Freedom Score

Emigrating from Belgium to Spain: tax and cost of living

How does Spain score against Belgium? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€3,116
Per year vs. Belgium+€6,577

Beckham Law 24% flat · 6-year regime · EU

Tax

54/100

Residency

90/100

Cost of living

85/100

Living environment

73/100

Mobility

95/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Belgium income of €49,200 gross per year, you keep €37,392 net in Spain: a difference of €6,577 per year compared with Belgium.

  • Tax: on this income Spain lands at an effective rate of about 24%, against 37% in Belgium.
  • Passport and mobility: from Spain you travel visa-free to 190 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale Spain scores 90 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Spain a living-environment score of 73 out of 100.

The tax regime in Spain

Top rate is 47% on income above 300,000 EUR (state 24.5% + regional portion). Spain also levies a wealth tax and introduced a Solidarity Tax on Large Fortunes (ITSGF) from 2023. The Beckham Law offers qualifying newcomers a flat 24% rate on Spanish-source income up to 600,000 EUR for up to 6 years.

Residency and visas in Spain

EU citizens can settle freely. Non-EU nationals have multiple routes including the Golden Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and the non-lucrative residence permit. Permanent residency is available after 5 years; citizenship after 10 years (2 years for some nationalities).

  • Residencia No Lucrativa · €28,800/year · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Visado para Nomadas Digitales · €31,752/year · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Autorizacion de Residencia por Inversion (Visa de Oro) · €500,000 · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Autorizacion de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena · 5 years to permanent residency
Read the full guide to SpainTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Belgium and Spain?
On an average Belgium income it differs by roughly €6,577 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
Order report · €6,99

Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources