Land in Spain with full tax security.
German tax advisory in Spain – your firm in Hamburg and Marbella
Whether you are relocating, setting up a company, buying property or need ongoing tax support: JP Tax combines German thoroughness with deep knowledge of the Spanish market. Our firm is right where you need us: in Hamburg for planning before the move, and in Marbella for execution on the ground.
1500+
Clients
50+
Experts
3
Offices
15 years
of experience
Let us be honest: who actually enjoys wrestling with Spanish tax forms?
At the same time, your tax obligations in Germany do not end automatically when you move. Surprising? Not really. The German exit tax (Wegzugsbesteuerung, § 6 AStG) applies to unrealized capital gains on shares in corporations when a taxpayer relocates abroad, provided they hold at least 1 % of the shares. On top of this come the reporting obligations for foreign assets under Ley 7/2012, the correct application of the double taxation treaty between Germany and Spain, and a number of further duties that many expatriates only discover when it is already too late. The overlap between the two tax systems is wide and complex. Mistakes here cost not only money but also nerves and valuable time.
In the worst case, a six-figure back-tax demand.
A typical example: an entrepreneur from Munich planned his move to Marbella without factoring in the exit tax on his GmbH shares. The potential tax burden: more than 180,000 euros. Through timely planning — six months before the move — we were able to reduce the burden to a fraction. The exit tax applies to shareholdings of at least 1 % under § 6 AStG, and most of those affected only learn through specialist advice which planning options they would lose by relocating without preparation.
This is exactly where JP Tax makes the difference.
We are not a generalist firm that covers Spain on the side. Our entire portfolio of services is focused on the tax corridor between Spain and Germany. As a German tax firm on the Costa del Sol, we know the pitfalls on both sides — and we know how to navigate around them. That makes us the reliable partner for everyone who wants to be set up cleanly from a tax perspective in both countries. Sounds complex? It is. Spanish bureaucracy meets German bureaucracy — a combination that even makes us sweat sometimes. But that is exactly what we are here for.
Did you know?
In Spain, tax residents are required to declare their worldwide assets in Modelo 720 (in accordance with Ley 7/2012) once certain thresholds are exceeded. Failure to comply can result in significant financial penalties.
The Beckham Law (Special Regime for Inbound Workers) allows new residents, under certain conditions, to be taxed in Spain as non-residents, with a flat tax rate of 24 % on Spanish income up to 600,000 euros.
According to the double taxation treaty between Germany and Spain (DTT DE-ES, art. 13), capital gains from the sale of real estate may be taxed in the state where the property is located — that is, in the country in which the property is situated.
In accordance with Ley 19/1991, Spain levies an annual wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) on net assets above approximately 700,000 euros (the exempt amount varies by autonomous community).
What sets us apart
German-language advisory and local service in Spain
Tax law is challenging even in your own native language. Really. In a foreign language it becomes a real challenge, where misunderstandings can quickly become expensive (and we are not talking about pocket change). At JP Tax you communicate in German and receive advice that you truly understand. Every tax decision is explained to you transparently. Every official letter is summarised for you in German. Every step is documented in a traceable way. You always know where you stand and why we recommend a particular course of action. Clarity creates trust. Most gestorías in Spain are simply not suited to German clients — not because they work badly, but because they do not know the German tax system. They know neither the exit tax nor the extended limited tax liability. That is a decisive difference.
Exclusive specialisation in Spain and Germany
Our focus lies exclusively on tax and business matters between Spain and Germany. Period. We do not do everything for everyone, but one thing properly. This specialisation enables us to apply the relevant rules of both countries with confidence. We know the Spanish IRPF system just as well as the German exit tax under § 6 AStG. We know how the double taxation treaty (DTT DE-ES) is applied in practice and where there is room for planning. And we understand which mistakes other firms make, because we deal with exactly these cases every day. Our tax advisors are members of the German Chamber of Tax Advisors (Steuerberaterkammer) and qualified to advise both in Germany and across borders. That is by no means standard in Spain.
Dedicated contacts instead of anonymous handling
With us, you do not work with rotating case officers who have to read up on your file at every contact. You have dedicated contacts who know your situation, understand your goals and stand by your side over the long term. In practice, that means faster decisions, fewer follow-up questions and no duplicated explanations. When you call, you speak with someone who knows your file and immediately understands what you are talking about. That continuity saves time and creates the kind of trust that is built up over the years.
Network of lawyers, notaries and specialists
Tax questions rarely come up in isolation. A property purchase touches tax law, civil law and land registry law all at once. Setting up a company requires, in addition to the tax advisor, also a notary and sometimes a lawyer. Relocating raises questions about residence law. That is why we work closely with Spanish and German lawyers, notaries and other specialists. We coordinate all the relevant experts so that you have one central point of contact and do not have to mediate yourself between different advisors in two countries. That saves not only time but also money, because aligned advice prevents duplicate work and contradictory recommendations.
Holistic 360° approach
We do not just look at individual tax returns, but at your entire situation. Residence, corporate structure, assets, family situation, future plans — everything feeds into our analysis. From this we develop a strategy that is consistent from a tax, legal and economic perspective. No patchwork of individual measures, but a thought-through plan that works today and still holds up in five years. If your circumstances change, we adjust the strategy. No bureaucratic jargon. No hidden costs. No nasty surprises.
Our services at a glance
Tax advisory in Spain
Ongoing tax support for individuals and companies in Spain. From the annual income tax return (IRPF) and payroll and social security filings to advice on international matters. We handle the day-to-day correspondence with the tax authorities, take over communication in Spanish and let you focus on your business or your life in Spain. This includes the filing of Modelo 720, the foreign-asset disclosure that many Germans in Spain forget or underestimate.
Relocating to Spain
Tax planning before the move, support with the change of tax residence, advice on the German exit tax and prevention of double taxation. We make sure your transition from Germany to Spain is structured cleanly from a tax perspective and that you do not fall into the typical traps that many expatriates only notice later. As advisors specialised in the German exit tax for relocations to Spain, we focus precisely on this type of case.
Setting up a company in Spain
From applying for the company name (Denominación Social) and preparing the founding documents to the accompanied notary appointment in Marbella. We support you with structuring, advise on holding solutions and take over the ongoing tax administration of the new company. Setting up a Sociedad Limitada (S.L.) with us starts from 2,000 euros. We will advise you on which option is right for your situation.
Property and taxes in Spain
Tax and legal support for property purchases. Review of the acquisition structure, advice on the taxation of rental income, clarification of non-resident tax obligations and legal due diligence on the property together with our network of lawyers. So that your property purchase is not only an emotional but also a sound tax decision. Under the double-tax treaty between Germany and Spain (DTA DE-ES, Art. 13), capital gains from property can be taxed in the country where the property is located — the situs state. If this is not factored in at the time of purchase, you may end up paying tax in both countries on a sale. We make sure your acquisition structure is tax-optimised from day one.
Tax strategy and consulting
Tailored tax planning for clients with complex structures. Structural advice for private wealth and companies across borders, planning for changes of residence and international tax optimisation. We work closely with your existing advisers in Germany to ensure a coordinated strategy. Whether holding structure, operational split-up or the question of whether income should be paid as dividends or director’s salary — we think in scenarios and run the numbers to see which option is most favourable for you. Not theoretical, but with concrete figures.
Gestoría or tax advisor: what is the difference?
A gestoría is a Spanish administrative office that handles formalities with the authorities: from applying for the NIE to filing simple tax returns. A gestoría is, however, not a tax advisor in the German sense. The role of a gestor or gestora in Spain is not comparable with the qualification of a German Steuerberater, who must pass a state examination and be admitted by the Steuerberaterkammer. The decisive difference for Germans in Spain: a gestoría usually does not know German tax law. Questions about the exit tax, the double taxation treaty or the extended limited tax liability cannot be answered there. For purely Spanish administrative matters, a gestoría can be very useful. But for comprehensive tax planning between Germany and Spain you need a tax advisor who is at home in both legal systems.
How we work with you
Meet the experts driving client growth worldwide
Behind JP Tax stands a team of German and Spanish professionals. In Hamburg and Pinneberg we run our headquarters with around 60 staff. In Marbella our local team works in tax advisory, law and project coordination. Both offices work hand in hand, with no external handovers.
+1500 Clients
For over 15 years
60 Experts
Dedicated specialists supporting your growth
Frequently asked questions
Who is JP Tax the right firm for?
Do I need a tax advisor if I am relocating to Spain?
What is the German exit tax (Wegzugsbesteuerung) and does it affect me?
In which languages can I receive advice?
How does the initial consultation work?
What does it cost to work with JP Tax?
Can JP Tax also help with property purchases in Spain?
Muss ich persönlich nach Marbella kommen?
Was unterscheidet JP Tax von einer spanischen Gestoría?
Your first step:
The personal initial consultation
Do you have questions about taxes, setting up a company, buying property or your move to Spain? In a personal initial consultation we analyse your situation together and show you the best way forward. No sales pitch. No obligation. Just an honest assessment of where you stand. 60 minutes. In person, by video or phone. 100 euros. We look forward to your message — by email, phone or WhatsApp. The first step is always the most important.