Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Real Estate Abroad: DGT doctrinal evolution

How the DGT's position on this topic has evolved, and the rulings it rests on.

← DGT Observatory

How the DGT's position has evolved

Settled doctrine High confidence 9 rulings · 2014–2025

Current position

The obligation to file the informative return on real estate abroad arises when the subject is the owner or beneficial owner of the asset. In the case of real estate in the construction phase with future delivery, the obligation does not arise until ownership is acquired under common law. The acquisition value is determined according to the IRPF (Personal Income Tax) Law, including inherent expenses and taxes, but excluding interest.

The DGT's position remains stable regarding the determination of the acquisition value and the scenarios triggering the obligation due to an increase in value. The evolution focuses on precision regarding the exact moment the obligation arises, strictly linking it to the acquisition of legal ownership, even for assets under construction.

Turning points

  1. V2669-17

    Establishes that the value is set using the exchange rate as of December 31 and that subsequent currency variations do not require filing a new return.

  2. V0615-25

    Clarifies that for real estate in the construction phase, the obligation does not arise until ownership is acquired, not merely due to the existence of a right over the asset.

Analysis based on 9 of 9 rulings with a stated position. Updated 29 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

10
V0615-25 1 Apr 2025

No obligation to report foreign property until ownership is acquired

SG de Tributos
declaración informativabienes inmuebles en el extranjerotitularidadderechos sobre bienes inmueblesobligación de informar RGAT — RD 1065/2007, Reglamento General de Actuaciones Tributarias art. 54 bisLGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0522-24 9 Apr 2024

No obligation to declare foreign property until ownership is acquired

SG de Tributos
declaración informativabienes inmuebles en el extranjerotitularidadtitular realobligación de información LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 29LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 93
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1741-20 2 Jun 2020

Declaration required if foreign property value increases by more than 20,000 euros

SG de Tributos
declaración informativabienes inmuebles en el extranjeronuda propiedadvalor de adquisiciónobligación de informar RGAT — RD 1065/2007, Reglamento General de Actuaciones Tributarias art. 54 bisLGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V4754-16 10 Nov 2016

Obligation to report foreign real estate based on acquisition value

SG de Tributos
declaración informativavalor de adquisiciónbienes inmuebles en el extranjerocarga de la pruebatransmisión onerosa RGAT — RD 1065/2007, Reglamento General de Actuaciones Tributarias art. 54 bisLIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 34
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2032-16 11 May 2016

Inheritance and Gift Tax declarations do not exempt from filing Form 720

SG de Tributos
modelo 720bienes inmuebles en el extranjeroobligación de informaciónganancias patrimoniales no justificadastitularidad real LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 29LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V3914-15 7 Dec 2015

Acquisition value for foreign real estate must be actual purchase price

SG de Tributos
valor de adquisiciónbienes inmuebles en el extranjerodeclaración informativatransmisión onerosavalor de mercado RGAT — RD 1065/2007, Reglamento General de Actuaciones Tributarias art. 54 bisLIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 34
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2233-14 2 Sept 2014

Acquisition value of foreign real estate must include taxes and costs

SG de Tributos
valor de adquisiciónbienes inmuebles en el extranjerodeclaración informativagastos e impuestosherencia RGAT — RD 1065/2007, Reglamento General de Actuaciones Tributarias art. 54 bis.2.dLGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
Email
Contact