Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Ireland to Spain
Ireland has progressive income tax rates from 20% to 40% plus USC (Universal Social Charge) of up to 8%, while Spain has progressive rates from 19% to 47% that vary by autonomous community. Ireland offers higher tech salaries (€80K Dublin vs €55K Madrid), but Spain's Beckham Law offers 24% flat tax for 6 years for new residents earning €600K+, making Spain cheaper for high earners. Cost of living: Spain is 30% cheaper than Ireland (Madrid vs Dublin). Popular routes: Tech workers Ireland→Spain for lifestyle, sun, and lower costs. Barcelona and Madrid competing with Dublin as EU tech hubs.
Progressive + USC + PRSI
2 brackets + Universal Social Charge
Progressive + Regional
Regional rates vary by autonomous community
At €50,000 income:
That is €708/month back in your pocket!
| Income | IE Tax | ES Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €30,000 | €4,920 | €3,890 | €1,030 | €10,300 |
| €50,000 | €12,420 | €9,275 | €3,145 | €31,450 |
| €100,000 | €36,420 | €28,650 | €7,770 | €77,700 |
| €200,000 | €86,420 | €77,650 | €8,770 | €87,700 |
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Work Remotely from Spain →Ireland wins for salary: Dublin tech jobs pay €80-120K (vs Madrid €55-80K, Barcelona €50-75K). However, Spain wins for lifestyle + taxes with Beckham Law. On €100K, Ireland: €36,420 tax (48% effective with USC). Spain Beckham Law: €24,000 tax (24% flat). Spain saves €12,420/year + 30% lower cost of living. Trade-off: Earn more in Ireland, keep more in Spain. Many work Dublin 3-5 years for salary, then move to Spain for quality of life.
24% flat income tax for 6 years for new residents moving to Spain for work. Replaces Spain's 19-47% progressive rates. Requirements: (1) Haven't been Spain tax resident for past 5 years, (2) Employment contract with Spanish company OR employed by foreign company but work performed in Spain, (3) Earn less than €600K annually from employment. Exempt: Investment income taxed at normal rates (19-28%). Popular with tech workers, remote workers, sports stars. Named after David Beckham who used it in 2003. Expires after 6 years (return to 47% top rate). Saves €12-24K/year vs normal Spain tax.
Yes, growing trend. 2023: 8,472 Irish residents moved to Spain (vs 3,204 Spain → Ireland), net gain of 5,268 for Spain. Drivers Ireland → Spain: Lower cost (30% cheaper), better weather (300 sunny days vs 150 rainy), Beckham Law (24% vs 48%), lifestyle (siesta, late dinners, beaches). Reverse migration (Spain → Ireland): Tech salaries (40% higher), English-speaking, career opportunities. Hot route: Work Dublin tech (€80K+) for 3-5 years → move to Barcelona/Madrid with savings + remote job (keep salary, pay 24% Beckham).
Dublin wins for: Tech salaries (€80-120K), English-speaking, career growth, EU HQ access. Barcelona wins for: Beach lifestyle, architecture (Gaudí), startup scene, digital nomad community, cosmopolitan (less Spanish needed). Madrid wins for: Central Spain location, business hub, lower cost than Barcelona (€1,200 vs €1,400 rent), better Beckham Law administration. Cost comparison (monthly rent 1BR): Dublin €2,200, Barcelona €1,400, Madrid €1,200. Weather: Barcelona/Madrid 300+ sunny days (vs Dublin 150 rainy). Choose Dublin for career, Barcelona for lifestyle, Madrid for business + savings.