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Accounting services for expats and businesses in Gran Canaria

Professional tax and accounting support for residents, non-residents, investors, freelancers and companies operating in Gran Canaria.

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Accountancy support in Gran Canaria: navigating the Canary Islands tax regime

Gran Canaria is not just another Spanish location. It operates under the Canary Islands’ special economic and fiscal regime (REF), which creates real tax differences compared to mainland Spain.

With over 850,000 residents and a large international population concentrated in Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico and Mogán, the island attracts:

  • Remote workers
  • Hospitality entrepreneurs
  • Property investors
  • International retirees
  • ZEC-structured companies
  • Maritime and logistics businesses

While the lifestyle is relaxed, the tax environment is not.

The most common areas of confusion we see include:

  • IGIC vs IVA obligations
  • ZEC corporate tax eligibility
  • Non-resident property filings
  • Tax residency determination
  • Import treatment for goods and vehicles
  • Cross-border income reporting

Baleario provides specialist accounting services in Gran Canaria, ensuring compliance with both Spanish national law and Canary Islands regional frameworks.

Why Gran Canaria is different: REF, IGIC and ZEC explained

Gran Canaria operates under the Régimen Económico y Fiscal (REF), designed to stimulate investment and economic development.

Key structural differences:

IGIC instead of IVA (VAT)
The Canary Islands use IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario).
Standard IGIC is lower than mainland VAT, but registration and filing obligations still apply.

ZEC (Zona Especial Canaria)
Qualifying businesses may access significantly reduced corporate tax rates, subject to substance and investment requirements.

Import and customs differences
The Canary Islands are outside the EU VAT area.
Goods entering from mainland Spain are treated as imports.

Investment incentives under REF
Certain reinvestment allowances and business benefits may apply.

These differences create genuine planning opportunities — but only when structured correctly from the outset.

We advise entrepreneurs and investors on whether:

  • A standard SL structure is appropriate
  • ZEC qualification is realistic
  • IGIC registration is required
  • Cross-border risk exposure exists

Gran Canaria tax snapshot

A clear summary of the framework:

  • Indirect tax: IGIC (not IVA/VAT)
  • Corporate tax: 25% nationally (potentially reduced under ZEC)
  • Personal income tax (IRPF): National Spanish rates
  • Wealth tax: National framework applies
  • Non-resident income tax: Modelo 210 required
  • Customs regime: Outside EU VAT area

This combination makes Gran Canaria particularly attractive for certain business models — especially international services, digital businesses and tourism operations.

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Client testimonials

Tax residency in Gran Canaria

Living in Gran Canaria does not change the national Spanish income tax framework.

If you become Spanish tax resident (generally 183+ days or centre of economic interest), you are taxed on worldwide income.

What does not change:

  • IRPF rates
  • Wealth tax rules
  • Non-resident income tax structure

What does change:

  • Indirect tax system (IGIC)
  • Certain business incentives
  • Import treatment

We always begin with a clear residency assessment before structuring tax filings.

Digital professionals and international income

Gran Canaria has seen strong growth in remote professionals and international service businesses, particularly in Las Palmas.

Common risk areas include:

  • Remote employment without Spanish registration
  • Permanent establishment exposure
  • Unregistered IGIC obligations
  • Foreign income not declared properly
  • Social security coordination between Spain and other countries

We assess:

  • Days spent in Spain
  • Economic centre of interest
  • Contract structure
  • Type of income
  • Business substance

Correct structuring at the beginning avoids significant corrective work later.

Accounting services in Gran Canaria

We provide structured, compliant accounting and tax support for:

  • Residents
  • Non-residents
  • Property owners
  • Freelancers
  • SL companies
  • ZEC entities

Private tax services in Gran Canaria

We support both residents and non-residents with:

  • Spanish income tax returns (IRPF)
  • Non-resident income tax (Modelo 210)
  • Wealth tax planning
  • Inheritance and succession tax
  • Cross-border income reporting
  • Property-related tax compliance

Typical client scenarios:

  • UK retirees in Maspalomas
  • German residents in Playa del Inglés
  • Italian investors with rental property
  • Digital workers based in Las Palmas
  • Second-home owners in Puerto Rico

We ensure residency status is correctly determined before any filing takes place.

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Autónomo accounting in Gran Canaria

Self-employment is common across:

  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Property management
  • Maritime services
  • Consulting and remote services
  • Wellness and sports sectors

Autónomos must manage:

  • Quarterly IGIC returns
  • Quarterly income tax payments
  • Social security contributions
  • Annual declarations

Our services include:

  • Autónomo registration
  • IGIC compliance
  • Bookkeeping and invoicing
  • Expense management
  • Tax planning

Understanding the IGIC system is critical — it is not the same as mainland VAT.

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SL company accounting in Gran Canaria

Operating a limited company on the island requires structured compliance.

We support SL companies with:

  • IGIC reporting
  • Corporate tax compliance
  • Payroll and social security
  • Annual accounts
  • Ongoing bookkeeping

For eligible businesses, we also assess ZEC qualification and REF incentives.

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Holiday homes and non-resident tax in Gran Canaria

Popular ownership areas include:

  • Maspalomas
  • Playa del Inglés
  • Puerto Rico
  • Mogán
  • Las Palmas

Non-resident owners must usually file:

  • Annual non-resident income tax (even if not rented)
  • Quarterly filings if rental income is generated

Tourist rentals must also comply with Canary Islands licensing requirements.

We frequently assist with late filings and corrective submissions.

Import rules and relocation considerations

Gran Canaria sits outside the EU VAT territory.

This affects:

  • Vehicle imports
  • Shipping household goods
  • Online purchases from mainland Spain
  • Commercial imports

IGIC applies instead of IVA, and customs formalities differ.

Advance planning avoids unexpected charges during relocation.

Typical deadlines we manage

Spanish income tax (IRPF)
Filed annually April to June

Autónomo quarterly filings
January 20
April 20
July 20
October 20

Non-resident tax
Annual for non-rented property
Quarterly if rented

Corporate tax
Within 25 days after six months from year-end

We track deadlines and send advance reminders.

Transparent pricing

1

Private tax services

From €20 per month

2

Autónomo accounting

From €80 per month

3

SL company accounting

From €150 per month
Final pricing depends on complexity and reporting obligations.

Holded accounting software

We use modern cloud-based systems for efficiency and clarity.

Baleario is a Holded partner, allowing us to manage:

  • IGIC reporting
  • Invoicing
  • Bookkeeping
  • Real-time financial visibility

We handle setup and ongoing management.

Why choose Baleario in Gran Canaria

Canary Islands expertise

We understand IGIC, REF and ZEC frameworks.

International experience

We work daily with UK, German and Italian expats.

Structured compliance

Deadlines are monitored and managed proactively.

Clear bilingual communication

English and Spanish throughout.

Baleario insight: common mistakes in Gran Canaria

“Gran Canaria’s special tax regime creates opportunity, but it also creates confusion. We frequently see businesses using mainland VAT assumptions in an IGIC environment. We also see non-resident property owners unaware of annual filing obligations.

The island offers tax advantages, but only when structured properly from day one.”

Chad Harwood-Jones, Founder, Baleario

Professional accreditation and official collaboration

AECE accredited membership

Our accountants are members of the Spanish Association for Accountants and Tax Consultants (AECE).

Agencia Tributaria collaboration

We work directly with Spain’s national tax authority systems to ensure accurate filings and current compliance.

FAQs – Accounting services in Gran Canaria

Is IGIC the same as VAT?

No. IGIC replaces VAT in the Canary Islands. Rates differ and compliance rules are separate.

Possibly. ZEC offers reduced corporate tax for qualifying businesses with sufficient substance and investment.

If you are Spanish tax resident, you are taxed on worldwide income.

Yes. Non-resident owners must usually file annual non-resident income tax.

Yes. All services are delivered in English and Spanish.

Speak to an English-speaking accountant in Gran Canaria

Get clear advice on IGIC, tax residency, non-resident filings and business structuring in the Canary Islands.

Book a consultation and take control of your finances in Gran Canaria.

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