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TRANSPORT

UPDATE: Can I travel from the UK to Spain through France despite the new restrictions?

France is bringing in tough new restrictions on arrivals from the UK over fears of the so-called Indian variant of Covid - 19, but what about people who just want to pass through France on their way to Spain?

UPDATE: Can I travel from the UK to Spain through France despite the new restrictions?
Photo: Ander Gillena/AFP

Question: I am planning to drive to Spain from the UK and obviously that involves going through France – do the new French travel rules apply to me if I am only passing through?

From Monday, May 31st, France is tightening up entry requirements for arrivals from the UK, following in the footsteps of Germany and Austria as European countries become increasingly concerned about circulation of the ‘Indian variant’ of Covid in the UK.

The new travel rules have three parts;

Travellers need a vital reason to enter France. You can find the full list of vital reasons HERE but the criteria are strict and require documentary proof. Travel to second homes and to visit family and friends is not accepted as a vital reason. This rule does not apply to French citizens, citizens of another EU country or people who have their permanent residence in France.

Travellers must show a negative Covid test at the border taken within the previous 48 hours (a change from the 72 hour requirement). This can be either a PCR or an antigen test. This applies to everyone, including French and EU citizens and permanent residents of France.

Travellers must self-isolate for seven days on arrival, although there will be no police checks to enforce this. This applies to everyone including French and EU citizens and residents.

READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about the new Spain-UK travel rules

So what’s the situation if you are just passing through?

If you are returning to your permanent residence in another EU or Schengen zone country then you can travel, as one of the listed ‘vital reasons’ is returning home. You will, however, need to show some proof of your residency, ideally a residency card.

If you are travelling for another reason you can travel through France, provided you spend less than 24 hours in the country.

The testing requirement applies to all arrivals, even if you are only passing through France, but if you spend less than 24 hours in the country you are not required to quarantine.

You will also need to check the rules in your destination country on arrivals from France. If you are entering France from an EU or Schengen zone country you will need to show a negative Covid test taken within the previous 72 hours and this must be a PCR test. You can enter France for any reason from an EU/Schengen country.

And yes, these rules all apply even to the fully vaccinated.

To find out more about the restrictions and requirements for driving between Spain and the UK click here

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For members

TAXES

Do I have to pay tax in Spain on the non-lucrative visa?

As the name suggests, Spain's non-lucrative visa or NLV doesn't allow you to work, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're not liable to pay taxes here.

Do I have to pay tax in Spain on the non-lucrative visa?

The non-lucrative visa or NLV is a one-year residency visa that allows non-EU citizens to come and live in Spain and is extendable for a further two years.

The main rule of the NLV is that you’re not allowed to work while in Spain, this means no working for companies within Spain, no remote work for companies outside of Spain and no self-employed work either.

Because of this, it’s a popular choice for those who want to retire in Spain.

READ ALSO – Non-lucrative vs digital nomad visa: Which one should you choose to move to Spain?

So, if you’re not earning any money in Spain, does this mean you have to pay tax here or not?

In short, yes, you will have to pay tax in Spain if you’re here on the NLV. 

In order to be eligible for the NLV you have to have a substantial amount of savings or receive a certain amount of passive income to be able to support yourself here.

This passive income could be from receiving a pension, rental payments for a property you own abroad, returns on investments or capital gains from the sale of assets.

So even though you’re not physically working while living in Spain, you are still earning money in some form, even if this is only a small amount of interest on your savings. All of it is taxable. 

READ ALSO: What are the pros and cons of Spain’s non-lucrative visa?

In order to be eligible for the NLV, you need to prove you have 400 times the amount of the IPREM which for 2024 is €2,400 per month in passive income or savings of €28,800 for the year.

Spanish law states that if you’re resident in Spain you must pay income tax on your worldwide income and capital gains.

If you’re here on a one-year visa and stay in Spain over the 183-day threshold then you will be subject to paying tax here. If you don’t spend a minimum of 183 days, you won’t be able to renew your NLV.

READ ALSO: Do I have to pay taxes in Spain if I don’t work?

This means that even though you are prohibited from working while on this visa, your passive income is still taxable and you will pay tax on your global income.

Interest on savings or capital gains are taxed at the following rates:

  • 19 percent for the first €6,000 of taxable income
  • 21 percent for the following €6,000 to €50,000
  • 23 percent for the next €50,000 to €200,000 
  • 27 percent €200,000 to €300,000
  • 28 percent for any amounts over €300,000.

You will also be taxed on pensions and other passive income such as rent from abroad. This will be taxed at a different rate.

Income tax is charged at the same rate for general income and pensions and is subject to progressive tax rates ranging from 19 up to 47 percent.

  • Up to €12,450: 19 percent
  • €12,451 – €20,200: 24 percent
  • €20,201 – €35,200: 30 percent
  • €35,201 – €60,000: 37 percent
  • €60,001 – €300,000: 45 percent
  • Over €300,000: 47 percent

If you’re eligible for the NLV and are earning €20,200 to €35,200 for example, you will be taxed at a rate of 30 percent. The exact amount you will pay, however, will depend on your individual circumstances.

You will be liable to file the annual Declaración de Renta for the previous year. It’s typically due at the end of June and on it, you will declare all your passive income and capital gains.

You may also be subject to pay wealth tax, as well as inheritance and gift tax, so it’s important that you contact a gestor or tax expert to find out exactly how much you’ll pay.

If you’re also subject to paying tax in your home country, Spain has double taxation agreements in place with many countries to ensure you don’t pay tax on the same money twice.

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