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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 bracketRate
Up to €6,00019%
€6,000 - €50,00021%
€50,000 - €200,00023%
€200,000 - €300,00027%
Above €300,00028%

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