Spain: UK Nationals & Cross-Border

UK company directors living in Spain: avoiding double tax and residency traps

Running a UK company from Marbella is possible and common. Running it without Spanish tax exposure takes planning.

Book a confidential consultation Email us directly

One working dayTypical reply time to every enquiry

Fixed feesAgreed in writing before work begins

FCCA-ledSenior, qualified oversight on every engagement

ConfidentialStrict confidentiality, NDA on request

Sound familiar?

The problems we are usually asked to solve

Many UK entrepreneurs relocate to the Costa del Sol and keep running their UK company. The risk is that the company's management and control move to Spain with them, drawing Spanish tax and permanent establishment questions into a business that was designed for the UK. The solution is a structure that fits the way you now live and work.

Your UK company could become tax resident in Spain

If key decisions are taken from Spain, the Spanish tax authority may argue the company is managed there.

How we fix itWe review where management and control sit and design governance and operations that support the intended treatment.

Salary and dividends are taxed twice, or wrongly

Both countries want a share of your remuneration, and the treaty only helps if you apply it correctly.

How we fix itWe model the combined UK and Spanish tax cost and use double tax relief to avoid paying twice.

A UK company with a Spanish-based director creates VAT and payroll questions

Employer obligations and VAT treatment change when work is performed in Spain.

How we fix itWe map payroll, social security and VAT consequences and set up compliant arrangements.

Profits accumulate and you cannot touch them

Retained profits in the UK company are awkward to extract without tax friction once you are Spanish resident.

How we fix itWe plan extraction, restructuring or a Spanish vehicle as part of a wider strategy.

What you get

Company residence and permanent establishment reviewAssessing exposure and designing board and operational arrangements.
Remuneration planningSalary, dividends and pensions modelled for UK and Spanish tax together.
Double tax relief and treaty applicationClaiming credits and exemptions properly in both countries.
Payroll, VAT and social securityCross-border employment, VAT registration and coverage.
Spanish vehicle optionsAssessing whether a Spanish company or branch makes sense.
UK company administrationAccounts, filings and corporation tax for the UK company, managed remotely and securely.

Best suited toDirectors and owners of UK limited companies living or planning to live in Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol.

The outcomeA company and personal structure that works across both countries, with the risks identified and managed.

How it works

MapWe establish your residence, assets, income and companies across the UK and Spain.
PlanWe model the UK and Spanish tax and financing position and agree a plan.
CoordinateWe work with Spanish lawyers, gestors and tax advisers to implement it.
MaintainWe keep both sides in step with an annual review and compliance calendar.

Questions we are often asked

Can I run my UK company from Spain?

Yes, but where it is managed and controlled matters for tax. We design arrangements that reflect the reality of how you work.

Do I need a Spanish company?

Not necessarily. For some businesses a Spanish entity or branch is sensible. For others, a well-run UK company is simpler. We compare the options with your figures.

Who files the Spanish return?

Spanish-qualified advisers file Spanish returns. We provide the UK and cross-border analysis and coordinate so figures match.

Tell us what is on your mind. We will tell you honestly how we can help.

Send a short note. A senior member of the team replies by email, normally within one working day, and every first conversation is confidential.

Book a confidential consultation enquiries@valumise.co.uk