For many people, the first step in moving to Spain is the property search — whether buying or
renting — and estate agents are well placed to help with that.
But before you book the removals, it is worth reviewing how and when your income is received
and structured.
Once you become a Spanish tax resident, Spain generally taxes worldwide income and, depending
on the autonomous community, may also apply wealth tax rules to worldwide assets. That makes
timing important.
It is also important to consider how you are moving to Spain.
If you are coming on a Non-Lucrative Visa, how will your savings and pensions be structured, given
that you cannot work on that visa?
If you are coming on a Digital Nomad Visa, you need to think about how your employer structures
your total reward package — including earnings, pension contributions, social security and life
assurance.
If you expect bonuses, dividends, capital gains, or pension withdrawals, taking advice before the
move can help.
And when it comes to support in Spain, remember there is a difference between an accountant and
a gestor.
A gestor may help with administration and bureaucracy
An accountant is usually better placed for pre-move tax planning, cross-border structuring, and
double-taxation issues.
Planning before the move is often far easier than fixing things afterwards.
Then, when your house completes, you can relax on the balcony with real peace of mind.