Fantasy - Moving to Spain - Wealth tax?

[Flashback1966]

This is probably a fantasy post.

I always had my eye on Spain. I feel comfortable in Spain. I liked the idea of say living in Spain for 6 months, during the winter. Spain would be too hot for me in the Summer.

Thanks to Brexit. We don't have freedom of movement. I cant move there beyond 3 months (as tourist).

Even if I can someone get permission to live in there for longer then 3 months. Spain has a wealth tax. They would tax me on the value of UK properties. Both Spain and Portugal have wealth tax. Even if UK rental income is not being sent to Spain, there are tax implications.

Also, I can't up and leave, as I am a responsible landlord. I am a hands-on landlords. I do have agents, but I can't really rely on them. I would get frustrated, if there are situations which need my attention, but I can't visit the property. Although, I would much rather then a peaceful life, with no phone calls with tenant problems.

In theory, I would have to sell up, but I am too young to retire. I could start a business but Spain is wonderful with various pitfalls..... I can't sit by the beach. That is n't me. I do like to wander / explore etc....

Anyone else faced the same dilemma? How are people position life outside the UK?

[DoricPixie]

I’m currently in a tax sweet spot as a temporary resident in Australia. HMRC don’t care about money I earn in Australia and the ATO don’t care about money I earn in the UK. If I go for permanent residency that sweet spot disappears. I’ve for a tax adviser who understands both tax systems who can help me get my affairs in order before losing that sweet spot. If you’re serious about Spain I’d recommend finding someone who understands both systems as you might be able to do something like splitting your time almost 50/50 between the two countries but with 3 weeks elsewhere to keep you under 183 days in either Spain or the UK.

Portugal was somewhere I was thinking about retiring before Brexit and the Australian opportunity came up. After Brexit some investigating found Portugal one of the easiest EU countries to obtain citizenship and therefore an EU passport so is something I might look at again in the future. I don’t think Portugal’s wealth tax is as Spain’s but don’t quote me on that.

Having had my fingers burnt twice (a 100% record) as an overseas landlord I wouldn’t do it again. That said Spain is a bit closer to the UK than Australia.

[doobrey]

I am a hands-on landlords. I do have agents, but I can't really rely on them. I would get frustrated, if there are situations which need my attention

Same here. I used to take the view 'why have a dog and bark yourself?'. But I find that all too often if you don't bark, nobody does.

A potential solution of sorts is to switch from residential to commercial but there are transaction cost and CGT implications.

[boletus]

This is probably a fantasy post.

I always had my eye on Spain. I feel comfortable in Spain. I liked the idea of say living in Spain for 6 months, during the winter. Spain would be too hot for me in the Summer.

Thanks to Brexit. We don't have freedom of movement. I cant move there beyond 3 months (as tourist).

Even if I can someone get permission to live in there for longer then 3 months. Spain has a wealth tax. They would tax me on the value of UK properties.

Get a 6 months Schengen area visa. You can then travel freely for that period.

I don't know specifically about Spain but I can get a 6 months visa in the Schengen country of my choice for around 100 euros.

No tax complications.

Incidentally, I reckon they're just using it as a political bargaining chip and it'll all be sorted out in a couple of years. Something like the Swiss have negotiated. Why wouldn't you want self supporting, high net wealth visitors spending their cash in your country?

[Section20z]

. Why wouldn't you want self supporting, high net wealth visitors spending their cash in your country?

er, because they're a complete burden on a health system they've never contributed to ?

[boletus]

er, because they're a complete burden on a health system they've never contributed to ?

er, as said, self supporting.

[Gordon999]

OP should study the minimum period for Spanish taxes . If your stay in Spain is less than 183 days in any one year , you are not subject to spanish tax on you total income. You only pay 24%| on your rental income from spanish property.

Spanish Wealth tax applies if your total assets is over 700,000 euros. So stay below 700K .

[royw]

Why wouldn't you want self supporting, high net wealth visitors spending their cash in your country?

Er, because we have to be punished for Brexit.

Buy a motorhome or a yacht, 3 months in Spain, 3 months in Morocco (or Gibraltar).