Why are the Canary Islands a tax haven?

The canaries are an EU tax haven, although not in the traditional sense: this jurisdiction, part of Spain, makes available many tools for tax planning of known companies. First, the Canaries tax system is easier and with lesser tax burden than other European countries, fully legal and authorized by European Commission.



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The Canary Islands are one of nine EU territories that are located outside of Europe and are known as the “outermost regions” (OMR). These areas are exempt from EU customs and VAT regulations. As a result, when you buy anything in Gran Canaria, you do not have to pay VAT.

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However, they actually are in the EU as they're a part of Spain, and come under EU laws. But, their situation can be quite confusing. While the Canary Island are a part of Spain, and indeed controlled by the Spanish central government, we also have our own political management as well.

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Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC): A special low-taxation system which allows companies from different sectors to pay a special corporation tax rate of 4%, implying a significant fiscal saving if compared to the European Union average of 21.3%. In the rest of Spain, this tax is payable at a rate of 25% for SMEs.

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EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who do not have a work contract with a local or national company, are not employed, or work for foreign companies must prove they have sufficient income to live on the islands. They must also have private health insurance.

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Between 1420 and 1479 a Portuguese force subdued Gomera. In 1479 the Treaty of Alcáçovas recognized Spanish sovereignty over the Canaries, and the conquest of the remaining islands was completed in 1496.

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How long can a US citizen stay in the Canary Islands? A temporary residency allows you to stay on the islands for between 90 days and five years. Permits for less than five years can be renewed every year at the subject's request.

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Living in the Canary Islands is affordable. It's cheaper than the UK in a heap of aspects. For example, data from Numbeo suggests rental prices in the Canary Islands are 73.28% lower than in London, on average. Groceries are kinder to the bank balance too.

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It is worth mentioning the differences in taxation between the archipelago and the rest of Spain, given that the islands not only have lower value added taxes, which means lower taxation on tobacco consumption, but also that the same tax on tobacco products that is applied throughout Spain is not applicable in the ...

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Sun, sand and sea aside, the Canary Islands are famous for their rugged natural landscapes, historical significance and diverse cultures. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the largest Canary Islands, but nature-lovers should visit La Palma and observe breathtaking views from the iconic Tilos Bridge.

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Although Tenerife and the Canary Islands are a part of Spain, the culture and history is quite distinct. The island was colonised by the Guanches in around 200 BC, who remained in control of the islands until the Spanish invaded in around 1494.

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Originally inhabited by an Indigenous civilization called the Guanches, these islands fell under Spanish rule in the 15th century. Since then, they have become an important stop on international trade routes between Europe and the Americas.

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French and Portuguese forces occupied several of the islands, but they were handed over to the Spanish in a treaty in the 15th century, and the Spanish would have control of all the islands by the time the 16th century rolled around, using them as their base for their explorations to the west - a key moment in the ...

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Anyone with a sufficient motive or connection can become a resident of the Canary Islands. However, if you have decided to spend a long time in the Canary Islands, you will need a residency permit.

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As a part of Spain, the Canaries are also part of the European Union. However, the islands enjoy some exceptions in the fiscal and economic area.

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The productive specialisation of the Canary Islands is highly dependent on the tourism sector, which is reflected in the importance of trade, transportation, hotels and restaurants, and recreation (it represents 39.8% of the region's GDP, compared to 28.3% of the Spanish total).

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