Updated

GL-B-04

Glossary · Taxes and residency

Beckham Law - Beckham Law (Spain)

The Beckham Law — a Spanish preferential tax regime for new residents that allows taxing only Spanish income at a fixed rate.

Full glossary
flat rateon Spanish income
Spainthe regime’s country
for yearsa limited period

01 / In 30 seconds

The short answer

What it is
The Beckham Law — Spain’s preferential tax regime for new residents
The essence
Mainly Spanish-source income is taxed, at a flat rate
Who it is for
Professionals and employees moving to Spain
Timeline
It applies for a limited period (several years)
How to use it
Check eligibility and apply for the regime when relocating

02 / In plain words

What Beckham Law means

The Beckham Law is the informal name of Spain’s preferential tax regime for new tax residents who move to Spain to work. The nickname arose because the footballer David Beckham was one of the first to use it. The essence of the regime is to allow qualifying new residents to be taxed on preferential terms for a limited period.

The key advantage is that, instead of the usual progressive tax on all worldwide income, a resident under this regime is taxed mainly on Spanish-source income only, at a flat rate (as a rule more advantageous for high earnings), for a set period — usually several years. This makes moving to Spain noticeably more attractive for highly paid professionals and some entrepreneurs.

The regime is available subject to conditions: the person was not a Spanish tax resident in the preceding years, is moving on certain grounds (employment, for example) and applies in time. The conditions are refined periodically, so it is important to rely on the current rules. We help assess eligibility for the regime and apply for it properly when relocating, so as to gain a real tax benefit.

A case from practice

A highly paid professional is moving to Spain for work. Instead of progressive tax on all worldwide income, we help them apply for the Beckham Law — a flat rate, mainly on Spanish-source income, for several years. An application filed in time secures a real saving.

Who the Beckham Law suits

  • Moving to Spain for work
  • Highly paid professionals
  • Optimising tax when relocating
  • Some entrepreneurs and executives
  • Planning a change of residence
  • Calculating net income after the move

03 / What it covers

What matters about the Beckham Law

01

The essence

  • A flat rate
  • Mainly Spanish-source income
  • Instead of progressive rates
02

Who it is for

  • New residents
  • Not previously resident
  • Moving for work
03

Conditions

  • Certain grounds
  • Applying in time
  • A limited period
04

Keep in mind

  • The rules are refined
  • The current version
  • Eligibility must be checked

04 / How it works

How to apply for the regime

Step 1

Check eligibility for the regime

Step 2

Arrange the move and residence

Step 3

Apply by the deadline

Step 4

The regime applies

Step 5

Preferential taxation

05 / Key facts

What you need to know

01

The Beckham Law — Spain’s preferential tax regime for new residents

02

Mainly Spanish-source income is taxed, at a flat rate

03

It applies for a limited period (several years)

04

It is available to those who were not previously resident in Spain

05

The conditions are refined periodically

Common mistakes

  • Missing the deadline to apply for the regime
  • Not checking eligibility for the regime before moving
  • Relying on outdated conditions
  • Not taking the grounds for moving into account for qualification
  • Assuming the relief is automatic on moving

06 / Expert advice

Dmitry Nagy

How to prepare in advance

The Beckham Law is planned before the move: eligibility is checked (not previously resident in Spain, moving on suitable grounds), residence properly established and the application filed in time — the deadline is critical. The current conditions are relied on, since the rules are refined. Then the regime gives a real tax benefit rather than remaining a missed opportunity.

What we do for you. We help assess eligibility for the Beckham Law and apply for it properly when moving to Spain: we check the conditions under the current rules, establish residence and watch the application deadline. That way you get a flat rate instead of tax on all worldwide income — a real benefit from the move.

Dmitry NagyTax consultant, international taxation and compliance (ex-Big4)

07 / Questions

Frequently asked questions

The informal name of Spain’s preferential tax regime for new residents moving to Spain to work. The nickname comes from the footballer David Beckham.

Instead of progressive tax on all worldwide income, the resident is taxed mainly on Spanish-source income at a flat rate for a set period — usually several years.

New tax residents who were not resident in Spain in the preceding years and are moving on certain grounds (employment, for example), provided they apply in time.

A limited period — usually several years from the year of the move. The exact period and conditions depend on the current rules.

Meeting the conditions and applying in time — the deadline is critical. We check eligibility for the regime and help apply for it properly.

Yes, but the conditions are refined periodically. Planning must follow the current rules, not outdated articles. We track the changes.

Author: Dmitry Nagy

Reviewed by: Sergej Evdokimov

Sources: Agencia Tributaria — the Spanish tax authority

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Anna Kovalevskaya, lead lawyer at BRIDGES GLOBAL
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer, citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice