I live in Switzerland: what are the Spanish tax rules for my property?

Why Switzerland is treated as non-EU

Spain's 19 % rate is reserved for residents of the EU and the EEA (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Switzerland has close agreements with the EU but is part of neither area for this purpose. A Swiss resident, whatever their nationality, is therefore taxed in Spain like a resident of the UK or the United States.

The Spanish figures

Empty or own-use home. A chalet-style house inland from Alicante with a cadastral value of 110,000 €, in a municipality on the 2 % coefficient, produces 2,200 € of imputed income. At 24 %, that is 528 € per year for a single owner. A Swiss couple owning it half each would each pay 264 €.

Letting. Rental income is taxed at 24 % on the gross amount: 6,000 € of rent means 1,440 € of Spanish tax, whatever your costs.

Selling. The gain is taxed at 19 %, as for all non-residents, and the buyer retains 3 % of the price at completion.

The Swiss side

Switzerland generally does not tax foreign real estate directly. Instead, the Spanish property and its income are usually reported on your cantonal return and taken into account to set the rate on your other income and wealth (exemption with progression). Cantons have their own practice on how the property is valued, so check with your cantonal tax office or a Swiss adviser. The Spanish tax you pay is not normally credited, since the income itself is exempt in Switzerland.

Practical tips for Swiss owners

1. File the Modelo 210 every year; the cantonal declaration does not replace it.
2. Pay from a Swiss account by transfer if you have no Spanish account; the procedure has existed since 2023.
3. Keep your Spanish IBI receipt each year, as it gives the cadastral value.
4. If you move to an EU country, the 19 % rate applies from the year you become resident there.

The Modelo 210 calculator gives your exact figure, and non-EU landlords explains the rental rules in more depth.