Hi,
I was wondering if you could help me, as I’ve been receiving different information about my situation and I dont know what to do. I currently live in Barcelona, since end Feb 2009, but my salary comes from London, and UK tax ia automatically deducted from my salary.
When I tried to go to the doctor’s here in Barcelona, I had to pay the consultation, becuase it seems I’m not allowed to use their social heatlh care, because I’m not deducting taxes here. I thought that being within the European Union this wouldn’t be an issue.
So, should I actually be paying tak in Spain where I live, even though my salary is coming from London?
The UK has been charging me tax since Feb 2009 till currently every single month, and I dont think I should be paying in both countries…

I would really appreciate if you could give me some clarifications…

Many thanks!
Nat

Hi there,

There are two elements here, income tax and National Insurance / Seguridad Social (UK/Spain)

Your income tax should be paid in the country you live in, as you are legally tax resident in Spain from the length of time you’ve been here.  You need to get specialist advice but your employer in the UK should be able to pay you gross on invoice, and you register as self-employed (Autonomos) in Spain.  Spain adn UK have double taxation treaties so you should not have to pay tax already paid, but you need to get advice soon as you will need to do a tax return for 2009 by the end of this month!

The Securidad Sociale pays for the health, schools and other services you use, and if you’re using them in Spain you should be contributing locally, not in the UK.  Again your best bet may be to be self employed and pay the ‘Autonomos’ fixed rate, your accountant who sorts your tax return out should be able to help you with this, but it’s specialist professional advice you need not forum advice - all I can say is talk to the specialist soon as your tax return is due, and you dont want to end up being fined on top,

Good luck, it is a bit of a minefield, but a good Asesor is worth every cent to sort it out for you,

BDP x

Hi Nat,

It’s Sally here from the British Embassy in Madrid.  Though I don’t have information on tax, our website does give you an overview of your healthcare entitlements. 

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/pensions-benefits/healthcare/

It might be worth talking to our Pension, Benefit and Healthcare Team about your specific situation to see if you’re entitled to free healthcare in Spain.  You can phone them at 965 21 60 22 or email them at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Best wishes,

Sally

British Embassy Madrid
Promoting British Interests in Spain with COmmitment, Consistency and Confidence
http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk

Hi BDP and Sally,

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to get back to me. The information you both provided has been really useful, thank you!
I went back to my company and they are now taking care of this, finally. 😊

Many many thanks!
Nat