand for those considering a move to Spain or spending part of the year there. Whether you are liable to pay taxes in Spain depends on your residency status.

In Spain, you are considered a tax resident if you meet either of these criteria:

1. You spend more than 183 days in Spain during the calendar year. The days do not need to be consecutive, and temporary absences are generally not considered unless you can prove tax residency in another country. It’s also worth noting that a “day” in Spain can mean an entire day or part of a day.
2. Spain is the centre of your economic interests. This means that the base for your economic or professional activities is in Spain, or that the majority of your assets are located in Spain. Alternatively, if your spouse and/or underage children live in Spain, you may be presumed a tax resident unless you can prove otherwise.

As a Spanish tax resident, you are subject to Spanish tax on your worldwide income and assets. This includes income tax, wealth tax, and inheritance tax.

However, Spain has double tax treaties with many countries, including the UK, to prevent double taxation. These treaties can clarify where you need to pay tax if you are considered a tax resident in two countries.

If you’re planning to spend significant time in Spain or considering a move, it’s important to get expert advice. At Chorus Financial, our experts are well-versed in the tax systems of both Spain and the UK and can guide you through the tax implications of your residency status. For any questions or further assistance, feel free to contact us.