For many people, the first stage of a move to Spain is finding the right home, whether to buy or rent,
and estate agents are well placed to support that process.
However, before the removals are booked, it is worth reviewing how income, pensions, investments
and wider assets are structured. Once an individual becomes Spanish tax resident,
Spain generally taxes worldwide income and, depending on the autonomous community, may also
apply wealth tax rules to worldwide assets. As a result, timing can be critical.
It is also important to consider the basis on which you are moving. Those relocating under a Non-
Lucrative Visa need to think carefully about how savings and pensions are organised, given that
employment is not permitted.
Those moving under a Digital Nomad Visa should consider how earnings, pension contributions,
social security and broader benefits are structured.
Where future bonuses, dividends, capital gains or pension withdrawals are expected, advice taken
before the move may help determine whether certain steps are better taken while still UK resident.
This is also where the distinction between an accountant and a gestor matters. A gestor can be
very helpful with administration and local bureaucracy, but for pre-move tax planning, cross-
border structuring and double-taxation issues, a qualified accountant is usually the more
appropriate adviser.
Planning before the move is almost always easier than correcting matters afterwards so you can
enjoy your coffee on the balcony in peace.