Can I be UK self-employed whilst resident in Spain?
sailingshoes Italy Local time: 14:38 Spanish to English
Not so bad
Apr 21, 2011
I worked as a freelancer in Spain and found the system fine. There may be more paperwork, but it's part of life in many countries. I now live in Italy where procedures are far more complex (and complicated) and where taxes are far higher.
You need an accountant. If the first one you talked to didn't know his stuff, talk to someone else. Use Proz forums to get advice on how to get a good accountant locally.
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Martin Stranak Czech Republic Local time: 13:38 English to Czech + ...
I love this one :-)
Apr 21, 2011
Williamson wrote:
A riddle:
Virgin ltd is based in London.
Richard Branson lives on a Necker Island.
Suppose he lived in Marbella and Virgin pays him dividends, a CEO-salary and bonusses.
To which country does Virgin ltd pay taxes and to which country would Branson pay taxes?
In the answer and a bit of creativity lies the solution to your problem.
Remember: In Europe, Britain is the odd man out and encourages business, whereas the other bureaucratic nightmares discourage business.
[Edited at 2011-04-21 09:20 GMT]
That´s a good one. Just wondering how many of these "corporate angels" are hanging over the taxation issue in Europe itself
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Williamson United Kingdom Local time: 13:38 Flemish to English + ...
A clue
Apr 21, 2011
What is the difference between a ltd and the physical person?
Where does the ltd has to live and where is it taxed?
Wouldn't you better consult a British accountant instead of a gestor? The gestor knows a lot about bureaucracy, but nothing about the ways of the odd man out.
Ah, if you cannot beat them, join them (EU), but do things your way. That is what I like about Britain.
[Edited at 2011-04-21 14:17 GMT]
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John Rawlins Spain Local time: 14:38 Member (2007) English + ...
Through the hoops
Apr 21, 2011
[quote]Dr Neil wrote:
John Rawlins wrote:
Thanks for the info John, it6 leads me to a few questions...
And can I ask, John, did you complete Modelo 037 (Declaracion de Alta en el Censo de Profesionales....)? Or did you simply just pay your taxes at the end of the year in the normal declaration? Did you charge IVA to your clients when invoicing?
Thanks again,
Neil
Hi Neil
Yes, I went through all the hoops back in 1995 and I have always charged my clients VAT. I rarely use a gestor and prefer to do everything myself. My advice is to make sure that you talk to the back room managers at the tax and social security offices. The people on the front desk are usually very self-assured, but not very well informed.
The habit that you have to kick is to look for a clear 'yes' or 'no' to a technical question. Spanish individuals, companies, and organisations are loathe to give such 'child-like' answers. Everything is probably this and probably that - and you can't ask for any more.
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Lutz Molderings United Kingdom Local time: 14:38 Member (2007) German to English + ...
yes
Apr 21, 2011
Dr Neil wrote:
Lutz Molderings wrote:
I'm not sure about the legal aspect, but it's certainly possible.
I'm British and although I pay income tax, VAT and NI in the UK, I don't really live there. I do spend a couple of months there every year, but most of the time I'm in Saigon.
I would actually rather pay my taxes in Vietnam, but it's virtually impossible unless you're married to a Vietnamese.
Anyway, all you really need is a UK address HMRC will accept, i.e. no PO box.
If you haven't got a physical address in the UK, google expat + address + UK and I'm sure you'll find what you are looking for.
Thanks Lutz, it's good to know that there are already people doing something similar. Can I ask, are you self-employed in the UK? The address I can do (what are parents for?).....thanks again....
[Edited at 2011-04-20 22:01 GMT]
Yes Neil, I'm self-employed and pay voluntary VAT.
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Meerburg TS Netherlands Member (Feb 2012) Dutch to English + ...
Similar dilemma
Mar 9
Hi,
I am struggling with some of the same issues.
This thread has cleared up some of my doubts, and I am planning soon to file for autonomo:
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