Adaptation to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in SpainThe GDPR is directly applicable in all EU member states and introduces new obligations for companies. Since member states have leeway for deviations, Spain has already drafted a legislative proposal.Read more
Fintech and Consumer protectionFintech is on the rise and competing with financial institutions. Fintech firms offer consumers benefits such as more and easier options for funding. However, there is a catch. While offering benefits to consumers who would be unable to receive such benefits via traditional financial institutions, these fintech services also create risks for consumers.Read more
Sun Tax on Photovoltaic systems in SpainThe new law regarding the taxation of photovoltaic systems in Spain requires that households operating this technology pay grid fees in addition to a ´sun tax´. Furthermore, it regulates the selling of electricity from private households. The fines for not complying with the restrictions can reach a height of €60 million. However, installations smaller than 10kW and specific locations are exempt from this law.Read more
Good Prospects for Wind Power Energy in SpainSpain is a world leading contributor in wind power technology, consequently building a great presence in the world as well as contributing 17% of the country’s electricity needs.Read more
Legal requirements and benefits of the Spanish patent boxThe Spanish patent box is not a Spanish company form, but a privileged form of investment for Spanish companies. Its purpose is tax savings for intellectual property income. Thus, the attractiveness of the business location in Spain and its internationalization is promoted. The legal basis is Article 23 of the Corporate Income Tax Law. The usual corporate forms include the Limited Liability Company and the Public Limited Company.Read more
The benefits of a Spanish holding company (ETVE)The purpose of an ETVE, a Spanish holding company, is to restrict the double taxation of income of Spanish companies. The aim of this special tax position is to promote the Spanish economy through tax cuts and the expansion of companies abroad.Read more
Appeal against the reduction of feed-in tariffs in SpainForeign investors are following three appeals against the reduction of feed-in tariffs in Spain: the transition before the national courts, the transition to Court of Justice or the assertion of claims under the so-called Energy Charter Treaty. The Spanish economic crisis has meant that, due to the budget deficit, allowances were completely deleted. This led to the existential threat for many companies.Read more
Requirements of a Spanish holding company (ETVE)Regarding personal and material resources, a Spanish holding company can not be an empty shell or a mere custodian of assets. Regarding tax privileges, the company is not subject to the regular commercial, corporate and value added tax.Read more
Establishing a holding company in Spain: Legal RequirementsHolding companies, also know in Spain as ETVE (Entidades de Tenencia de Valores Extranjeros (ETVE) are considered as one of the most competitive holding regimes in the European Union. Through the Spanish ETVE, companies achieve a tax-free profit transfer on their interests in companies at home and abroad.Read more
Internet of Things (Iot): Legal Considerations for BusinessesThe Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the connection of devices and/or objects to the internet in order to collect and collate data of how they are being used. Due to its complex systems and cross-border nature, data protection laws regarding the IoT are still being developed and modified by regulators. Therefore businesses have to be wary and keep themselves updated of the legal regulations regarding data collection via the IoT.Read more