Fuengirola is one of the most established expat communities on the Costa del Sol, with a large international population — particularly from the UK, Scandinavia, and Germany. If you are relocating to Fuengirola, the Beckham Law (Spain’s Special Tax Regime for Impatriates) could significantly reduce your Spanish tax bill for up to 6 years.
The Beckham Law on the Costa del Sol
Fuengirola falls within the Andalucía autonomous community, which has a combined state and regional IRPF top rate of approximately 47%. Under the Beckham Law, your Spanish-source employment income is taxed at a flat 24% — regardless of the regional rate. For an international professional or remote worker earning €80,000, this typically means saving €8,000–€15,000 per year in income tax.
Additionally, if you have assets or income outside Spain — foreign bank accounts, investments, rental income from abroad — these are generally exempt from Spanish tax under the Beckham Law. This is a particularly relevant advantage for many expats relocating from the UK or Northern Europe who retain assets in their home country.
Who qualifies in Fuengirola?
- Remote workers employed by foreign companies — Since the 2023 reform, you do not need a Spanish employer to qualify. If you work remotely for a UK, German, or other foreign company, you can apply
- Retirees receiving foreign pensions — Note: pension income is treated differently and requires specialist advice
- Professionals with Spanish employment contracts — Whether in hospitality, real estate, or professional services
- Company directors — If you are appointed as a director of a Spanish company without holding a majority stake
Eligibility requirements
- You must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the 5 years before moving to Fuengirola
- Your move must be for a qualifying reason (employment, remote work, director role, or entrepreneurship)
- You must apply within 6 months of registering with Spanish Social Security
- You must have a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
See the full Beckham Law requirements guide for a complete breakdown.
How to apply from Fuengirola
The Beckham Law application is submitted to the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) using Modelo 149. The full process — from eligibility check to final approval — typically takes 2–5 months. At DPLL Tax & Legal, we manage the complete application remotely for clients on the Costa del Sol.
Take the free eligibility test → or book a free 10-minute call with our team.
