Sun, Sea, and Investments? Who Can Say No to That?
People don’t always jump to Spain when they think about investing, but in our opinion, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t.
Spain actually has some incredibly lucrative investment opportunities. For some of them, you don’t need to be a resident or classed as a visa, and for others, you do.
If you do need a visa, it’s not the end of the world. Notice how we put the sun and the sea before the investment? Some would class those as more valuable than anything money can buy.
Still, we’re here to discuss what money can buy and how Spain can help you turn that money into even more money. Read on to find out more.
Investments For Non-Residents
There are some great investments for non-residents. Here are our top two:
1. Property
You don’t have to become a resident to own a property. You can purchase a property in Spain if you have the money to do it and you have your NIE, something that’s relatively easy to get compared to the TIE (residency card).
The property market is still great, although the cost of houses is increasing. If anything, we’d say now is the best time to invest. Over the last 12 years, property prices in Spain increased by 11.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Housing Price Index.
And if you buy a house in Spain, you might open a Spanish bank account (not essential now there are options like Wise and Revolut). But if you do, you can explore the Spanish Isa options which might be better than UK Isas
2. Stocks and Shares
Would you class this as a Spanish investment? We would. If you invest in stocks and shares in a Spanish company, you do need to consider Spanish and UK tax implications, that’s the only issue. So, why have we mentioned this? Because there’s an initiative called Digital Spain 2026 that’s putting some stocks and shares in a prime position for investment.
With digital innovation becoming such a big topic, there are so many startups that will soon access government funding and undoubtedly grow.
Investments For Expat Residents
There are even better options if you are an expat resident. You can go for property and stock, and share investment options, or you might be interested in the following.
1. Spanish Compliant Investment Bond
A Spanish compliant bond is excellent for expats and carries some tax benefits (read the next section to see why you might want a tax benefit).
They’re one of the easiest and safest ways to get a return and tick all the bureaucratic boxes.
A Spanish bond like this is a government-approved and low-risk investment that allows you to earn a steady return while sticking to your tax obligations. They’re easy to manage, hands-off, and come with clear tax reporting that helps keep you compliant.
You can speak to immigration lawyers and financial experts to find out more. They can tell you more about it, including the Prudential Spanish Compliant Bond.
2. Business Acquisition or Startup Investment
Spain’s expat-friendly vibe and growing support for entrepreneurship make business investment a strong contender.
You can buy into an existing business like a bar, a B&B, or a tech company (advisable with the Digital Spain 2026 initiative) and run it yourself or leave it to someone else.
We will admit this one is a bit more hassle, so probably not for everyone.
Essential Considerations For The Spanish Tax System
Consideration numero uno (number one), the Spanish tax system is unforgiving. And by unforgiving, we mean ruthless. And by ruthless, we mean that if you get it wrong, they will come for you a lot faster than the UK HMRC tax system.
HMRC might send a few letters for a couple of years until it politely asks you to attend a court date for potential tax evasion. The Hacienda (Spanish Tax Agency) will come to your door and drag you to court.
If you stay in Spain for longer than 183 days annually (impossible for UK residents limited to 180 days total split into 90-day periods post-Brexit), you’re a tax resident. Once you’re considered a tax resident, you must register with the Spanish Social Security and start paying taxes.
Unlike the UK, the Spanish tax system works on a scale that you pay every 3 months if you’re autonomous (freelance).
If you’re employed, you pay it every month like you do from your payslip in the UK. You then have an annual tax submission where you might find out you owe more or the government owes you.
Here are the general figures for 2025, although it does vary based on the region you’re in (Alicante, Barcelona, etc):
- Up to €12,450 = 19%
- Up to €20,199 = 24%
- Up to €235,199 = 30%
- Up to €59,999 37% = 37%
- Up to €299,999 = 45%
- From €300,000 = 47%
Those are averages combining the regional and government tax rates. Again, each region varies, so always check how much you have to pay depending on where you want to live. The average resident in Spain paying taxes pays 24%.
Our advice? Get an accountant and be so thorough with tracking your income. Spain has plenty of great investment opportunities, whether you’re a resident or not. Explore the options today and find an investment that suits you!
