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By Chris Burke
This article is published on: 9th October 2025
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.
Originally introduced in 2005 (and famously used by David Beckham during his time at Real Madrid), the Beckham Law — officially known as the Special Expat Tax Regime — allows qualifying foreign workers in Spain to be taxed as non-residents for a period of up to six years.
That means:
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.
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?
This is where smart financial planning makes all the difference.
I help clients in Barcelona/Spain build international investment structures that are:
This approach allows you to save regularly and grow your capital while enjoying the tax benefits available to you during your time in Spain.
You don’t need to start with a fortune — consistency is what counts.
Here’s a simple example of what steady investing can achieve:
At the end of that period, you could have over €254,850 — thanks to the power of compound growth. Regular saving smooths out market volatility, creates financial discipline, and puts time on your side.
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.
If you’re an international professional living or working in Barcelona, your financial situation is unique — and it deserves a tailored plan.
With the right structure in place, you can:
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.
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 8th October 2025
Are you an expat living in France, or considering the move? Managing your finances across borders can feel daunting – tax rules, inheritance laws, pensions, investment accounts… there’s a lot to get right. That’s exactly why we’re inviting you to Le Tour de Finance – two dynamic, expert-led seminars designed to guide expats like you through the ins and outs of financial planning in France.
Each event features a panel of financial specialists who will break down complex topics like Assurance Vie, cross-border tax obligations, pensions / QROPS, investment opportunities, estate planning, and more. Whether you’re already in France, or planning to relocate, these sessions will help you safeguard your wealth, optimise your tax strategy, and make confident decisions for the future.
Two convenient locations, same powerful content. The format combines expert presentations with opportunities to ask questions, network with other expats, and hear real-world insight from people navigating similar paths.
Because doing your financial planning well as an expat isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about gaining advantages. With the right advice, you can reduce your tax burden, ensure your investments are legal and efficient on both sides of the border, and protect your family’s future.
Space is limited. If you’re serious about making the most of your finances in France, these seminars are not to be missed.
Register today via Le Tour de Finance, and give yourself peace of mind – so your money works as hard as you do.
By Portugal team
This article is published on: 7th October 2025
The seminar presented by the local team from The Spectrum IFA Group with special guests from Rathbones and Utmost Wealth Solutions will cover important areas such as:
The session will finish by looking at some case studies and then an open Q&A session, where attendees can ask the panel about specific subjects relevant to their own circumstances.
Wednesday 15th October
10am-12.30pm
Iberostar Collection (Lagos)
Thursday 16th October
10am-12.30pm
Conrad Algarve (Quinta do Lago)
By Katriona Murray-Platon
This article is published on: 6th October 2025
France has a new prime minister (again), actually – no we don’t – another one gone! However, time is of the essence to ensure that the Finance Law is approved and passed into law by the end of the year. Prior to the government reshuffle, there was a plan to freeze the tax rates at their current level and not adjust them in line with inflation as has been done in the past few years.
There was also a plan to set the 10% abatement on pensions at a maximum of €2000 per pensioner rather than the current maximum of €4399. Whether these measures will be adopted into law by the end of year, only time will tell.
According to a study published by the French National Statistics Body (INSEE, Focus 354), in 2024, 78% of French residents have a Livret A Savings account, compared with 42% who have an assurance vie and 27% that have a property savings plan (PEL/CEL). Only 19% of French residents have a retirement account (PER) and only 16.5% are part of an employer’s savings plan. Clearly the French prefer to keep their investments in assurance vies rather than in share accounts since only 9.8% of French residents have PEAs and only 9.6% have ordinary share accounts (compte titres). With the interest rate for the Livret A now at only 1.7%, this means that a large amount of French savings is not protected from inflation. Since money in an ordinary share account is subject to both tax and social charges, it is more tax efficient to invest in either an assurance vie or a PEA.
After another hot and dry summer, which has affected ground conditions in many areas, a decree has been published on 6th September 2025, which grants a subsidy to property owners in 11 departments to diagnose and remedy the potential damage of clay soil shrinkage and expansion.
This financial assistance could cover up to 90% of the costs up to a maximum amount of €2 000 for a “vulnerability diagnosis” of the property and up to 80% of the work costs up to a maximum amount of €15,000. Both will be means tested.
This autumn child care benefits (“complement de libre choix du mode de garde” or CMG) are changing. The CMG is a family benefit which covers part of the costs of a child being looked after by a carer (assistante maternelle) or at home by a nanny employed directly by the parents. This benefit is being amended in order to better assist families in certain situations. From 1st September 2025, the amount of this benefit will also change. In particular, single parents can now receive CMG until their child is 12 years old instead of 6 years old previously. From 1st December 2025, for parents with shared custody of their child, each parent can receive CMG under certain conditions. The calculation of the amount of benefits will be done automatically by Urssaf on the Pajemploi website and families will be informed of the new amount of benefits they will receive in the September 2025 declaration.
The Taxe Foncière statements are now available on your online account on the impots.gouv.fr website. You have until 15th October to pay the tax or20th October if you pay online. If you are already paying your taxe foncière monthly and the amount is higher than last year, then you will pay your regular amount on 15th October and the excess on 15th November.
Most people will have noticed an increase in their tax foncière of 1.7% due to the annual revaluation of the rental value which is the basis on which this tax is calculated.
There may also be an additional increase if your local council has voted for one. Other subsidiary taxes such as the tax to manage aquatic areas and the prevention of flooding may also have increased in certain areas. As for the tax for the refuse collection, a table produced by the Environmental and Energy efficiency (Agence de l’environnement et de la mâitrise de l’energy) published in Le Monde newspaper on 25th August showed that more than half of local authorities charge more than what it actually costs them to collect and treat the rubbish. If your tax foncière seems excessively high this year, it may be worth raising this issue with your local council.
If you have any questions on your financial situation in France, or know someone who does, please do get in touch and I would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation, phone or video call.
By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 4th October 2025
If you’re planning to drive in Spain as an expat, there are a few important things to know before hitting the road. From converting your license to understanding local rules, here’s a complete guide to make the process easier.
You’ll need:
Appointments are booked through the DGT website (Spain’s traffic authority).
If you bring your own car from abroad, you’ll need to register it in Spain and pay the relevant taxes. This can be complex—many expats hire a gestor to handle the process.
Sorting out your driving documents is just one part of settling in Spain. Managing taxes, pensions, and investments under Spanish rules is another big step—and getting it right early can save you stress and money later.
As a financial planner with The Spectrum IFA Group here in Valencia, I help expats like you plan smart so you can enjoy life without financial worries.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat about setting up your finances for life in Spain, feel free to get in touch. It’s all about making sure you can enjoy everything Valencia has to offer—without financial stress.
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 30th September 2025
For over two decades, The Spectrum IFA Group has been a leading name in financial planning and wealth management for expatriates across Europe. With offices in key locations, Spectrum has built its reputation on providing clear and impartial client-focused advice.
The firm’s strength lies not only in its breadth of services – from pensions and tax planning to investments and wealth protection, but also in the people who deliver that advice.
Spectrum’s advisers are more than just professionals; they are trusted partners who build lasting relationships with clients by understanding their unique financial circumstances. In a world where financial landscapes can shift rapidly due to regulation, taxation, and market movements, Spectrum’s advisers deliver clarity, peace of mind, and long-term stability. The group’s success is rooted in a culture of collaboration, shared values, and a deep commitment to looking after their clients.
Within this framework, two individuals stand out in Malta for their dedication and complementary strengths: Craig Welsh and Jozef Spiteri. Together, they exemplify Spectrum’s blend of tradition and innovation.
Craig Welsh – Experience and Leadership
Craig has been at the heart of The Spectrum IFA Group since 2006, playing a pivotal role in shaping its culture and success. With nearly twenty years of experience in European financial services, his career began in Amsterdam, where he made an immediate impact in the Dutch market. His reputation was built on providing advice that was not only technically precise but also personally tailored – qualities that remain central to his approach today.
In 2017, Craig relocated to Malta to take on new responsibilities, combining client-facing financial planning with the management and oversight of Spectrum’s local operations. His leadership in Malta has ensured that clients continue to benefit from the highest standards of service, while also supporting the firm’s wider growth in the region.
Craig’s long-standing tenure with Spectrum is a testament to his commitment—not only to his clients but also to the company itself. His journey reflects the close-knit, supportive culture of Spectrum, where advisers thrive as part of a collaborative and values-driven team. For Craig, Spectrum is more than a workplace; it is a professional family built on trust, integrity, and a shared purpose.
Jozef Spiteri – Fresh Perspective and Drive
Joining the Malta team in 2021, Jozef brought with him a strong background in finance and a passion for helping people make well-informed financial choices.
From the outset, his energy and fresh perspective have been invaluable to Spectrum’s growth in Malta.
Jozef’s approach centres on accountability, professionalism, and a personal dedication to every client relationship. He has quickly built a positive profile in the local market, becoming a trusted adviser to those seeking guidance in areas such as investments, pensions and cross-border financial planning. His ability to combine technical expertise with a genuine interest in people’s lives makes him a natural fit for Spectrum’s ethos.
Together with Craig, Jozef forms part of a dynamic team that balances experience with innovation—offering clients the reassurance of established expertise alongside the agility of fresh ideas.
Craig and Jozef’s work in Malta highlights the very qualities that have made The Spectrum IFA Group so successful across Europe: professionalism, integrity, and above all a commitment to clients’ financial wellbeing. They embody both the enduring values and the forward-looking energy of the firm.
Spectrum’s advisers are supported by an extensive network of colleagues, knowledge-sharing, and resources that span multiple European countries. This collaborative environment allows them to deliver advice that is not only localised to Malta but also informed by wider European expertise.
In summary, The Spectrum IFA Group continues to thrive by combining experience, innovation, and a client-first philosophy. Through the work of dedicated professionals like Craig Welsh and Jozef Spiteri, Spectrum remains a trusted partner for expatriates and international clients across Europe, offering clarity and confidence in a complex financial world.
By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 29th September 2025
How to Budget for Your New Life
Valencia is one of Spain’s most attractive destinations for expats—and for good reason. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and affordable lifestyle compared to other European cities, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call it home. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand what life in Valencia really costs and how to plan your budget.
Accommodation is likely to be your biggest monthly expense. Valencia offers a wide range of housing options, from modern apartments in the city center to charming villas on the outskirts.
Tip: Factor in community fees (for building maintenance), property taxes, and if renting, a deposit (usually one or two months’ rent).
Spain is famous for its food culture, and Valencia doesn’t disappoint. From traditional paella to modern tapas bars, eating out can be surprisingly affordable compared to Northern Europe or the US.
Entertainment such as cinema tickets, concerts, and cultural events are also reasonably priced – expect €8–€10 for a movie ticket.
If you have children, education will be a key factor in your budget.
Transport is another area where Valencia shines:
Many new arrivals forget to budget for these:
Valencia offers a fantastic quality of life at a relatively affordable price, but like any move, planning ahead is key. Create a realistic budget, understand where your biggest costs will be, and allow some flexibility for the unexpected.
As a financial planner with The Spectrum IFA Group here in Valencia, I help expats like you plan smart so you can enjoy life without financial stress.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat about setting up your finances for life in Spain, feel free to get in touch. It’s all about making sure you can enjoy everything Valencia has to offer—without financial stress.
By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 19th September 2025
If you are a parent in Valencia and are concerned about how to meet the rising cost of private education, you are not alone. Many families are looking for smarter, more tax-efficient ways to cover these expenses without depleting their hard-earned savings.
At The Spectrum IFA Group, we help clients create investment strategies that can provide reliable income streams for school fees — while protecting wealth for the future.
Mr and Mrs García live in Valencia and, like many families, are planning for the cost of private education for their children. With nursery fees averaging around €800 per month and secondary school fees closer to €960 per month, they wanted to ensure that they could cover these costs in a sustainable and tax-efficient way.
After speaking with their adviser at The Spectrum IFA Group, they looked at how best to structure their savings to provide the required income without eroding their long-term capital.
The Garcías had €250,000 available, which they invested into a tax-efficient bond. With an assumed long-term growth rate of around 5% per year, they were able to withdraw approximately €12,500 annually (about €1,040 per month).
This income stream was enough to cover the monthly school fees, while keeping the original capital invested and growing over the years.
In Spain, life assurance bonds are particularly attractive because of their favourable tax treatment. Only the gain portion of each withdrawal is taxable, making the early years especially efficient.
This structure meant the Garcías could cover school fees with minimal tax drag and without dipping into their capital base.
By using investment growth to fund school fees, the family maintained:
As with any financial plan, regular reviews with their Spectrum adviser ensure the investment stays on track, adapting to changes in fee levels, market conditions, or family circumstances.
Summary: By structuring their savings intelligently, families in Valencia can meet the challenge of private school fees while preserving wealth for the future.
If you would like to explore how your savings and investments can be structured to provide for school fees — or other future goals — in a tax-efficient way, speak to The Spectrum IFA Group. A personal consultation will give you peace of mind that your plan is sustainable and tailored to your family’s needs.
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 18th September 2025
The latest stages of Le Tour de Finance brought together investors, financial experts, and international residents for two highly successful events that highlighted the importance of planning, transparency, and trusted advice. Both gatherings were very well attended, with participants eager to engage, ask questions, and share experiences in an open and interactive setting.
Across the two days in Granzay-Gript and Cognac, our expert panel delivered insightful presentations covering key topics such as pensions, investments, tax planning, estate structuring, and regulatory changes that affect expatriates in Europe. The sessions were designed to provide practical, up-to-date knowledge and were followed by lively Q&A discussions. Attendees made the most of the opportunity to ask specific questions relevant to their own circumstances, sparking valuable exchanges and deeper understanding.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the partners; RBC Brewin Dolphin, Novia Global, The Prudential and Currencies Direct, whose ongoing support ensures the continued success of Le Tour de Finance. Their expertise and commitment to providing clear, professional guidance is at the heart of these events. We are also deeply grateful to the venues and hosts, who created such a welcoming and professional environment for our community.
Most importantly, we would like to thank all of the attendees who joined us. Your engagement and thoughtful questions helped make these events so dynamic and rewarding. The high level of interaction reflects the genuine need for clear, reliable information in the ever-changing world of financial planning.
As Le Tour de Finance continues, we look forward to building on this momentum and bringing more valuable insights to international residents across Europe. We are proud to provide a trusted platform where people can connect directly with experts and gain clarity for their financial future.
By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 15th September 2025
So you’ve made the move to Valencia—or you’re planning to. Now comes the fun part: exploring everything this beautiful city and region have to offer. Sure, you’ve heard of paella and the beach, but Valencia has so many hidden gems and local traditions that make life here truly special.
Here are some must-do experiences for newcomers that will help you fall in love with your new home.
Valencia knows how to celebrate, and no event is bigger than Las Fallas in March. For two weeks, the city turns into an open-air art gallery filled with giant sculptures, fireworks every day (mascletàs), and all-night street parties. It’s loud, colorful, and unforgettable.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to La Tomatina in Buñol—a world-famous tomato-throwing festival held in August. Wear old clothes!
Just 20 minutes from the city, Albufera is a serene lake surrounded by rice fields—the birthplace of paella. Take a boat ride at sunset, watch the birds, and finish with a traditional paella in the village of El Palmar. This is Valencia at its most authentic.
Need a break from the city? Head inland to Montanejos, a stunning mountain village known for its thermal springs and turquoise river pools.
Perfect for hiking, swimming, and soaking up nature.
Everyone knows about Malvarrosa Beach, but if you want something quieter, try Playa de la Patacona or head to El Saler, south of the city, for natural sand dunes and crystal-clear water.
Skip the tourist traps on the beach and head to local favorites in El Palmar or the Ruzafa neighborhood.
Remember: paella is a lunch dish, not dinner. And yes, the real one has rabbit and chicken—not seafood.
Valencians love their coffee breaks. Find a sunny terrace, order a café con leche, and watch the world go by. Try horchata too—a sweet, milky drink made from tiger nuts, served ice cold with fartons (pastry).
The old riverbed of the Turia is now a 9 km green park running through the city.
Rent a bike, take a picnic, or just stroll past gardens, playgrounds, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
This grand market is one of the largest in Europe and a feast for the senses—fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Go early in the morning for the best experience.(pastry).
Want to improve your Spanish and make friends? Valencia has dozens of language exchange meetups where locals and expats come together for conversation. Great for breaking out of the expat bubble.
From the orange groves of Xàtiva to the beaches of Cullera and the historic charm of Peñíscola, there’s so much to see just an hour away.
Valencia is full of amazing experiences—but while you’re discovering its culture, don’t forget about your financial future here in Spain. Things like tax planning, pensions, and investments work differently, and the right structure can make a big difference.
As a financial planner with The Spectrum IFA Group here in Valencia, I help expats like you plan smart so you can enjoy life without financial stress.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat about setting up your finances for life in Spain, feel free to get in touch. It’s all about making sure you can enjoy everything Valencia has to offer—without financial stress.
