Spain Regional Tax Comparison >> Where Do Expats Pay Less Tax?

A man talking to his gestor in the street in Spain

Why do regional taxes matter when moving to Spain? Spain’s 17 Autonomous Communities (ACs) can adjust regional tax rates, exemptions, and deductions. In 2025, differences between regions like Madrid and Catalonia or Basque Country and Andalusia can mean thousands of euros in yearly tax differences. If you’re moving to Spain — especially as a retiree, remote worker, or property buyer — the region you choose can affect your net income, wealth tax, inheritance planning, and property costs.

This guide compares all significant regional taxes — income, wealth, property, and inheritance — so you can make the best financial decision about where to live.

MOST IMPORTANT: These tax rates are before deductions, financial planning, and tax structuring. Speaking to a qualified Spanish tax specialist can help build a meaningful Spain regional tax comparison for you.

Read Also: Where To Live In Spain >> Insider Guide to Spain’s Regional Lifestyles

Personal income tax (IRPF) by region (2025)

Each region sets its own rates for the regional portion of IRPF, which is a progressive income tax. These are the minimum and maximum rates as well as estimated tax burdens for incomes of €50,000, €150,000, and €250,000 (before deductions, etc).

Read Also: Personal Income Tax in Spain >> How La Renta Works (Rates, Incomes, Deductions, and more

RegionMin RateMax Rate€50K€150K€250K
Andalusia19%47%€ 12,450€ 45,000€ 82,000
Aragon19%49.50%€ 12,500€ 47,500€ 85,000
Asturias19.50%50%€ 12,750€ 48,000€ 86,000
Balearic Islands19%49.50%€ 12,500€ 47,500€ 85,000
Basque Country23%49%€ 13,500€ 46,500€ 84,000
Canary Islands18.50%50.50%€ 12,250€ 48,500€ 87,000
Cantabria19%50%€ 12,500€ 48,000€ 86,000
Castile and León19%46%€ 12,450€ 44,500€ 81,000
Castilla-La Mancha19%50%€ 12,500€ 48,000€ 86,000
Catalonia20%50%€ 13,000€ 48,000€ 86,000
Extremadura19%49.50%€ 12,500€ 47,500€ 85,000
Galicia18.90%47%€ 12,450€ 45,000€ 82,000
La Rioja18.50%51.50%€ 12,250€ 49,000€ 88,000
Madrid18%45%€ 12,000€ 43,500€ 79,000
Murcia19.10%47.20%€ 12,550€ 45,500€ 82,500
Navarre13%52%€ 10,500€ 49,500€ 89,000
Valencian Community19.50%54%€ 12,750€ 51,000€ 92,000

Need Tax Advice?

Need clarity on your tax obligations and a solid financial strategy ? Schedule a consultation with our recommended tax advisor, Louis, to gain complete clarity and peace of mind.

Remember: Programs like the Beckham law can drastically reduce your income tax rates if you manage your move correctly. Also, there are drastic differences in allowed IRFP deductions set at the autonomous community level.

Spain regional tax comparison for Income Tax (IRFP) on a salary of €150,000 by Autonomous Community.

Wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio)

Applies to net global assets over €700,000 (with €300,000 residence exemption). Several regions now offer 100% relief, making wealth tax effectively zero.

Read Also: Wealth Tax and Solidarity Tax in Spain Explained

RegionMin RateMax RatePrimary Residence Exemption2025 Notes
Andalusia0.24%3.03%€ 300,000100% wealth tax relief for residents (since 2022)
Aragon0.20%3.50%€ 300,000No special exemptions or reliefs
Asturias0.22%3.00%€ 300,000Standard national structure
Balearic Islands0.28%3.45%€ 300,000No regional reliefs, high rates on upper brackets
Basque CountryVariesVaries€800,000 (approx.)Separate tax regime; exemptions and brackets differ by province
Canary Islands0.20%3.50%€ 300,000No additional regional relief
Cantabria0.24%3.03%€ 300,000100% relief < €3M; wealth above that still taxed
Castile and León0.20%2.50%€ 300,000One of the lowest max rates nationally
Castilla-La Mancha0.20%3.00%€ 300,000No special deductions or regional reliefs
Catalonia0.21%2.75%€ 500,000Lower personal allowance and home exemption; overall higher burden
Extremadura0.30%3.75%€ 300,000100% relief as of 2024; applies to all residents
Galicia0.20%2.50%€ 300,000No special deductions or reliefs
La Rioja0.20%3.50%€ 300,000No regional reliefs or modifications
Madrid0.00%0.00%€ 300,000100% relief maintained; zero effective tax
Murcia0.24%3.00%€ 300,000No special exemptions
NavarreVariesVaries€ 250,000Own tax regime with lower exemption thresholds
Valencian Community0.25%3.12%€ 300,000The 2025 changes increase the exemption to €1 million each, making this tax less impactful.

Key Details for Wealth Tax

  • National wealth tax rules apply unless otherwise noted. The threshold starts at €700,000 in net assets, with an additional exemption of €300,000 for your primary residence.
  • Madrid, Andalusia, Extremadura, and Cantabria now apply full relief under regional law (with limits in Cantabria).
  • In 2025, the Valencian Community government increased the individual deduction to €1m and the primary residence deduction to €300K
  • The Basque Country and Navarre have their own fiscal powers and use different exemptions, lower asset thresholds, and separate progression scales.
  • Catalonia has the lowest exemption thresholds (only €500,000 total and a matching limit for primary residence).
  • Spain’s Wealth tax is calculated progressively, with marginal rates applied across brackets from 0.2% to over 3.5%.

Don’t Forget: Solidarity Tax (National)

Spain’s Solidarity Tax (Impuesto Temporal de Solidaridad de las Grandes Fortunas), now a permanent tax, applies to net wealth above:

  • €3M — 1.7%
  • €5M — 2.1%
  • €10M+ — 3.5%

This tax applies nationwide, even in regions that grant 100% relief on standard wealth tax. There are significant deductions available and mechanisms like the 60% rule and the Beckham law that can mitigate this impact.

Spain Inheritance and Gift Tax by Region (2025)

If you pass away as a tax resident in Spain, Spanish taxes may apply to your estate.

RegionTax-Free Allowance (Direct Relatives)Relief / Reduction %2025 Notes
Andalusia€1,000,00099%–100%One of the most generous applies to spouses, children, and parents
Aragon€500,000Up to 65%Complex deductions based on age and kinship
Asturias€300,000LowOne of the most burdensome regions for inheritance tax
Balearic Islands€700,00075%–99%Sliding scale based on amount inherited and relationship
Basque CountryVaries (often >€400,000)95%–100%Separate fiscal regime; reliefs for spouses and children are very generous
Canary Islands€1,000,00099.9%Extremely generous; nearly tax-free for direct relatives
Cantabria€1,000,00099%Full reduction for Group I & II beneficiaries
Castile and León€1,000,00099%Full reduction applies to close family members
Castilla-La Mancha€300,000100% up to €300K80% reduction beyond this threshold
Catalonia€100,000VariableLower threshold but many deductions based on age, disability, etc.
Extremadura€500,00099%Generous for spouses and children
Galicia€1,000,00099%Progressive reductions; one of the best regimes in northern Spain
La Rioja€1,000,00099%Reduction for close relatives maintained in 2025
Madrid€1,000,00099%Consistently low tax region
Murcia€1,000,00099%99% reduction for Group I & II applies
Navarre€250,000–€400,00099%Own system; separate brackets and rates
Valencian Community€100,00099%Relief for close relatives increased in recent years

VAT (IVA) and IGIC in Spain (2025)

In Spain, most goods and services are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT), known locally as IVA (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido). Although IVA is a national tax — not set by the regions — its impact still varies slightly depending on location, especially in the Canary Islands, which operate under a separate system called IGIC.

IVA Rates in Mainland Spain and the Balearics

Rate TypeIVA RateApplies To
Standard21%Most goods and services (e.g., electronics, clothing, consulting)
Reduced10%Food, hospitality, public transport, property purchases (new homes)
Super-Reduced4%Basic essentials: bread, milk, books, medicine
  • New-build homes are subject to 10% IVA instead of ITP (transfer tax).
  • IVA is included in the price of most goods and services, so you won’t typically notice it unless you are reclaiming as a business.

IGIC: VAT in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands apply IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario) instead of IVA.

Rate TypeIGIC RateApplies To
Standard7%Most goods and services
Reduced3%Certain basic goods and services
Zero Rate0%Healthcare, education, certain exports
  • New property purchases in the Canaries incur 7% IGIC + 1% stamp duty, significantly lower than mainland equivalents.
  • Businesses in the Canaries must register separately for IGIC compliance.

Note for expats and digital nomads: If you’re self-employed (autónomo), understanding whether you charge IVA or IGIC — and how to account for it — is essential for compliance and tax filings.

Property Tax Rates in Spain

Read Also: How To Buy A Property In Spain >> Step-by-Step 2024 Guide

ITP For Existing Homes

​If you buy an existing property in Spain, buyers are subject to the Property Transfer Tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales or ITP). This tax is levied by each Autonomous Community (AC), resulting in varying rates across the country. Below is an updated overview of the ITP rates for 2025 across all 17 ACs:​

Autonomous CommunityStandard ITP RateNotes
Andalusia7%Standard rate applies to most property transactions.
Aragon8%No recent changes reported.
Asturias8%Standard rate for property transfers.
Balearic Islands8%–11%Progressive rates based on property value; higher-value properties incur higher rates.
Basque Country4%One of the lowest rates; favorable for buyers.
Canary Islands6.5%Standard rate for resale properties.
Cantabria10%Standard rate applies.
Castile and León8%–10%The standard rate applies; no recent changes have been reported.
Castilla-La Mancha9%Standard rate for property transfers.
Catalonia10%Standard rate applies; no recent changes reported.
Extremadura8%Standard rate for property transactions.
Galicia7%Standard rate; significant reductions available for large families.
La Rioja7%Standard rate applies.
Madrid6%Rates vary depending on specific criteria; the standard rate is 8%.
Murcia8%Standard rate for property transfers.
Navarre6%Favorable rate compared to many other regions.
Valencian Community10%Standard rate applies; no recent changes reported.

Important: Go beyond the headline tax rates. Here are some practical things to keep in mind when it comes to ITP (property transfer tax):

  • You might qualify for a lower rate:
    Several regions offer reduced ITP rates if you meet certain conditions, such as being a first-time buyer, under a certain age, or part of a large family (familia numerosa). For instance, Galicia offers notable discounts for large families, and other communities may offer reduced rates for permanent residents.
  • It’s not just the purchase price that counts:
    The ITP is usually calculated on the higher of either the purchase price or the reference value (Valor de Referencia) assigned by the regional authorities. This means that even if you get a great deal on a property, the tax office might calculate your ITP based on a higher official value — something that surprises many buyers.

IVA and AJD on new builds

Value Added Tax (VAT / IVA)

New residential properties are subject to Value Added Tax (IVA) at a standard rate of 10% of the purchase price. This rate is consistent across mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. However, in the Canary Islands, the equivalent tax, known as IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario), is applied at a reduced rate of 7%. ​Idealista

Stamp Duty (Impuesto sobre Actos Jurídicos Documentados – AJD)

In addition to VAT, buyers of new builds must pay the Stamp Duty (AJD), which varies by Autonomous Community. This tax typically ranges from 0.5% to 1.5% of the property’s purchase price.

Autonomous CommunityAJD Rate
Andalucía1.2%
Aragón1.5%
Asturias1.2%
Balearic Islands1.2%
Canary Islands1.0%
Cantabria1.5%
Castilla-La Mancha1.5%
Castilla y León1.5%
Catalonia1.5%
Ceuta0.5%
Madrid0.75%
Valencian Community1.5%
Extremadura1.5%
Galicia1.5%
La Rioja1.0%
Melilla0.5%
Murcia1.5%
Navarre0.5%
Basque Country0.5%

100% Property Tax on Non-resident, Non-EU buyers

There’s been a lot of buzz around Spain’s proposed 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU buyers. This is still just a proposal, but if it ever passes parliament, it will not affect anyone who is a resident of Spain, regardless of their nationality.

The proposed measure is aimed solely at non-resident, non-EU buyers who don’t live in Spain. So, if you’re already living in Spain — or planning to move here and become a resident — this won’t impact you.

Municipal Property Tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles or IBI)

The Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI), also known as the real estate tax, is a municipal property tax levied annually in Spain on all property owners. It is managed and collected by each individual municipality, with the funds used primarily to finance local public services. So, this tax varies by municipality, not by autonomous community. It means it’s very hard to give you an easy answer on where the rates are lowest.

Calculation of IBI

The amount payable is based on:

Municipal Rate (Tipo Impositivo):
Each municipality sets its own rate, usually ranging between 0.4% to 1.3% of the cadastral value. More urbanized and popular areas usually impose higher rates.

Registered Property Value (Valor Catastral):
Determined by the local property registry (Catastro), the cadastral value generally reflects the property’s assessed value, taking into consideration the land value, location, property characteristics, age, condition, and local market factors. Typically, the cadastral value is lower than the market value, often between 40%-60% of the actual market price.

How to find out the IBI rate for your municipality

1) Directly from the Municipality (Ayuntamiento):

  • Visit in Person:
    Go directly to the local Ayuntamiento (city hall) and request the current IBI details for your property.
  • Online Consultation:
    Many municipalities offer online portals (Sede Electrónica) where you can access property tax details:
    • Search online: "Sede Electrónica [Municipality Name] IBI consulta"

2) Check the Registry:

Some examples of IBI in 2025. Remember, this is at the municipal level (Ayuntamiento).

  • Torrevieja 0.40%
  • Orihuela Costa 0.695%
  • Denia 1.05%

Autonomo and Social Security Rates

If you are working for yourself in Spain, you’ll probably use an Autonomo. Social security rates for autonomos are set nationally and are progressive depending on your earnings. You’ll generally pay less in the early years of your autonomo registration and more later on. Please note that in many cases, autonomous communities and regions have provided relief for this payment. Speak to your Spanish tax expert to understand if you can benefit. Here are some examples:

Aragón: As of January 2025, new autónomos in Aragón can apply for the “cuota cero” initiative, which allows you to recover up to €960 per year in social security contributions to ease your startup phase.

Castilla-La Mancha: The regional government has rolled out “Tarifa Plana Plus” — covering up to two years of your cuota (social security payment) for new autónomos. They’ve earmarked €9.5 million for this, aiming to help around 8,000 people.

Extremadura: If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, Extremadura is offering grants of €8,000–€15,000 to attract individuals who will live and work there for at least two years. You must not have lived in the region for the previous 6 months.

Madrid & Andalusia: Both of these regions have previously offered a zero-fee first year for new autónomos and are likely to continue similar incentives in 2025. These programs reduce your initial social security burden while you’re getting established.

Does This Spain Regional Tax Comparison Impact Your Planning?

We believe that lifestyle and tax are the two most significant factors to consider before making a move. This guide provides detailed information on the tax rate differences between Spain’s 17 autonomous communities. However, no article can provide you with detailed guidance on how this will affect your personal finances. To understand that, you’ll need to speak with experts who explore your needs and provide you with the personalised advice you need. Our Plan Your Spain Move Packages provide access to everything you need to make an informed decision.

Your Spain Move Planning Package

No guesswork. Just expert guidance tailored to your situation. Our packages include one-on-one consultations with immigration, tax, and finance specialists—plus access to essential moving tools and direct support from Alastair and Alison.

🧾 Glossary of Spanish Tax Terms (2025)

TermSpanish TermDescriptionLearn More
Income TaxImpuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas (IRPF)Annual progressive tax on worldwide income for Spanish residents.Personal Income Tax – La Renta
Wealth TaxImpuesto sobre el PatrimonioAnnual tax on net assets over €700,000 (with regional reliefs or exemptions).Wealth Tax Guide
Solidarity TaxImpuesto Temporal de Solidaridad de las Grandes FortunasA national tax on net wealth exceeding €3 million applies regardless of regional wealth tax reliefs.Wealth Tax Guide
Inheritance TaxImpuesto sobre SucesionesTax on assets inherited. Rates and allowances vary by region and relationship to the deceased.Spanish Tax System Overview
Gift TaxImpuesto sobre DonacionesTax on gifts received, similar to inheritance tax.Spanish Tax System Overview
Transfer TaxImpuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP)Tax on purchasing resale properties. Set regionally (ranges from 4% to 11%).Buying Property in Spain
VAT on New BuildsImpuesto sobre el Valor Añadido (IVA)10% VAT on newly built residential properties (21% on commercial).Buying Property in Spain
Canary Islands VATImpuesto General Indirecto Canario (IGIC)7% VAT-equivalent used in the Canary Islands instead of IVA.Living In The Canary Islands
Stamp DutyActos Jurídicos Documentados (AJD)Tax on notarised documents, often paid during new property purchases (0.5%–1.5%).Buying Property in Spain
Property Tax (Annual)Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI)Annual municipal tax based on cadastral property value.Buying Property in Spain
Beckham LawRégimen fiscal aplicable a los trabajadores desplazadosFlat 24% tax rate for qualifying foreign workers for up to 6 years. Applies only to Spanish-sourced income.Beckham Law Explained
AutónomoAutónomo / Trabajador por cuenta propiaSelf-employed individual in Spain, responsible for income tax and social security.Becoming an Autónomo
Social Security (Self-Employed)Cotización a la Seguridad SocialMonthly contributions based on actual earnings (€200–€598/month in 2025).Spanish Tax System Overview
Valor de ReferenciaValor de Referencia CatastralReference property value set by tax authorities. ITP and AJD may be based on this even if market price is lower.Buying Property in Spain

FAQ >> Spain Regional Tax Comparison By Autonomous Community

Spain is divided into 17 Autonomous Communities (ACs), which are regional governments with the authority to establish their own rules in key areas, including healthcare, education, and regional taxation. Think of them like states or provinces. This means tax rates and exemptions can vary significantly depending on where you live in Spain.

It’s a combination. The national government sets the base framework for most taxes (like income tax, VAT, and social security), but each Autonomous Community has the power to adjust certain parts, including income tax brackets, wealth tax exemptions, inheritance tax relief, and property transfer tax (ITP).
So, your tax bill can look very different in Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Seville, for example.

Yes — a few regions, including Madrid, Andalusia, Extremadura, and (with limits) Cantabria, now offer 100% relief on the standard wealth tax. However, the national Solidarity Tax still applies to net wealth above €3 million (after deductions), regardless of where you live.

No, not if you’re living in Spain or planning to become a resident. The proposed tax only applies to non-resident, non-EU buyers — people who don’t live in Spain but are buying property here, often for investment purposes. If you’re moving to Spain and becoming a resident, this won’t affect you.

2 Comments

  1. Thank you for the very helpful article.

    One point of clarification: my understanding—confirmed by my advisor—is that Murcia introduced a 100% relief on Wealth Tax in 2023, effectively eliminating it for residents.

    However, the national government’s Temporary Solidarity Tax on High Net Worth Individuals (ITSGF) still applies for those with net assets above €3.7 million (after exemptions). So in practical terms, anyone below that threshold currently pays no wealth tax in Murcia.

    As I’m relocating to Murcia in September, I just wanted to confirm that this remains the case in 2025 and that there haven’t been any recent regional changes I might have missed?

    1. HI James. Murica did have a temporary suspension of Wealth tax for 2023 and 2024. We’re awaiting an update on this for 2025 – the Murica government has not yet said that the suspension will continue for 2025. All the best, Alastair

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