For a Swedish, Norwegian or Danish buyer, Ibiza is an easy move and a less easy tax picture. All three passports carry free movement, so living on the island needs no visa. But the three countries treat a Spanish villa very differently at home: Sweden and Norway through tax treaties, Denmark with no treaty at all since 2009. And on inheritance, the Balearic relief meets three different home systems. This guide sets out what Spain charges, what each Nordic country adds, and where the differences matter for buyers of prime homes on Ibiza.
No visa for any of the three
Denmark-Spain, since 2009
Spanish tax on net rent and gains
Balearic inheritance relief for close family
Last updated: October 2026
By: Alexander Thornbury
What does Spain charge a Nordic owner?
The same EU and EEA rates whichever of the three passports you hold, set out below. Norwegians will recognise the annual wealth tax, which the Balearics charge in full above EUR 700,000; Swedes and Danes, whose countries abolished theirs, may not. Our Ibiza property tax guide works through each charge.
| Spanish tax for a Nordic owner (2026) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax on a resale | 8% to 13% in Balearic bands: EUR 600,000 on EUR 5M |
| New build | 10% VAT plus 2% stamp duty from EUR 1M |
| Home kept for own use | 19% of a notional 1.1% of cadastral value |
| Rental income | 19% of the net rent |
| Gain on sale | 19%, with 3% of the price withheld by the buyer |
| Wealth tax | Spanish assets above EUR 700,000: about EUR 53,500 a year on EUR 5M |
How does Sweden tax an Ibiza home?
As if it were in Sweden, then with credit for the Spanish tax. A Swedish resident is taxed on worldwide income and gains, and the Sweden-Spain tax treaty, in force since 1976, relieves the double charge by crediting the tax already paid in Spain. Rental income from a foreign home is taxed in Sweden at 30% after standard deductions, with the Spanish 19% credited against it, so in practice you top up from the Spanish rate to the Swedish one.
Gains work the same way: Spain takes 19% when you sell, and Sweden taxes the gain under its own rules, crediting the Spanish tax. Keep the purchase and improvement records from day one, because both countries will want them.
| Home country | Treaty with Spain | Relief for Spanish tax | Inheritance tax at home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | Yes, in force since 1976 | Credit | None (abolished 2005) |
| Norway | Yes, signed 1999 | Credit | None (abolished 2014) |
| Denmark | No, terminated from 1 January 2009 | Danish domestic credit, case by case | Yes, Danish estate tax |
How does Norway tax it?
On worldwide income and wealth, with credit for Spain. A Norwegian resident is taxed in Norway on worldwide income, and Norway’s own wealth tax counts assets abroad too. The Norway-Spain treaty, signed on 6 October 1999, relieves the double charge on Spanish property income and gains by the credit method: Spain taxes first, and Norway gives a deduction for the Spanish tax rather than exempting the income.
Norwegian buyers are used to an annual wealth tax, so the Spanish one is less of a surprise than for most. It is still a separate Spanish charge on Spanish assets, and an adviser should check how the two interact in your case before you buy.
Why does Denmark’s missing treaty matter?
Because there isn’t one. Denmark terminated its tax treaty with Spain with effect from 1 January 2009, after a long dispute over the taxation of Danish pensions paid to retirees living in Spain, and no replacement has been signed. Spain still taxes the property as the country where it sits, and Denmark still taxes its residents on worldwide income and gains.
Danish law does give unilateral credit for foreign tax, so the Spanish tax can generally still be set against the Danish bill. But you rely on domestic relief rather than a treaty, the outcome depends more on your circumstances, and it is worth taking Danish advice before you sign, not after.
How does inheritance work?
Very favourably for Swedes and Norwegians. Since July 2023 the Balearics give children, grandchildren, spouses and parents 100% relief on inheritance tax, and heirs can claim it even when the person who died lived in Scandinavia. Sweden abolished its inheritance tax in 2005 and Norway in 2014, so for close family in those two countries an Ibiza villa can pass with no inheritance tax on either side.
Denmark is different. Danish estate tax applies to the worldwide estate of a Danish resident, so the Balearic relief removes the Spanish tax but not the Danish one. Whatever your country, the EU Succession Regulation decides which law governs the estate: that of the country where you live at death, unless your will chooses the law of your nationality.
Can you move to Ibiza?
Yes, without a visa. Swedes and Danes are EU citizens and Norwegians have the same rights through the European Economic Area, so all three can live on Ibiza by right and register after three months. Buying property brings no residence rights for anyone since Spain closed its golden visa in April 2025, but you don’t need them.
Watch the day count. More than 183 days a year in Spain, or a move of your economic centre, makes you Spanish tax-resident, taxed on worldwide income and assets. Our residency guide explains what changes. For the purchase itself, our buying guide covers the checks, our prime areas guide covers where to look, and our main Ibiza guide covers the market.
Key takeaways
- All three passports carry free movement, so no visa is needed to live on Ibiza.
- Spain charges Nordic owners EU rates: 19% on net rent, notional income and gains.
- Sweden and Norway credit the Spanish tax under their treaties with Spain.
- Denmark has had no treaty with Spain since 2009, so relief depends on Danish domestic law.
- Swedish and Norwegian families can inherit an Ibiza villa tax-free, thanks to the Balearic relief and no home inheritance tax.
- Spanish wealth tax applies above EUR 700,000, about EUR 53,500 a year on EUR 5M.
Frequently asked questions
Do Scandinavians need a visa to live in Ibiza?
No. Swedes and Danes are EU citizens and Norwegians have EEA rights, so all three can live in Spain freely and register after three months.
How much Spanish tax do Scandinavian owners pay on rental income?
19% of the net rent after allowable costs, the EU and EEA rate.
How does Sweden tax a holiday home in Ibiza?
Sweden taxes worldwide income and gains, including foreign rental income at 30% after standard deductions, and credits the Spanish tax under the 1976 treaty.
Is there a tax treaty between Norway and Spain?
Yes, signed on 6 October 1999. It relieves double taxation of Spanish property income and gains by the credit method.
Is there a tax treaty between Denmark and Spain?
No. Denmark terminated it with effect from 1 January 2009. Danish domestic law still allows a credit for foreign tax, but the outcome depends more on individual circumstances.
Do Swedish heirs pay inheritance tax on an Ibiza villa?
Usually not. Sweden abolished inheritance tax in 2005, and the Balearics give children and spouses 100% relief, which heirs can claim even when the deceased lived in Sweden.
Do Norwegian heirs pay inheritance tax on an Ibiza villa?
Usually not. Norway abolished inheritance tax in 2014, and the Balearic relief covers close family in Spain.
Do Danish heirs pay inheritance tax on an Ibiza villa?
Danish estate tax applies to a Danish resident’s worldwide estate. The Balearic relief removes the Spanish tax for close family, but not the Danish one.
Do Scandinavian owners pay Spanish wealth tax?
Yes, on Spanish assets above EUR 700,000. EUR 5M of net Spanish assets means about EUR 53,500 a year.
When does a Scandinavian owner become Spanish tax-resident?
After more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, or when the centre of their economic interests moves to Spain.
Does buying in Ibiza give residency?
No. Spain closed its golden visa on 3 April 2025. Nordic buyers don’t need it, as they can live in Spain by right.
Sources
- Skatteverket – Swedish Tax Agency (foreign property and the Sweden-Spain treaty)
- Agencia Tributaria – double taxation relief and tax treaties
- BOE – Non-Resident Income Tax Act, Royal Legislative Decree 5/2004
- BOE – Balearic Legislative Decree 1/2014 (transfer tax, wealth tax, inheritance relief)
- BOE – Inheritance and Gift Tax Act, Law 29/1987 (non-resident heirs)
- EUR-Lex – EU Succession Regulation 650/2012
- BOE – Organic Law 1/2025 (end of the golden visa)
- Agencia Tributaria – Wealth tax for non-residents (EUR 700,000 allowance)
Figures current at October 2026. Take advice in your home country as well as in Spain.
About the author
Alexander Thornbury is a published author who writes on international property, tax and residency for high-net-worth buyers across Europe. His work focuses on the practical mechanics of cross-border purchase: what a buyer actually pays, owes and signs. More at alexanderthornbury.com.