Spanish taxation of ETFs and index funds
Essential English guide to how Spain taxes ETFs, index funds, dividends and capital gains for residents.
IRPF del ahorro brackets (2026)
| Gain bracket | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to €6,000 | 19% |
| €6,000 - €50,000 | 21% |
| €50,000 - €200,000 | 23% |
| €200,000 - €300,000 | 27% |
| Above €300,000 | 28% |
Progressive: each bracket taxes only the portion within it. €10,000 gain pays €1,140 (19% of €6,000) + €840 (21% of €4,000) = €1,980 total.
FAQ
What is IRPF del ahorro?▾
IRPF del ahorro is the Spanish capital gains tax bracket. In 2026: 19% up to €6,000 gain, 21% up to €50,000, 23% up to €200,000, 27% up to €300,000, 28% above. Progressive: each bracket only taxes the portion within it.
What is the Modelo 720?▾
Mandatory informational declaration for Spain tax residents with foreign assets exceeding €50,000 per category (foreign bank accounts, securities like ETFs at DEGIRO or Trade Republic, foreign real estate). Filed Jan-Mar of following year. No tax due, just informative. Constitutional Court annulled disproportionate penalties in 2022 but obligation persists.
What is the fund-to-fund transfer (traspaso) advantage?▾
Unique Spanish tax benefit: transfers between investment funds (NOT ETFs) are tax-deferred. You can move money between funds without paying capital gains tax. IRPF is only triggered on final cash withdrawal. This makes investment funds (available at MyInvestor) more tax-efficient than ETFs for Spain residents who plan to rebalance.
How are accumulating ETF dividends taxed in Spain?▾
Accumulating ETFs (Acc) reinvest dividends internally. No tax event for the investor while holding. Only taxed on sale, as capital gain (precio venta - precio compra) at IRPF del ahorro rates. This is the most tax-efficient policy for accumulation phase.
What is the two-month rule (regla dos meses)?▾
Wash sale rule in Spain: if you sell an ETF or stock at a loss and rebuy the same security within 2 months before or after, the loss is disallowed for tax purposes. To realize a tax loss, wait more than 2 months before rebuying the same ticker, or buy a different ETF with similar exposure.
For full Spanish content with all tax scenarios:
Full Spanish ETF tax guide