How much does the non-resident tax in Spain cost approximately?

The amount depends on several variables, but a few reference points give a realistic sense of scale. For a self-used or vacant property, the formula is: cadastral value × 1.1% (or 2.0% for older valuations) × tax rate × ownership share × days of ownership / 365. The deadline for filing is 31 December of the following year (tax year 2025; from tax year 2026, changed deadlines apply per Orden HAC/623/2026). A worked example for a British owner: sole ownership of a two-bedroom apartment on the Costa del Sol, cadastral value €150,000, municipality with a post-2012 cadastral valuation. The imputed income is €150,000 × 1.1% = €1,650. At the third-country rate of 24%, the tax due is €396 per year. For comparison, an EU citizen owning the same property would pay €1,650 × 19% = €313.50 — a difference of €82.50 attributable solely to the post-Brexit rate change. For rental income, the calculation changes. The tax is levied on actual rental receipts. EU and EEA citizens may deduct directly related expenses — mortgage interest, IBI (local property tax), community charges, insurance, depreciation — and pay 19% on the net amount. The filing deadline for rental income is 1 to 20 January of the following year. For third-country nationals — British, US, Swiss, Canadian, Australian — current legislation (Article 24 LIRNR) denies the expense deduction: the 24% rate applies to gross rental income. On €20,000 of annual rent, an EU owner with €8,000 in deductible expenses pays 19% on €12,000 = €2,280. A British owner pays 24% on €20,000 = €4,800 — more than double. However, the Audiencia Nacional ruled on 28 July 2025 (SAN 3630/2025) that this differential treatment violates the EU free movement of capital (Article 63 TFEU). The ruling is not yet final and the Spanish Tax Agency continues to apply current legislation pending the Supreme Court's decision. One mitigating factor: the tax is calculated on the cadastral value, not the market value. Cadastral values in Spain are typically well below market prices, which keeps the imputed income tax relatively modest even at the higher rate.