Non-resident Britons, who spend more than 90 days enjoying their holiday homes in Spain could be fined up to 10,000 euros by the Spanish government. The cash penalty was labelled as outrageous by British home owners who are furious that they can only spend 180 days in Spain (in two blocks of 90 days) a year.
The 90 day rule only applies to non-resident Britons but it has already hit property sales with real estate agents stating that it was costing Spain millions. As passports are stamped or electronically checked on arrival and departure it is easy for airport staff to enforce the 90 day rule and also give the fine.
However, the threat of a hefty cash penalty makes it even harder for holiday home owners to swallow the 90 day rule with many saying that it is outrageous. Sales of homes to non-residents across Spain have fallen with many blaming the restriction as one of the reasons.
Spanish is pushing the European Union hard to abolish the law but it would need the support of all member nations.
43 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
camila culverrOf course not, but neither are the people (being polite) who make up the rules.
This is funny, and incredibly ironic. The illegal Algerian immigrants come to Mallorca, commit nonstop crimes, never go to jail, and even recieve a health card and government help??????? They cannot be touched, yet a Brit who overstays the 90 days receives a 10,000 euro fine??? Is this logical?
Ulla JacksonI have! It's one of several countries I live in. The reason I suggest follow Portugal's lead is because they are made it simple for British folk to buy property and stay in the county. They value non-nationals. Why can't Spain?
Ulla JacksonYou wish. The EU is trying to standardize its member countries’ tax regimes. They are also trying to force Spain to abolish it’s wealth tax, as it is the only EU country that applies it.
Richard PearsonAs of how long Non EU countries are allowed to stay. Taxation system of property and wealth are different in each country, as well as IHT.
Richard PearsonI was saying that if the UK wanted and accepted to join the EU, I Believe (not knowing) EU would set the criteria of Euro. I guess it will never happen as the UK voting was a democratic decision. Regarding tax of property and wealth it's up to every country to decide not all down to EU.
Although joining the EU some time ago, Croatia has now agreed to use the €, although its original currency is still being accepted. Personally I doubt that Denmark, Sweden, Poland or Hungary will ever adopt it. Spain joining the EU was, at the time, a correct decision. Joining the Euro was definitely not.
Ulla JacksonForced to use the Euro ? Before that happens they will have to force Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden. Please do some research before you write false statements on this forum.
Ulla Jackson?
Ulla JacksonOwn rules ? Only last week you were saying that every country had to follow the EU rules and regulations. Please make your mind up about which one it is.