Working & entrepreneurship

The Spanish identification number for foreigners. Your NIE is required for almost everything: opening a bank account, renting or buying a house, working, and filing taxes. Apply for it as soon as possible at the police station or consulate.

The mandatory registration at your municipality (Ayuntamiento). The Empadronamiento proves that you live in a certain municipality and is required for access to healthcare, education and many other services.

The municipal census register. Your proof of registration (certificado de empadronamiento) from the Padrón is one of the most requested documents in Spain.

Proof of residence rights as an EU citizen in Spain. After 3 months you must register as a resident with the police. You receive a green A4 certificate with your NIE.

The Spanish personal income tax. Rates vary from 19% to 47% depending on your income and autonomous region. You file annually between April and June via the Agencia Tributaria.

A tax-favorable regime for newcomers in Spain. You pay a flat rate of 24% on Spanish income up to €600,000 for 6 years. Ideal for expats with a high salary. Named after footballer David Beckham.

The Spanish municipal property tax, comparable to the Dutch OZB. Levied annually based on the cadastral value of your property.

The form to register with the Spanish tax authority (Agencia Tributaria). This links your NIE to your tax data and address.

The Spanish tax agency (Hacienda). Here you file tax returns, register as a taxpayer and handle all fiscal matters. Much can be done online via the website with certificado digital.

The Spanish status for self-employed workers. As an autónomo you pay monthly social security contributions (cuota) to the Seguridad Social. New autónomos receive a tarifa plana (reduced rate) in the first year.