UK to Spain Guide
Contents
Summary
Being a member of the single currency eurozone, Spain does not employ currency controls and has completely deregulated all individual and business transactions between residents and non-residents. The single European currency, the euro (EUR), is the second most traded currency globally after the US dollar. Sending money to Spain or transferring money from Spain is not restricted.
Our Top 11 Digital Money Transfer Providers
Latest prices for transferring money from UK to Spain
Spain money transfer regulations
In some cases, Spanish residents who obtain foreign loans must file a report of this transaction if it exceeds EUR3m. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Spain does not require prior government approval or official reporting, unless it originates from a tax haven or exceeds EUR3m. In an effort to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, the EU requires individuals transferring amounts over EUR10,000 in or out of the zone to declare it to the European authorities. Any transfers within Spain have a limit of EUR100,000 before they must be declared.
Currency union
Sending money to Spain from within Europe has been vastly simplified in the last two decades. The introduction of the single currency in 1999 has made the transfer of money between the 18 member countries cheap and fast as the zone has created a single payments system. This single payment system extends to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, despite their retaining independent currencies.
The value of the euro faltered with the 2008 global financial crisis and the resulting economic downturn in the eurozone, which affected countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain more heavily than the anchor economies, France and Germany. Nonetheless, the euro is one of the world’s most successful currency unions, and it serves as the peg for two common currencies in francophone Africa – the Central African CFA franc (XAF) and the West African CFA franc (XOF).
The impact of Brexit has only affected the value of the euro against the pound, and currently it is worth more than the pound before the Brexit referendum.
The euro is the second most traded currency in the world and each trades an equivalent of $800m.
Monetary policy
The creation of the monetary union resulted in the adoption of a single monetary policy set by the European Central Bank (ECB). Spain’s central bank, the Banco de España, ensures the stability of the country’s financial sector and oversees payment systems.
Buying property in Spain
Despite the country’s popularity as a holiday and retirement destination, buying property in Spain is not always straightforward, and there are several steps to go through. Before you can make a purchase as a foreigner, you will need to obtain a fiscal number and also likely retain a lawyer who speaks Spanish and your language. Despite this, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain, though the current uncertainty surrounding Brexit has meant that UK residents have been holding off purchasing Spanish property until the situation is resolved.
The taxes involved in buying a property in Spain can be much higher than other countries. You will need to allow for legal fees (around 1-2%), stamp duty (around 6-7%), IVA (value-added tax of around 7%), and property registration and notary charges (which could be another 1%). Once you have transferred your money to Spain and bought the property, the transaction will need to be registered with the Spanish Land Registry. Be sure that you are advised correctly on submitting the correct value of your property to the authorities.
When you are budgeting for your property, if you are part of a complex, expect there to be ongoing maintenance fees. You may need to be sending money to Spain regularly to cover these costs. Additionally, you are likely to incur some property taxes, which can range in value from three to five figures depending on the size and location of the property. Non-residents are also liable for a wealth tax and capital gains if you sell the property. Spanish taxation is complex and we suggest that you seek additional advice in this area.
Top 11 Money Transfer Providers continued...
Independent Andorra
The 468-sq km independent principality of Andorra, located along the border between Spain and France, was jointly ruled by representatives of both countries until the 1990s. The territory is a tax haven, and its small economy is dominated by finance, tourism and retail sales, since many items are duty-free. However, due to the EU increasing the pressure that it has been applying to Andorra, it has begun to increase its levels of taxation from 2015 onwards and the country is slowly moving away from being a tax haven.
Currency
The euro is made up of 100 cents. Euro banknotes are printed in denominations of EUR5, EUR10, EUR20, EUR50, EUR100, EUR200 and EUR500. Coins are available in values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and EUR1 and EUR2. Each member country’s central bank issues its own banknotes and coins. The latter have national designs on one side and common designs on the other. All euro currency from any country is accepted within the currency zone.
Spain to Individual Country Guides
Money Transfer Spain to Argentina
Money Transfer Spain to Colombia
Money Transfer Spain to Mexico
Money Transfer Spain to UK
Money Transfer Spain to USA
Did you know?
Spain was the most popular tourist destination for UK citizens in 2019, and the second most popular destination for British ex-pats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
All of the money transfer companies and services listed above are fully safe to use. Each of the above are authorised and regulated by the relevant financial authorities in each jurisdiction and are licensed to provide transfer services.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The length of time it takes to fully complete a money transfer will depend entirely on the service used and what currency you want to transfer. Transfers sent using banks — such as bank to bank transfers — will typically be quite quick, often taking between 1–2 working days. For more precise estimates, you should always check the estimated time with the relevant provider. Debit card and credit card payments might also take less time.
How do I use FXcompared?
To use FXCompared to make a money transfer from UK to USA, the first step is to use the above table to compare the rates from the various providers. To find the best provider to transfer GBP to USD, consider factors including price, speed and its overall rating. Once you have made a decision, simply click the green button to get taken through to the provider’s website. From there, you will be able to sign-up and register for an account. Once the verification process is complete, you can initiate the transfer.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The majority of transfers overseas will be made using a bank to bank transfer, although there are a number of other methods available. This includes cash, debit and credit card, as well as digital wallets. The methods available to you will depend on what provider you chose to make the transfer with.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
Although the prices shown above are generally accurate with market rates in real time, there may be some slight differences when you finalise your order. Exchange rates will fluctuate over the course of the trading day based on real-time market data. As such, when you are looking to transfer money to UK from US, for example, there may sometimes be a delay in how they are reported. Price fluctuations may also be caused by the individual site in question, depending on what services they have available.
Latest Money Transfer News Articles for Europe