The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa is designed for non-EU employees of multinational companies who are being temporarily transferred to a branch, subsidiary, or client in Spain. It is intended for managerial, technical, or highly specialised staff.
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Intra-Company Transfer Visa Spain
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 17th December 2025
17.12.25
Key Requirements
- Employment with a UK company that has operations or clients in Spain, with at least three months of prior employment before the transfer.
- Private health insurance valid in Spain.
- Applications can be submitted either:
- Online in Spain by the Spanish branch or client (approx. 20 working days), or
- Via the Spanish Consulate in the UK if applying from abroad.
- Visa valid for the duration of the transfer, up to three years, and renewable.
- Eligibility for the Beckham Law reduced tax regime.
- Covered under the
Understanding the Financial Impact of Your Move to Spain
Obtaining your visa is a crucial step, but understanding the financial implications of your relocation is just as important.
Many ICT applicants ask whether they can access the Beckham Law and how this could affect their tax position. While the widely advertised 24% tax rate on earnings up to €600,000 per year is the most visible element, there is another significant benefit that can greatly reduce your tax bill for the entire five-year period of the regime.
At The Spectrum IFA Group, our advisers combine professional expertise with first-hand experience, having each gone through the relocation process themselves. We help clients optimise their finances and make informed decisions before and after moving to Spain.
Additional Resources
- Case Study: Case Study, How we helped a Spanish Tax Resident couple after their move to Spain
- Why a financial adviser is essential for expats in Spain
- Moving within 12 months? Book a call online at a time that suits you.
- HQP Visa not suitable? View other visa options for British nationals.
Working With Trusted Visa Specialists
While we specialise in financial planning, we are not immigration lawyers. For visa matters, we work closely with Klev & Vera, a respected Barcelona-based law firm led by managing partner Anna Klevtsova, who holds degrees in International Law from both the UK and Spain.
This collaboration ensures clients receive:
- Clear guidance on the most suitable visa type
- Professional support throughout the application process
- Ongoing assistance with matters such as Spanish state pension queries
For full transparency: we do not accept commissions or referral fees from these lawyers. Our priority is that clients receive accurate, high-quality advice.
Highly Qualified Professional Visa – Spain
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 10th December 2025
10.12.25
The Highly Qualified Professional Visa is designed for non-EU professionals with specialist skills who have been recruited to work in Spain, particularly in high-demand sectors such as technology, engineering, and research.
Key Requirements
- A job offer from a Spanish company approved for “highly qualified” roles, along with suitable qualifications or professional experience.
- Minimum annual salary of €40,100 to demonstrate highly qualified status.
- Visa validity of up to three years, renewable for an additional two years.
- Eligibility to apply for the Beckham Law reduced tax regime.
- Applications can be submitted online in Spain by the employer (with fast-track processing, often within 20 working days) or via the Spanish Consulate in the UK if applying from abroad.
Understanding the Financial Impact of Your Move to Spain
Securing your visa is a major milestone — but it’s equally important to understand how relocating to Spain will affect your finances.
Many applicants ask whether they can join the Beckham Law while on the HQP Visa, and what this could mean for their tax position. While the well-known 24% tax rate on employment income up to €600,000 is widely published, there is another significant benefit that can substantially reduce your tax bill for the entire five-year duration of the scheme.
At The Spectrum IFA Group, our advisers are both professionally qualified and personally experienced in moving to and living in Spain. We help clients understand how to structure their finances efficiently from day one.
Additional Resources
- Case Study: Case Study, How we helped a Spanish Tax Resident couple after their move to Spain
- Why a financial adviser is essential for expats in Spain
- Moving within 12 months? Book a call online at a time that suits you.
HQP Visa not suitable? View other visa options for British nationals.
Working With Trusted Visa Specialists
While we are experts in financial planning, we are not visa specialists. For immigration matters, we work closely with Klev & Vera, a Barcelona-based law firm led by managing partner Anna Klevtsova, who holds degrees in International Law from both the UK and Spain.
Our collaboration ensures clients receive clarity on:
- Which visa type is most appropriate
- Assistance with the application process
- Ongoing matters such as state pension queries
For transparency: we do not receive any commission or fees from these lawyers. Our priority is that clients receive accurate, reputable advice.
The Beckham Law – Key Rules
You may be able to reduce your tax burden by opting to be taxed under the special non-resident tax regime (Beckham Law) if you meet the following conditions:
- You have not been a tax resident in Spain in the last five years.
- You apply for the new Beckham regime within six months of arrival.
- You become resident in Spain (typically by spending 183+ days per year in the country).
- The reduced rate applies for the year of arrival plus five full tax years.
- The first €600,000 of employment income is taxed at 24%.
Employment Criteria for the Beckham Law
You may qualify for the regime under any of the following employment structures:
- New employment in Spain with an entity registered with the Spanish Tax Agency
- Transfer to a Spanish entity while maintaining an existing employment contract
- Remote work from Spain for a foreign employer
- Appointment as a director of a Spanish entity
- Self-employment (“autónomo”) in an entrepreneurial activity
- Highly qualified self-employment providing services to startups
- Self-employment in training, research, development, or innovation activities
Each pathway has specific requirements, so professional tax advice is essential to confirm eligibility before relocating. We work with specialist tax lawyers who can assess your circumstances — and again, we do not receive any form of commission for referring clients.
Digital Nomad Visa Spain
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 8th December 2025
08.12.25
A residence permit for non-EU remote workers and freelancers who wish to live in Spain while working for companies outside the country.
The eligibility for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain includes:
- Available to employees of foreign companies, freelancers, or business owners working for clients outside Spain.
- Proof of steady remote income (minimum around €2,200 per month). If bringing your family with you this figure will rise.
- Access to Spain’s public healthcare system and local services once registered. Once the person with the DNV is registered the rest of the family who come to Spain can register and will be covered for health care.
- Apply online from Spain (processing time: about 20 working days) or in person from the UK (around 10 working days).
- Visa valid for one year when issued abroad; residence permit valid for three years if applied from Spain, renewable for two-year periods.
- If you work on a UK payroll, Spain-UK Bilateral Social Security Treaty covers the remote work; if you are an independent contractor, register as a freelancer-autónomo in Spain and pay your social security in Spain.
Your Visa is an important step for your move to Spain. At the same time, it is very important to have an understanding of how your finances will be affected when you move to Spain. For example, can you join the Beckham Law on the Digital Nomad Visa? What will this mean for your financial position? Whilst the 24% tax rate on earnings up to €600,000 pa is the most posted part of the rule on the internet, there is another very important benefit. This second benefit can hugely reduce your tax bill when moving to Spain and for the whole five tax years you are on the scheme,
At The Spectrum IFA Group in Spain, we are familiar with these opportunities both from our professional knowledge and our own experience of all our advisers having made the same move and who now live in Spain.
Case Study, How we helped a Spanish Tax Resident Couple after they moved to Spain
Why a financial adviser is essential for expats living in Spain
The DNV not suitable for you? See all the other available Visas for Spain for British nationals here
Whilst we are experts in our own field, we readily admit we are not experts in Visas. We, therefore, work with Visa lawyers at Klev & Vera, based in Barcelona. The firm is led by managing partner Anna Klevtsova with whom we have worked with for a number of years. Anna has a degree in International Law from the UK and a Masters degree in International Law in Spain.
The result has been clarity for clients moving to Spain on what type of visa is right for them, help with applying for the visa and availability to deal with ongoing matters such as the Spanish state pension.
Non Lucrative Visa Spain
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 2nd December 2025
02.12.25
A long-term residence permit for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain without working.
Popular with retirees and financially independent individuals seeking a new lifestyle in Spain.
Who could benefit from the Non Lucrative Visa (NLV) in Spain?
- Ideal for retirees, early retirees, or financially independent individuals.
- Proof of sufficient financial means ( income around €30,000/year for the main applicant and €8,000 per dependent).
- Requires a private health insurance contracted in Spain.
- Remote working, self employment or continuing to work for your UK employer are all NOT allowed with the NLV
- How to apply for an NLV. Application is submitted in person at the Spanish Consulate in the applicant’s home country (not available from within Spain).
- Processing time of up to two months; visa valid for one year and renewable for two-year periods.
- Eligibility for permanent residency after five years in Spain and Spanish nationality after ten years.
Your Visa is step 1 of your move to Spain.
Also needed is an understanding of how your finances will be affected when you move to Spain. At The Spectrum IFA Group in Spain, we are familiar with these changes both from our professional knowledge and our own experience of all our advisers having made the same move and who now live in Spain.
The Spectrum IFA Group in Spain assists individuals, employees and families moving to Spain with all financial aspects of their move. It starts with what actions are beneficial to take before you come to Spain and what needs to wait until you are resident in Spain. From the vital planning, how to save when in Spain, how to manage your tax on your savings, pensions in Spain and even, how to best manage currency transfers from the UK to Spain.
The UK Autumn Budget
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 24th November 2025
24.11.25
What you need to know
On 26th November 2025, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ms. Rachel Reeves, will present the Autumn Budget to the House of Commons. While some minor changes, like an increase in taxes on spirits, might take effect immediately; most changes won’t be implemented until later.
Despite this, the media will extensively cover the Chancellor’s statement on the day, often without clarifying that the proposed changes won’t take effect right away. You’ll likely see numerous articles, podcasts, webinars, and briefings discussing the Budget, based on the announcements made in Parliament. However, it’s important to be cautious before acting on these updates.
Understanding the Budget Process
The UK Parliamentary Commons Library defines the Budget as follows:
“The Budget is a statement made by the Chancellor to MPs in the House of Commons, presenting the government’s plans for the economy, including changes to taxation and spending.”
This is key because the Budget is just a statement of intent – not a law yet. Before any proposed changes become law, they go through several stages:
- Debates in the House of Commons (over four days).
- Debates in the House of Lords.
- The Finance Bill 2025 is then presented to Parliament.
- If Parliament votes in favor, the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament and the changes become law.
This process means that the initial announcements made in the Budget are still subject to change before they are finalized.
What Should You Do?
If the Budget includes a tax rise on whisky or similar immediate changes, it’s fine to take action before the increase goes into effect. However, for more complex changes (like pension reforms, stamp duty adjustments, income tax rates, and changes to ISAs), it’s wise to wait until the Finance Bill 2025 becomes law.
It’s important to remember that the Budget announcements are only the starting point. During the parliamentary readings of the Bill, amendments can be made—sometimes significant ones. In fact, in 2025, the media suggests there could be notable opposition from even the government’s own MPs, meaning the final law may differ substantially from the initial Budget statement.
Making financial decisions based on the Budget before the Bill is passed into law could lead to costly mistakes that impact your finances for years to come.
What next should you do?
To avoid acting on speculation, it’s best to let the media buzz die down after the Budget. The real, final changes will become clear in the Finance Act 2025, at which point you can make decisions based on confirmed facts.
If you’re living in or moving to Spain, and want advice on how the 2025 UK Budget might impact your finances, feel free to book a consultation at a time that works for you using our online booking system.”
Case Study Spanish Tax Resident Couple
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 19th August 2025
19.08.25
Husband 60, wife 60, married, with two children who are financially independent and living in the UK
Background
- Pensions £930k
- House €1.25 M
- Investments £60k
- Cash Spain €60k
- Cash UK £184k
- Wills – UK & Spain
Challenges
- Build client understanding of pension situation and propose planning solutions
- Combined pension values were about to exceed UK Lifetime Allowance, relevant even for Spanish residents
- Difficulty calculating total pension benefits as coming from four different schemes
- When can I retire?
- No clear investment strategy
- How to minimise tax on retirement income
Better returns on funds held outside the pensions
- Bank accounts earning only 0.15%
Forward planning including Inheritance Tax
- Would the wife have sufficient income to maintain property if current pensions provided only 50% pension on husband’s death?
- What would be the Spanish inheritance tax liability if one partner died?
- How would this tax be paid?
- How is inheritance tax applied in Spain and the UK?
- How can UK and Spanish inheritance tax liabilities be managed and minimised?
What we did
a) Completed a full financial review of present financial standing
b) Undertook a cash-flow forecast to establish if widow’s pension was sufficient, how to pay inheritance tax on first death and how long their money would last
c) Consolidated pensions to improve tax efficiency, improve widow’s pension and manage in line with their other assets
d) Built investment strategy to improve return on their investments and cash
e) Clarified how inheritance tax applies in Spain and UK and gave an estimate of tax due
f) Built an inheritance tax strategy, including provision for sufficient funds to pay tax in Spain on first death
g) Minimised Spanish tax paperwork and liaised with Spanish tax adviser
h) Produced a family inheritance tax strategy document so whole family knew the strategy without disclosing amounts held by the parents
i) Wrote to UK HMRC to obtain confirmation that the family home in Spain would qualify for the Main Residence Nil Rate Band
j) Identified UK inheritance tax saving on a UK life assurance policy
k) Carried out regular reviews over 12 years (so far) to update investment and inheritance tax strategies and to adapt to legislative changes
The Results
- Improved return on bank accounts to 3.5% pa giving an increased £4,200 pa
- Removed pensions from UK Lifetime Allowance restriection
- By providing documentary evidence from UK HMRC for Main Residence Nil Rate Band delivered an inheritance tax saving of up to £140,000
- Improved widow’s pension by £7,000 pa
- Kept clients fully compliant with changing tax rules
- Answered the financial question “Am I going to be OK?” with a “Yes”
If you are resident in Spain, or are planning to move here, and would like to receive information on tax-efficient investing, pension transfers, investment planning or general financial planning, you can contact me on: barry.davys@spectrum-ifa.com or direct on 0034 645 257 525 – The Spectrum IFA Group (Spain)
Why do your fellow affluent expats become clients of The Spectrum IFA Group in Spain?
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 30th June 2025
30.06.25
It is all about the planning, solutions, implementation and continuing support (PSIC).
We take as long as is necessary to understand your situation and listen to your hopes and plans for the future. It is time well spent because to be effective for you, we work to understand first, which then guides the process for your planning. In fact it governs how you and your adviser approach each step in our PSIC process..
So, why do wealthy expatriates become clients of The Spectrum IFA Group in Spain?
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- Secure document exchange and secure email
- We take into account your views, especially in your approach to risk
- We look forward, not just backwards at past performance
- Cashflow modelling allows you to see what your financial future could look like and includes a “What if” function to allow you to see potential outcomes before you commit to a decision
- Investment portfolios are built according to your individual objectives, using a discretionary fund manager if appropriate. Historic performance data from 1990 to 2023 is used for reliable and realistic cashflow forecasting
- When you become a client of The Spectrum IFA Group in Spain, we take into account the impact of the following in our planning and investment recommendations: Wealth tax, Income tax, Capital gains tax, Inheritance tax, Gift tax, Property tax and how to mitigate the impact of these taxes
- We plan across generations
- We understand both UK and Spanish taxes, how they work together and where they conflict, to help with cross-border tax planning
- Our assistance has included planning leading up to and post business sales, structuring share option vesting, managing property sale proceeds, investment of lottery/premium bond wins and gifts and advice for adult children of clients.
- Ongoing service which follows a clear process to ensure long-term planning remains fully aligned with your circumstances
- The Spectrum IFA Group has been advising in Spain for 23 years. We currently have 17 advisers across the group who have been with us continuously for 20 years or more
- Additional tax guidance and reporting – in Catalonia I work with only two firms of tax lawyers after vetting dozens.
- I call on the support of a specialist Visa lawyer to advise on and apply for visas
- Easy to arrange a call with your adviser, Barry Davys, at a time that is convenient for you, using his online system.
- We have a specialist mortgage service within the group – Spectrum International Mortgages is a mortgage broker in Spain with extensive experience handling high value transactions. A search of one estate agent’s offering in the area around S’Agaro, Costa Brava, shows the following available properties:
How did our mortgage broker source a mortgage for a High Net Worth person who had become a tax resident in Spain wanted a mortgage as part of his strategic financial planning to improve his capital efficiency.”
Find out how here.
– 31 over €1M
– 13 over €2M
– 7 over €3M
– 3 over €4M
– 1 over €5M
– 1 over €6M
– 2 over €7M
– 1 over €8M
– 6 with Price by Request
- Our mortgage solutions are available as a stand alone service or as part of our PSIC process – the PSIC process itself is best suited to clients with €500,000 or more to invest
If this is how you want your planning to be managed, book an initial call directly with Barry Davys, at a time that is convenient for you, using his online service. You will be offered the choice of a phone call or a video call when choosing your time.
Relocating to Spain
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 27th June 2025
27.06.25
Are you planning to relocate to Spain and don’t know where to start? Are you a Spanish national thinking of coming back to Spain after more than 5 years in the UK?
Barry Davys was a guest with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce alongside Kle&Vera – the international law firm, in the UK for a recent webinar on Relocating to Spain & the Financial Insights.
You can watch part of this webinar below:
If you have any questions after watching the video or would like to talk to Barry, please use the online calendar booking system to choose a time that suits you.
Why a Financial Adviser is Essential for Expats Living in Spain
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 18th January 2025
18.01.25
Change is inevitable, and for many, it can be unsettling—especially when moving to a new country like Spain. Navigating the complexities of a new tax system, managing investments in unfamiliar markets, and ensuring your financial future aligns with both your personal goals and local regulations can be daunting.
Fortunately, in the 19 years I have been in Spain, many of my clients have placed their trust in me, allowing me to guide them through these challenges on their financial journeys. While seeking professional advice might involve a cost, the peace of mind it provides – and the assurance that your wishes are carried out efficiently and effectively – makes it an invaluable investment.
For expats living in Spain, the need for a financial adviser becomes even more apparent. The financial landscape here is unique, with specific regulations, tax implications, and cultural nuances that can easily trip up even the savviest individuals. An experienced adviser ensures that every decision you make is informed, compliant, and tailored to your needs.
The Value of an Adviser in Spain
When you choose to work with a financial adviser in Spain, you gain far more than someone to manage your investments. Here’s what we bring to the table:
- Navigating Spanish Tax Systems: Spain’s tax system is complex, particularly for expats. From wealth taxes to inheritance taxes and the rules around double taxation treaties, an adviser can guide you through the maze and help optimise your arrangements.
- Structuring Tax-Efficient Investments: An adviser ensures your assets are structured to maximise tax efficiency during your lifetime and, importantly, for your family after you’re gone.
- Providing Stability During Market Turbulence: When stock markets fluctuate, it’s easy to panic. An adviser helps you maintain perspective, adapt strategies if necessary, and keep focused on your long-term goals.
- Liaising with Local Experts: In Spain, financial planning often requires collaboration with tax lawyers, notaries, and other local experts. A good adviser coordinates these relationships to safeguard your interests.
- Accessing Expert Investment Insights: Advisers have access to fund managers and global investment opportunities that may outperform self-managed options. This expertise ensures your investments are aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
- Supporting Life Transitions: Whether you’re buying property in Spain, starting or selling a business, or preparing for retirement, an adviser provides a steady hand to guide you through every major change.
Preparing for Life’s Uncertainties
As an adviser with decades of experience, I’ve walked with my clients through every stage of life. For expats, ensuring your financial affairs are in order is crucial—not just for you, but for your loved ones. If your next of kin are unfamiliar with Spanish legal and financial requirements, settling your affairs can become an overwhelming burden.
A good financial adviser ensures everything is prepared ahead of time, reducing stress for those left behind. This includes organising inheritance planning to minimise tax liabilities and ensuring your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
Planning for Continuity
Even as I consider the future of my own practice, I reflect on the importance of continuity. For my clients, this means having a trusted team in place to manage their affairs should I no longer be available. Similarly, expats need to consider how their financial arrangements will be managed over the long term, especially in a foreign country.
Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone
While it’s possible to manage your finances independently, the risks of missing out on key opportunities or making costly mistakes are significantly higher. This is especially true in Spain, where the rules and regulations are often different from those in your home country.
Working with a financial adviser ensures that every aspect of your financial life is optimised and aligned with your goals. It’s not just about avoiding pitfalls, it’s about unlocking opportunities that you might not even know exist.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Whether you’re new to Spain or have lived here for years, the value of professional financial advice cannot be overstated. By partnering with a knowledgeable adviser, you gain more than financial stability, you gain peace of mind, knowing that every decision you make is informed, strategic, and designed to protect your future.
Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Take the first step today. Send me a summary of your situation at barry.davys@spectrum-ifa.com and discover how tailored financial advice can help you achieve your goals while navigating the unique challenges of living in Spain.
Contact me now to begin your journey toward financial clarity, security, and success. Your future self, and your family, will thank you.
AI in financial planning
By Barry Davys
This article is published on: 8th January 2025
08.01.25
Enhancing Your Financial Strategy with Trusted AI Tools
The buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI) is hard to ignore, with tools like ChatGPT becoming increasingly accessible. While AI offers exciting possibilities, my approach remains measured and focused on one goal: enhancing your financial planning experience.
How AI Enhances Your Financial Planning
AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a replacement for personalized advice.
Instead, I use AI to complement my expertise, freeing up more time to focus on your unique needs and objectives. Below, I’ve outlined how AI is being integrated into our processes and the benefits it brings to you.
Common Questions About AI in Financial Planning
Will AI take over jobs?
AI is ideal for repetitive tasks, such as sorting recyclable materials in factories. In financial planning, it’s a supportive tool, not a replacement for human judgment and empathy.
Will my financial planning be fully automated?
Absolutely not. Financial planning is deeply personal and requires understanding your goals, values, and circumstances. While AI can assist with specific tasks, I remain at the heart of your financial strategy, ensuring your plan reflects your needs.
Where and How AI is Being Used
I take an incremental approach to adopting AI, focusing on areas that directly enhance your experience and outcomes:
1. Cash Flow Modeling
AI helps generate clearer, more timely reports, allowing us to review and adjust your plan efficiently. Future developments will include portfolio research and implementation improvements, currently in the testing phase.
2. Tax-Efficient Savings
Calculating taxes on investments with complex withdrawal patterns has traditionally been time-consuming. AI now streamlines this process, reducing calculation times from weeks to days, ensuring more accurate and timely tax planning.
3. Investment Research
AI aids in analyzing market trends and investment options, giving us deeper insights to recommend strategies aligned with your goals.
4. Communication
AI enhances how I communicate updates on your financial plan, changes in tax laws, or regulatory developments. You’ll receive information faster and in more digestible formats, keeping you informed every step of the way.
A Human-Centered Approach
AI is an augmentation tool, not a replacement. It allows me to dedicate more time to addressing life events and complex planning needs, including:
- Managing inheritances and inheritance tax (in Spain and the UK)
- Retirement planning tailored to your lifestyle goals
- Tax-efficient strategies whether you stay in Spain or return to the UK
While AI supports behind the scenes, you can trust that I remain your adviser – a person you can rely on for clarity, guidance, and answers to all your financial questions.
A Commitment to Your Success
AI is being introduced thoughtfully, with the sole aim of improving outcomes for you. Rest assured, I’m not becoming a robot or avatar. I will always be here to provide personalized, human-centric advice tailored to your unique circumstances.
If you have any questions about how AI is being used or how it benefits your financial plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
To start a conversation book a call with Barry Davys using his online system. This allows you to choose a time that is convenient for you for the call which can be either a phone or video call.