Navigating VAT in Spain

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Spain, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Spain.

Last Updated: January 2026
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4%

is Spain’s super-reduced VAT rate for essentials like bread, milk, and books.

Spain at a glance.

Standard rate

21% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 21%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Zero-rated items

A 0% VAT rate applies mainly to exports, intra-EU supplies, certain financial transactions, and qualifying donations, while most other supplies are standard-rated or exempt.

VAT format

A or B followed by 8 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-EU businesses conducting VAT-related activities

Reclaiming VAT in Spain.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in Spain may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Spain applies the rule of reciprocity. This means Spain allows VAT refunds for foreign businesses, but only if they are based in approved countries.
Eligible countries with full reciprocity include:
Eligible countries with limited reciprocity include:
*All non-EU countries, countries with a VAT or similar tax system, who do not have reciprocity agreements with Spain are entitled to recover certain expenses.
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
Non-reclaimable
Accommodation
10%
Food, drink & restaurant services
10%
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
21%
Fuel
21%
Public Transport
10%
Taxis
10%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
21%
Training courses & seminars
21%
Goods
21%
Inter-company charges
21%
Office expenses
21%
Marketing costs
21%
Professional fees & AP invoices
21%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in Spain.

Doing business in Spain? You’ll need to play by the rules of Law 37/1992.

Who needs to register?

N/a as there is no VAT registration threshold.

VAT registration in Spain
VAT filing deadlines in Spain

Monthly

20th day of the month following the quarter

Quarterly

20th day of the month following the quarter

VAT payment deadlines in Spain

Monthly

20th day of the following month

Quarterly

20th day of the month following the quarter

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Spain applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, generally utilizing the OSS system for EU cross-border services.

e-invoicing in Spain.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

No

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

From 1 January 2027

B2B e-Invoicing model

Direct/Unregulated Reporting Model

Name of exchange infrastructure

VERI*FACTU

Format(s) used

PDF with QR Code

FAQs

Generally the VAT in Spain on all business expenses would be claimable in a Spain VAT refund, other than entertainment expenses and long-term rental of vehicles. It should however be noted that the VAT in Spain on certain vehicle expenses (such as fuel and hiring of means of transport) may need to be apportioned based on the nature of use of the vehicle.

No, original receipts and invoices are not required for a Spain VAT refund and the Spain VAT Authority will accept scans and photocopies of invoices.

Quarterly and annual claims for Spain VAT refunds can be made for claims under both the 8th and 13th Directives.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

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