VAT in Spain Made Simple

Spain VAT Guide

Spanish VAT Registrations
and Returns

In Spain, VAT (IVA) numbers always begin with the ‘ES’ prefix followed by nine characters. Spain has a well-established VAT system for international businesses. Everything you need to stay compliant.

Spain VAT
21%
Standard VAT Rate
EUR 10,000
OSS Threshold
Quarterly
Filing Frequency
3–7 Days
Average Registration
Latest Updates

Spain VAT News

06 June 2025

Spain’s SII Real-Time Reporting System: New Requirements for Foreign Businesses

Spain’s Suministro Inmediato de Información (SII) system requires businesses with a turnover above €6 million to report VAT invoices in real-time. Foreign VAT-registered businesses may be subject to these requirements.

06 June 2025

Spanish Tax Agency Updates Guidelines for Non-Resident VAT Registrations

The Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) has updated its guidelines for non-resident businesses seeking VAT registration in Spain, with new requirements for digital service providers and marketplace sellers.

VAT Registration Requirements
VAT Registration

Is VAT registration required in Spain?

Whether you need VAT (IVA) registration in Spain depends on your business location, the nature of your goods or services, and whether you sell to Spanish consumers or businesses.

Your business’s location
Your target customers
Nature of products or services
Your sales destinations
Where stock is held at the point of sale

🕐 Looking for advice tailored to your situation? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our specialists today.

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Business Scenarios

My B2C business is based outside the EU

For businesses based outside the EU, VAT obligations in Spain depend on where your inventory is held and whether your customers are Spanish consumers or VAT-registered businesses.

Selling goods online

Selling goods on your website

Running your own online store brings additional VAT responsibilities. If you hold stock in Spain, you must register for VAT there. When selling goods stored in another country to customers in Spain, you have two pathways to compliance.

Choosing the right option depends on your current setup and future plans.

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Importing goods to Spain

Importing goods to Spain

If products are shipped from outside the EU at time of purchase, you have three compliant methods:

1Register for VAT in Spain
2Sign up for IOSS
3Deliver using Delivered at Place (DAP)
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Fast IOSS Registration

Get Registered for IOSS, Fast

Ready to start selling to Spain customers? Begin your IOSS registration today, and we can secure your IOSS number in as little as three working days.

Marketplace sales
Amazon & eBay

Selling goods on a marketplace

Since 2021, platforms like Amazon.es and eBay collect and remit VAT on qualifying B2C sales in Spain. Marketplaces handle VAT when:

You, the seller, are based outside the EU
It’s a B2C transaction
Goods ship from outside the EU in parcels valued at EUR 150 or less
Or the goods are stored in Spain at the time of sale

Important: Storing goods in Spain still triggers a VAT registration requirement there, even if the marketplace collects VAT. Orders above threshold limits require your own VAT registration in Spain or a DAP shipment.

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Don’t let VAT get in the way of marketplace growth

Expand your marketplace presence in Spain while staying fully VAT compliant. We simplify compliance so you can focus on selling.

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Digital Goods

Selling Digital Services and Digital Goods to Spain

In Spain, digital services — eBooks, streaming, online courses, and software — are subject to Spanish IVA. Non-EU sellers can register in Spain or use the OSS scheme to cover all EU digital service sales.

To sell digital services to Spain customers, you can choose one of two registration routes depending on how your service is delivered.

Expert advice recommended: Determining whether your offering qualifies as “electronically supplied” is complex and has major VAT implications. We recommend consulting an expert if you sell digital services.

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Digital services
EU-Based Sellers

My B2C business is based in the EU

Assuming you are not established in Spain, EU-based sellers can trade up to EUR 10,000 per year to other EU markets before VAT registration is required.

EU B2C selling
🏠

Stock in Spain

Holding inventory in Spain creates a VAT obligation. You must either register there or use the One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme in your home country.

🎉

Stock elsewhere in EU

Each EU country where you store goods or have customers may trigger a separate VAT requirement. Either register locally or consolidate via OSS.

🌎

Stock outside the EU

For goods delivered from outside the EU, choose among: VAT registration in Spain, IOSS registration, or Delivered at Place (DAP). For services, you must register for OSS with your home tax authority when selling to EU consumers.

Find Your Path

Feeling Confused? Take the EU VAT Quiz

There are many variables. In under a minute, discover whether you need IOSS, OSS, Non-Union OSS, or a standard VAT registration.

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VAT on B2B Sales
Business to Business

VAT on Sales to Spanish Businesses

When selling B2B in Spain, your VAT-registered Spanish customer handles IVA via reverse charge. Registration is still required if you hold stock in Spain or use a Spanish fulfilment centre.

🌎 Based outside the EU, selling B2B

If your Spain customer is VAT-registered, you generally invoice with the “reverse charge mechanism,” and they declare VAT locally.

🇪🇺 Based in the EU, selling B2B

In many cases, intra-EU B2B supplies are zero-rated when both parties are VAT-registered. You still must follow Spain invoicing and reporting requirements.