AC Advisors

Tax Advice for Companies bringing International talent to Spain

We help foreign companies and international groups to set up and grow in Spain with complete tax security. We design efficient structures, manage day-to-day dealings with the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) and clearly explain the impact on the company and its teams.

In addition to tax matters, we review commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, employment agreements and legal risks arising from operating in Spain.

Tax Soft Landing for expatriate employees

Bringing key personnel to Spain involves much more than just changing offices. We accompany your company and your employee throughout the entire fiscal and legal soft landing process to ensure that the transfer is smooth and seamless.

 

  • Preliminary analysis of the employee’s and company’s situation.
  • Study and processing of the applicable special tax regime (such as the well-known Beckham law, where applicable).
  • Registration and obligations with the Spanish authorities: income tax, social security and other formalities.
  • Coordination with HR and the employee themselves so that everyone understands what is being paid, where and why.
  • Legal advice on employment and immigration: contracts, specific clauses for expatriates, visa and permit reviews.
  • Assistance with practical arrival procedures (NIE, registration and other initial procedures), in coordination with your relocation partners, if you have them.
  • Support in managing visas and residence permits for the employee and, where applicable, their family.

International payroll and reporting to Headquarters

We ensure that the payroll for your employees posted to Spain correctly reflects tax and labour regulations, without losing sight of the needs of the parent company.

 

  • Definition of the remuneration and benefits scheme for posted employees.
  • Configuration of withholdings and contributions in Spain according to the applicable regime (general, Beckham Law, etc.).
  • Clear reports for the parent company and coordination with your global payroll department.

International Mobility and Soft Landing 360 for Companies

Bringing international talent to Spain involves coordinating taxation, immigration, payroll, contracts and, in many cases, their families. Our 360° international mobility service integrates tax and legal advice, visas, payroll and practical support, so that your company can relocate teams safely and without duplicating internal efforts.

 

  • Design of tax and legal strategies for expatriate employees and remote teams.
  • Coordinated management of visas and residence permits for employees and their families.
  • Setup of international payroll, withholding taxes and reporting to headquarters.
  • Advice on setting up subsidiaries, branches or EOR schemes when necessary.
  • Ongoing support throughout the stay in Spain.

Subsidiaries and Branches in Spain

A subsidiary in Spain can offer significant commercial and tax advantages, provided it is set up correctly from the outset.

We design and support the implementation of your structure in Spain, combining tax, legal and business analysis. This includes coordination with your international mobility programmes to align corporate structure, travel and internal policies.

 

  • Advice on the best legal form for your project (subsidiary, branch or other alternatives).
  • Processing of tax registrations, VAT and other formal obligations related to the start of activity.
  • Ongoing support in corporate tax and related accounting.
  • Coordination with the parent company to align reporting, internal policies and tax calendar.
  • Incorporation of the company, drafting of articles of association and coordination with the notary and commercial registry.
  • Review of contracts with customers and suppliers in the UK from a legal and tax perspective.
  • Review of legal risks associated with permanent establishment, directors’ liability and applicable sector regulations.
  • Tax and legal due diligence in acquisition, investment or restructuring processes, identifying contingencies and opportunities before making decisions.

Why international companies trust AC Advisors

We work as an external tax department specialising in companies with an international presence.

 

  • More than 15 years supporting foreign companies operating in Spain.
  • Experience in projects with teams and subsidiaries in multiple countries.
  • Clear communication, in your language, with a focus on practical solutions.
  • Preventive approach: we prefer to anticipate problems before penalties are imposed.
  • Close support for both management and transferred employees.
  • 360° international mobility service: tax, legal, visas, payroll and coordination with global HR.

Case studies

– Technology company relocates its management team to Spain

A European technology company decides to bring part of its senior management team to Spain. We analyse each professional’s situation, assess the application of the special tax regime, manage the applications and design the payroll and withholding scheme. The result: an orderly transfer, full compliance and a clear and predictable tax cost for the company and employees.

In addition to the tax aspect, we coordinate visas, contracts and payroll with HR so that the international mobility of the management team functions as a single project, not as separate pieces.

 

– Multinational company opening a subsidiary for the Spanish market

An international group wants to move from operating from abroad to having a subsidiary in Spain. We defined the corporate structure, processed the necessary registrations, set the tax calendar and coordinated reporting with the parent company. The company began operating securely from day one without duplicating internal efforts.

We integrated the creation of the subsidiary with the group’s international mobility policy so that the first transfers and hires in Spain followed consistent and secure criteria.

Frequently asked questions from companies

– When is my company considered to have a permanent establishment in Spain?

We analyse whether there is a stable presence in Spain that allows the activity to be carried out, such as offices, personnel with decision-making power or certain types of agents. We review your specific case to determine whether a permanent establishment is created and what implications this has for taxation.

 

– What are the tax implications of transferring employees to Spain?

It may change their tax residence, their personal income tax liability and the company’s obligations in terms of withholding tax, contributions and reporting. We study each transfer and design the most convenient tax and employment scheme within the legal framework.

 

– How long does it take to set up a subsidiary in Spain?

It depends on the structure chosen and the documentation available, but it usually takes several weeks between notarial procedures, registrations and tax registrations. We accompany you throughout the process and set a realistic timetable from the outset.

 

– Can we avoid paying tax twice on the same income?

In many cases, yes, by correctly applying double taxation agreements and structuring intra-group operations well. We analyse your business flows to minimise double taxation within the limits of the regulations.

Let's discuss taxation and international mobility for your company in Spain

If your company already operates in Spain or is considering entering the market, we can help you do so safely and smoothly.