How to Reclaim Withholding Tax on Dividends in Spain – A Complete Guide for Non-Residents (2025)

Introduction

If you are a non-resident investor receiving dividends from Spanish companies, you may have excess withholding tax deducted from your dividend payments. Spain applies a standard withholding tax rate of 19% to 24%, depending on your country of residence, but many investors are eligible for a partial refund under double taxation treaties.

In this guide, we explain how non-residents can reclaim withholding tax on dividends in Spain, which documents are required, and how Taxadora can handle the process for you, ensuring you get your refund quickly and efficiently.

What is Withholding Tax on Dividends in Spain?

Spain applies a withholding tax on dividends paid to both residents and non-residents. For non-resident taxpayers, the standard tax rates are:

  • 19% for residents of the EU/EAA
  • 24% for residents of non-EU countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada)

🚀 Good News: If your country has a double taxation treaty (DTT) with Spain, you may be eligible for a lower tax rate and a refund of the excess withholding tax.

📌 Example: A U.S. investor receiving €1,000 in dividends from a Spanish company would have 24% (€240) withheld, but under the Spain-U.S. tax treaty, the maximum tax rate is 15%. The investor can reclaim the 9% (€90) excess tax.

Who Can Reclaim Dividend Withholding Tax in Spain?

You are eligible for a refund if:

  • You are a non-resident taxpayer who has received dividends from a Spanish company.
  • Your country has a double taxation treaty with Spain that allows a lower tax rate on dividends.
  • You have proof of the withholding tax applied (bank or broker statements).

📌 Common eligible countries: USA, UK, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, and most EU countries.

🚀 Not sure if you qualify? Taxadora checks if you are eligible for a refund and handles the entire claim process for you.

How to Reclaim Excess Withholding Tax on Dividends

The Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) allows non-residents to apply for a refund of excess withholding tax, but the process involves several steps:

  1. Obtain Proof of Dividend Payment & Tax Withholding
  • Collect your dividend payment receipts from your Spanish bank or brokerage.
  • Ensure the amount withheld is clearly stated.
  1. Complete the Withholding Tax Refund Form (Modelo 210 or S1 Form)
  • The Modelo 210 tax form is required to claim the refund.
  • Some cases require an S1 Form, depending on the tax treaty provisions.
  1. Obtain a Certificate of Tax Residency from Your Home Country
  • This certifies that you are a tax resident in a country with a tax treaty with Spain.
  • It must be officially translated into Spanish and stamped by your local tax authority.
  1. Submit Your Claim to Agencia Tributaria
  • Claims are submitted electronically or via mail to the Spanish Tax Agency.
  • Processing times vary but typically take 6–12 months.

🚀 Avoid mistakes! Taxadora ensures your claim is submitted correctly and efficiently to maximize your refund.

Start Your Dividend Tax Refund with Taxadora

Deadlines for Filing a Withholding Tax Refund Claim in Spain

To successfully reclaim excess withholding tax, you must submit your request within four years from the end of the year in which the dividend was paid.

📌 Example: If you received dividends in 2021, you have until December 31, 2025, to file your refund request.

🚀 Need help with deadlines? Taxadora tracks your eligibility and ensures your refund is filed on time.

Common Issues with Dividend Tax Refunds

Non-resident investors often encounter delays and rejections due to common mistakes:

🚨 Frequent Errors:

  • Incomplete or incorrect Modelo 210 forms
  • Missing or incorrectly certified Tax Residency Certificates
  • Failure to submit within the four-year deadline
  • Lack of proof of withholding tax applied

📌 Avoid delays! Taxadora’s expert tax team ensures your refund application is error-free and processed efficiently.

Get Expert Help with Your Refund

Why Choose Taxadora for Your Withholding Tax Refund?

At Taxadora, we specialize in helping non-resident investors reclaim overpaid withholding tax in Spain. Our experts handle the complex paperwork, ensuring fast and hassle-free refunds.

How Taxadora Helps You:

  • Eligibility Check – We verify if you qualify for a refund.
  • Document Preparation – We complete Modelo 210, obtain tax certificates, and ensure proper translations.
  • Submission & Follow-Up – We file your claim and handle any requests from the Spanish Tax Agency.
  • Deadline Monitoring – Ensuring you don’t miss the four-year window.

🚀 Let Taxadora maximize your tax refund so you don’t leave money on the table!

📌 Received dividends from Spain? Claim your refund today! Start Here

Conclusion

If you are a non-resident investor in Spain, reclaiming excess withholding tax on dividends is possible under Spain’s double taxation treaties. However, the process is complex and requires careful documentation.

💡 Taxadora makes reclaiming your dividend tax refund simple and stress-free!

📌 Need help filing your refund claim? Contact Taxadora today! Learn More

 

 

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Taxes for Non Residents

You are classified as a non-resident if you spend less than 183 days in Spain and usually pay taxes in another country. Non-residents with property or income in Spain must declare specific taxes, such as property taxes or rental income, using forms like Modelo 210.
Modelo 210
Non-Resident Tax
from
34,95€
Tax declaration for non-residents owning property in Spain. We handle everything remotely.
Modelo 210
Rental Income Taxes
from
49€
Non-residents who rent out their property in Spain must declare their rental income yearly.
Modelo 210
Tax From Property Sale
from
198€
Non-residents who sell their property must declare capital gains and reclaim the 3 % tax withholding within 4 months.

Tax Filing for Residents in Spain, Made Easy

Taxes for Residents

You are considered a tax resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country. Being a resident means you are required to declare your global income, regardless of where it is earned, and file taxes annually in Spain.
Modelo 100
Taxes for Residents in Spain (IRPF)
from
123€
Residents in Spain must declare their global income yearly, regardless of their visa or permit.
Modelo 720
Foreign Assets Declaration
from
148€
Residents in Spain with foreign assets must declare them to avoid fines, even without owing taxes.
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