I often hear from people who are used to tax-efficient savings and investments in their home country (for example, UK ISAs) and want to find the same here in Spain. Immediately, I explain two key things:

• Unless you qualify for a specialist tax regime such as The Beckham Law, you will generally pay more tax living in Catalonia (and Spain in general) — we pay to live here (and most would agree it’s worth it!).
• It’s not easy to get the right advice when it comes to setting yourself up tax-efficiently in Spain — covering everyday income taxes, deferring and mitigating savings/investment tax, and avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to problems with the Spanish tax authorities.

When arranging your finances, there are three professionals you should have on your side — and in this order:

1. Tax Adviser / Lawyer
They’ll explain, implement, and advise on the best way to set yourself up from a tax perspective in Spain. This is your starting point. Once you’re resident, the “tax clock” starts ticking — so it’s crucial to get it right from the outset.
2. Accountant (Gestor)
They ensure you declare what you should, claim what you can, and stay compliant with Spanish tax obligations. Remember: in Spain, you’re often considered “guilty until proven innocent” — bank accounts can be frozen or assets seized until you legally prove otherwise, which can take years.
3. Financial Adviser
A good financial adviser will first make sure the above two areas are in order. Then, they’ll take the time to understand your situation, your questions and priorities, and build a tax-efficient investment strategy that matches your goals and comfort with risk. They’ll also ensure you’re administratively organised — for example, having the right Will.

Tax-Efficient Investing in Spain

If you’re resident (or becoming resident) in Spain, here are some key points and strategies to be aware of:
1. Taxation for Residents
If you are tax resident in Spain (over 183 days here, or your “centre of interests” is in Spain), you’re taxed on your worldwide income and gains.

• Investment income (dividends, interest, and capital gains) falls under the savings tax scale:

• 19% up to €6,000
• 21% from €6,000–€50,000
• 23% from €50,000–€200,000
• 26–28% above that

• Wealth tax (patrimonio) applies in many regions — some exempt it, but Catalonia it is not.
• Tax-free wrappers from abroad (like UK ISAs) are not recognised as tax-free in Spain.
• Non-compliant investments can lead to worse tax treatment and extra reporting (e.g., Modelo 720).

2. Key Tax-Efficient Investment Structures

Spanish-Compliant Investment Bond (SCIB)
A life-assurance based investment bond recognised by Spanish authorities.

Benefits include:

• Growth inside the policy rolls up tax-free (no annual taxation).
• Withdrawals are taxed only on the gain portion, not the full amount.
• May reduce reporting obligations (like Modelo 720).
• Can assist with inheritance planning.

Important: Ensure it’s a Spanish-compliant product — otherwise, you lose these benefits. While it offers tax deferral, you’ll still pay savings income tax when you withdraw gains (unlike a UK ISA).

Holding Company / ETVE Regime
For those with corporate structures, the Entidad de Tenencia de Valores Extranjeros regime can be highly tax-efficient.

• Dividends and gains from foreign subsidiaries may be 95% exempt from corporate tax.
• Dividends to non-residents can often be distributed tax-free. This is generally for higher-net-worth individuals or corporate setups.

I am here to help you get organised and take those financial worries away. If you would like to discuss any of the above topics in more detail, or you would like to have an initial consultation to explore your personal situation, you can do so here.

Click here to read independent reviews on Chris and his advice.

Especially when it comes to retirement.

I was really interested to read an article recently published in the UK press about regrets many pensioners have when they do eventually retire.

The number one regret was not saving enough early on in their lives, with many retirees wishing they had started saving into their pensions earlier, or having increased the amount they paid into their pensions when their incomes were higher later on in their careers.

The importance of actively managing pension arrangements was again largely under estimated, with many retirees wishing they’d made clearer plans earlier. For example, when to retire, where they may be retiring and what sort of lifestyle they wanted. As these ‘wants’ changed during their younger years leading up to retirement, many people simply didn’t adjust their pensions accordingly.

Inevitably this is easier said than done, making it one of the most difficult decisions to get right, because of course it’s almost impossible. Some retirees feel they were too cautious with their money in their younger years, with others maybe enjoying life a tiny bit too much and then finding out they either couldn’t enjoy retirement fully because they hadn’t contributed enough, or conversely finding out their pension income far exceeded their needs in retirement.

Needless to say that if you are reading this and you have already retired, then these observations may all be a little too late. However, many people I meet after they have moved to Spain have retired quite early in life and are not yet drawing on their pensions. In these cases, there is still a lot you can do, particularly by way of managing these pension funds as effectively as possible. Ie Maybe the charges can be reduced or the investment strategy can be improved? Also, what about the tax position when you do start to draw down – understanding this and making sure it’s as tax efficient as possible can make a big difference.

If this is you, then please feel free to get in touch so we can take a good look at your current situation and if relevant consider the available options as to how best to manage things going forward.

Moving to Spain gives you more than just a better lifestyle — it offers a fresh perspective on what really matters.

For many expats, that means not only enjoying their wealth today, but ensuring it’s passed on efficiently to loved ones tomorrow.

But here’s the catch: Spain’s inheritance and gift tax system works very differently from what most expats are used to in their home countries. And without the right planning, your family could end up facing an unnecessary and unexpected tax bill.

The amount payable depends on:

• The relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary (spouses and children generally receive the biggest allowances)
• The value of the inheritance
• The region of Spain you live in — because each autonomous community (like Valencia or Madrid) sets its own allowances and reductions

For example, Madrid currently offers one of the most generous regional allowances, with reductions of up to 99% for close family members. Valencia, on the other hand, provides smaller deductions — which can make a significant difference to your family’s eventual tax exposure.

Structuring Your Investments Can Make a Big Difference

The way you hold your assets determines how smoothly — and efficiently — they can be passed on. Investments in a Spanish tax-compliant bond can offer a number of key advantages when planning for succession:

• You retain full control of your investment during your lifetime
• You can name multiple beneficiaries, who inherit directly without the need for probate delays
• The bond’s structure allows for efficient transfer of value — avoiding the administrative complexity that often comes with overseas holdings
• Beneficiaries may receive significant tax advantages, depending on your region of residence

In short, compliant structures help your heirs inherit assets that are clean, locally compliant and immediately accessible, without triggering unnecessary tax consequences.

Beware of the traps….

When you move to Spain, the dream is clear: sunshine, a slower pace, and more time to enjoy life. But for many expats, the reality of managing money here soon brings a new challenge — understanding how the Spanish tax system treats your investments.

In the UK or elsewhere, you might have built wealth using ISAs, premium bonds, or investment portfolios with little thought for cross-border implications. But once you become tax resident in Spain, those same structures can start working against you rather than for you.

A New Life, a New Set of Rules
One of the biggest surprises for newcomers to Spain is that Spain taxes your worldwide income and gains — not just what’s earned here. That includes dividends, interest, and even growth within investment funds.

It’s easy to assume that investments left “back home” can be ignored, but in reality, the Spanish tax authorities (Hacienda) expect full reporting of your global assets.

That’s where many expats fall into avoidable tax traps:
– Selling shares or funds that trigger capital gains tax at 19–28%
– Holding money in non-compliant offshore accounts
– Missing annual reporting obligations on overseas assets (Modelo 720/721)

• Your money still grows through diversified investments (funds, equities, etc.)
• Growth inside the bond is tax-deferred — you only pay tax when you withdraw
• Withdrawals are treated proportionally, so only a small part is taxable
• No annual reporting required on the underlying investments
• It simplifies wealth management — one structure, one report, all compliant with Spanish law

For example, if your investment grows 5% in a year and you take a small withdrawal, only a fraction of that amount is taxable — not the full sum. Compare that to a General Investment Account, where every sale or fund switch could trigger tax immediately.

Building Wealth the Right Way
The goal isn’t just to save tax — it’s to grow wealth sustainably, with peace of mind.

By using compliant structures, you can:

• Avoid unnecessary annual tax drag on your investments
• Allow your capital to compound over time
• Keep your financial reporting simple and transparent

And when it comes to retirement planning or accessing your UK pension, having your investments structured correctly in Spain makes a world of difference to how much you actually keep.

So before you make any investment or draw from your pension, take a moment to review your setup. The right structure today can save you thousands over the years ahead, and keep your finances aligned with the lifestyle you came here to enjoy.

Final Thought

Spain rewards those who plan ahead. By taking time to structure your wealth intelligently, you can enjoy the Mediterranean life — without letting unnecessary taxes eat into your returns.

Call to Action

If you’re living in Valencia, Madrid, or elsewhere in Spain and would like to review your investments or pension arrangements, I can help you explore the most tax-efficient and compliant options available for residents.

Whether you’re recently arrived or have been here for years, a short conversation can often reveal ways to improve returns and reduce tax exposure — all within the Spanish system.

Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation to see how you can make your money work smarter in Spain.

Regular saving & investing for Expats in Spain: A New Way to Build Your Future Wealth

For many of my clients here in Catalonia and across Spain, their wealth is locked away in their home/property. It’s a comforting form of security, however most people understand the need to make their surplus money and savings work for them —as the years are passing and the need to plan for future expenses and retirement are becoming ever more important.

But here’s the challenge:
If you live in Spain, your options for tax-efficient long-term saving are extremely limited — unlike in the UK, where private pensions allow contributions of up to £60,000 per year with valuable tax relief.
So, what can you do if:

• You don’t have a large lump sum to invest right now, but
• You do have a monthly disposable amount that you could commit toward your financial future?

Until recently, the answer wasn’t encouraging. Most products available locally offered poor returns, high fees, and were designed to benefit the banks or institutions more than the investor.

That’s changed.
Today, we have a cost-efficient investment strategy that allows our clients to start with a modest initial amount and then add to it monthly — a plan that truly works in your favour.
Here’s why it’s such a powerful approach and can increase your wealth allowing your money to pay for future life goals:

1. Compounding Growth: Your Money ‘Making’ Money
When you invest regularly, your returns begin to generate returns — that’s the magic of compound interest.
For example:

• Initial investment: €50,000
• Monthly contribution: €1,000
• Average annual return: 6%

Timeframe: 10 years
At the end of that period, your total balance could exceed €254,850.

2. Smoothing Out Market Volatility (Dollar/Euro-Cost Averaging)
By investing a fixed amount every month, you buy more when prices are low and fewer when they’re high — automatically reducing your risk.

This strategy, known as dollar/euro-cost averaging, helps take the emotion out of investing and smooths out short-term market swings.

Over time, it leads to a lower average cost per unit and more stable growth.

3. Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market
Even professional investors can’t consistently predict when to buy or sell.

What matters most is staying invested — because missing just a few of the market’s best days can dramatically impact your long-term returns.

A disciplined monthly investment keeps you in the game and lets you capture long-term market growth without the stress of guessing when to act.

4. Builds a Strong Saving Habit
Treat your monthly investment like a bill — a payment to your future self.

This simple mindset creates powerful financial discipline and ensures you’re always moving closer to your goals, even when life gets hectic.

5. Your Money Working Harder — and Smarter
Regular investing means your money is always working for you.

Through dividends, interest, and capital growth, your returns compound over time — accelerating your wealth creation.

6. Protecting Your Wealth Against Inflation
Cash sitting in a bank account is losing value every year due to inflation.

Investing in assets such as stocks, bonds, or diversified funds gives your money a real chance to outpace inflation and grow in real terms.

7. Building Financial Independence

Consistent, long-term investing helps you create assets that generate income and give you freedom.

Whether your goal is a secure retirement, helping your children with education, or achieving financial independence, this strategy is designed to get you there — steadily and confidently.

In Summary

You don’t need a fortune to start — just commitment, consistency, and a smart structure.
Our investment strategy gives you the flexibility to start small, save a sizeable monthly disposable amount, and build meaningful wealth over time — without the high costs or complexity of traditional financial products.

If you’re an expat in Spain ready to make your money work harder for your future, now is the time to act.

Ready to see how this could work for you?
Get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about building your financial future in Spain – NOTE, a minimum saving amount of €1,000 per month applies.

If you would like to have an initial consultation to explore your personal situation, you can do so here.

Click here to read independent reviews on Chris and his advice.

How expats in Barcelona/Spain can save, invest, reduce future taxes and build wealth smartly

Barcelona/Spain continues to attract top international talent — entrepreneurs, digital professionals, and executives who want to enjoy life in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities while advancing their careers. But moving to Spain comes with financial questions:

How can you structure your income efficiently, save for the future, and make your money work harder for you?

Enter the Beckham Law — a powerful tax regime that, when used strategically, can form the foundation for long-term wealth building.

That means:

• You pay 24% tax on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 (€47% above that).
• Foreign income and gains are exempt — in other words, you’re not taxed in Spain on your worldwide income.

For professionals relocating to Barcelona/Spain, that’s a huge opportunity.

It provides a window of time to optimise your finances, save aggressively, and invest smartly before you transition into the standard Spanish tax system/move elsewhere.

The Challenge: Saving and Investing in Spain

While the Beckham Law provides tax advantages on income, the options for medium/long-term saving and investing in Spain are limited — especially compared to the UK or other countries with flexible private pension systems.

Spanish banks are generally perceived to offer higher-cost products and traditional pension plans have minimal contribution and tax advantages.

So, what can you do if you want to make the most of your time under the Beckham regime and then very importantly make sure you are highly tax efficient for when it ends and you either stay in Spain or leave?

The Opportunity: Strategic International Investing

This is where smart financial planning makes all the difference.
I help clients in Barcelona/Spain build international investment structures that are:

• Tax-efficient under the Beckham regime,
• Flexible, allowing monthly or lump-sum contributions,
• Transparent and low-cost, focused on long-term growth rather than bank fees,
• And fully compliant with Spanish and international regulations.

Why Act Now

The Beckham Law is temporary — and the clock starts ticking the day you qualify.

The earlier you begin saving and investing during your residency, the more you can take advantage of the reduced tax burden and compounding returns.

Once your six-year window closes, your tax position changes — so using that time effectively can make a massive difference to your long-term wealth.

Tax Efficient strategy

When on the Beckham Law you have almost a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to get financially organised, reduce future taxes and mitigate/eradicate profits on current gains, potentially increase wealth substantially and set yourself up for the rest of your life financially – You just need the right advice, financial partner and strategy to help you do this, someone with years of experience helping clients achieve this.

Ready to make the most of your time under the Beckham regime?

I help expats in Spain take control of their finances — with transparent advice, efficient investment strategies, and a long-term view of wealth creation.