Modelo 210 Explained
Understanding the non-resident tax form for Spanish property owners and income.
What is Modelo 210?
Modelo 210 is the tax form used by non-residents to declare income derived from Spain. It's most commonly used by property owners who don't live in Spain but own real estate there.
Unlike residents who file one annual return, non-residents may need to file multiple Modelo 210 forms depending on their income sources: one for imputed income, quarterly ones for rental income, and another for capital gains from property sales.
The form is filed with the Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency) and can be submitted online with a digital certificate or through a fiscal representative.
Imputed Income (Imputación de Rentas)
If you own property in Spain but don't rent it out, you're still liable for imputed income tax. Spain assumes your property generates theoretical income even when it sits empty.
The tax is calculated as 1.1% of the cadastral value (or 2% if the value hasn't been revised in 10+ years), multiplied by the tax rate (19% for EU/EEA residents, 24% for others).
For example: A property with €100,000 cadastral value would have imputed income of €1,100, resulting in €209 tax for EU residents (€1,100 × 19%).
Rental Income
If you rent out your Spanish property, you must declare the rental income using Modelo 210. The filing is typically quarterly.
EU/EEA residents can deduct expenses (mortgage interest, repairs, insurance, etc.) and pay 19% on the net profit. Non-EU residents pay 24% on gross income with no expense deductions.
You'll need records of all rental income received and expenses paid. Professional management fees, IBI property tax, and community fees are all deductible for EU residents.
Filing Deadlines
Imputed income: File by December 31 of the year following the tax year (e.g., December 31, 2025 for 2024).
Rental income: Quarterly filing - Q1 by April 20, Q2 by July 20, Q3 by October 20, Q4 by January 20.
Capital gains from property sale: Within 3 months of the sale completion date. Don't miss this deadline or you may forfeit the 3% retention.
The 3% Retention
When a non-resident sells property in Spain, the buyer is legally required to withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it to the tax authorities. This is an advance payment on potential capital gains tax.
After filing Modelo 210 for the capital gain, you can recover any excess retention. If your actual tax liability is less than 3%, you'll receive a refund.
File within the 3-month deadline to avoid complications with recovering your retention.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax laws and regulations in Spain may change, and individual circumstances vary. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information. Always consult with a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.