Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Greece to Spain
Greece and Spain are the Mediterranean's two most popular expat destinations — and both offer special tax regimes that can dramatically reduce the effective rate for qualifying new arrivals. Greece's 50% income exemption for new workers (7 years) and 7% flat rate for foreign retirees (15 years) are standout regimes. Spain's Beckham Law (Ley Beckham / Régimen de Impatriados) offers a 24% flat rate on income up to €600,000 for 6 years. Standard rates in both countries are high: Greece's 44% from €40,000 combined with 13.87% EFKA; Spain's national IRPF reaching 47% plus regional additions (combined top can reach 54.5% in high-tax regions). At standard rates, Spain is typically more expensive than Greece for professional salaries; but Spain's Beckham Law can undercut Greece's 50% exemption for very high earners. The right choice depends heavily on which regime you qualify for and your income level.
Top Rate (above €40,000)
50% exemption for new residents; 7% flat for foreign retirees
National Top Rate
Beckham Law: 24% flat for qualifying expats (6 years)
At €80,000 income:
That is €500/month back in your pocket!
| Income | GR Tax | ES Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €40,000 | ~€9,500 income tax + ~€5,548 EFKA = ~€15,048 (~38%) | ~€10,700 IRPF (national + avg regional) + ~€2,540 social = ~€13,240 (~33%) | Spain saves ~€1,800 (standard rates) | €18,000 |
| €60,000 | ~€18,300 income tax + ~€8,322 EFKA = ~€26,622 (~44%) | ~€18,600 IRPF + ~€3,810 social = ~€22,410 (~37%) | Spain saves ~€4,200 (standard rates) | €42,000 |
| €80,000 | ~€27,100 income tax + ~€9,680 EFKA = ~€36,780 (~46%) | ~€27,700 IRPF + ~€5,080 social = ~€32,780 (~41%) | Spain saves ~€4,000 (standard rates) | €40,000 |
| €100,000 | ~€35,900 income tax + ~€9,680 EFKA (approaching cap) = ~€45,580 (~46%) | ~€37,000 IRPF + ~€6,350 social (approaching cap) = ~€43,350 (~43%) | Spain saves ~€2,200 (standard rates) | €22,000 |
| €150,000 | ~€57,800 income tax + ~€9,680 EFKA (capped) = ~€67,480 (~45%) | ~€64,000 IRPF + ~€6,350 social (capped) = ~€70,350 (~47%) | Greece saves ~€2,900 (standard rates) | €29,000 |
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Transfer EUR at the Real Rate →It depends on which regime you qualify for and your income level. At standard rates: Spain is typically cheaper than Greece at €40,000–€100,000 due to Spain's lower social contributions. At €80,000: Spain costs approximately €32,780 total vs Greece's €36,780. At very high incomes (€150,000+), Greece becomes cheaper because its EFKA cap is reached and Spain's regional rates compound. With special regimes: Greece's 50% income exemption (effective 22% on employment income) and 7% pensioner rate are extremely competitive; Spain's Beckham Law at 24% flat is better than Greece for very high earners but worse for mid-level incomes.
Spain's Ley Beckham (officially Régimen especial de tributación para trabajadores desplazados a territorio español, Article 93 LIRPF) allows qualifying individuals to pay a flat 24% income tax on Spanish-source employment income up to €600,000 (47% above) for 6 tax years. Named after David Beckham, who used it on joining Real Madrid. Qualification criteria (2023 reform): you must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the prior 5 years; you must move to Spain to work for a Spanish company (or a foreign company assigned to Spain); or be a digital nomad under the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. The 2023 reform also extended it to entrepreneurs and highly qualified remote workers.
At €80,000 employment income: Greece's 50% exemption means 50% of €80,000 = €40,000 is exempt; income tax is calculated on the remaining €40,000 (rates: 9%×10K + 22%×10K + 28%×10K + 36%×10K = €10,500) — effective rate on full €80,000 is ~13%. Adding EFKA on full €80,000 (~€9,680) gives a total of ~€20,180 (~25%). Spain's Beckham Law at €80,000: 24% flat = €19,200, plus employee social (~€5,080) = €24,280 (~30%). Greece's 50% exemption is better than Beckham at €80,000. At €150,000: Greece's 50% exemption produces income tax of ~€24,500 (on €75K taxable) + EFKA ~€9,680 = ~€34,180 (~23%). Spain's Beckham at €150,000: 24% = €36,000 + social ~€6,350 = €42,350 (~28%). Greece wins at most salary levels.
Yes — the 2023 reform to Spain's Ley de Startups extended the Beckham Law to cover the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). Non-EU nationals working remotely for non-Spanish employers can apply for the DNV (income must exceed €2,646/month in 2026) and elect to be taxed under the Beckham regime at 24% flat rather than standard IRPF progressive rates. This is a significant improvement — previously, digital nomads were taxed at standard rates. The Beckham election must be made within 6 months of obtaining tax residency in Spain. Note: income from Spanish clients/employers counts toward Spanish-source income; income from purely foreign clients in some cases may qualify for foreign-income treatment.
For retirement on foreign pension income: Greece wins decisively. Greece's 7% flat rate on all foreign-source income for 15 years is one of the world's best retiree tax regimes — at €80,000 foreign pension, you pay €5,600/year in tax. Spain taxes foreign pensions at standard IRPF rates (19–47% depending on amount) with no equivalent pensioner special regime. At €80,000 pension: Spain would charge ~€27,700 in IRPF (standard) vs Greece's €5,600. The lifestyle comparison is more balanced — both offer excellent Mediterranean living, food, and climate. Greece's lower cost of living outside Athens and the major islands slightly favours Greece even on a non-tax basis.