5 weeks in Barcelona

That sounds like an exciting plan! Here’s a high-level overview of the tax considerations from both a Spanish and US perspective for your short-term stay in Barcelona:

US Tax Perspective

Tax Residency: Since you're both US citizens, you remain subject to US taxes regardless of where you're physically located. The IRS considers you a tax resident if you meet the Substantial Presence Test (based on days spent in the US), but a 5-week stay is unlikely to trigger this, as it’s well under the 183-day threshold. However, if you have been in the US recently or have plans to return soon, the IRS will still consider you liable for global income.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): If you’re outside the US for at least 330 days during a 12-month period, you may be eligible for the FEIE, which allows you to exclude up to $120,000 of earned income in 2024. However, your 5-week stay may not be long enough for this benefit to apply, so it’s important to consult a tax professional about how to minimize your US tax liability during your time in Spain.

State Taxes: If you continue to maintain ties to a specific state (e.g., NY), you may still be liable for state income taxes, regardless of your physical location. This could be an issue if you’re maintaining a residence in New York or have other ties like a bank account or car registration.

Reporting of Foreign Bank Accounts: If you open a bank account in Spain, you’ll need to comply with the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) requirements, which mandate reporting accounts that exceed $10,000 at any point during the year.

Spanish Tax Perspective

Tax Residency: If you spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year, you may be considered a Spanish tax resident and subject to Spanish income tax on your worldwide income. Since your stay is 5 weeks, it’s unlikely that this will apply, but if you plan longer stays in the future, it will become relevant.

Non-Resident Income Tax: For your short stay, you will likely be considered non-resident taxpayers, which means you only need to pay tax on any Spanish-source income. This would generally include rental income, income from Spanish investments, etc. If you're working remotely for a US employer, that income would not be considered Spanish-source.

Social Security: You will not be required to pay Spanish social security if you are employed by a US company and maintain your status as a US taxpayer, but it’s still good to confirm with your employer or a tax advisor if any international agreements or requirements might apply.

Double Taxation: Fortunately, the US-Spain Tax Treaty helps avoid double taxation. Any tax you pay in Spain on Spanish-source income could be offset against your US tax liability, depending on the nature of the income.

Here are the top 10 things to do in the city:

1. Sagrada Familia

No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. This iconic basilica, still under construction after over 130 years, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the stunning interior, intricate facades, and the view from the towers.

2. Park Güell

Another of Gaudí's creations, Park Güell, is a public park that offers surrealist architecture, colourful mosaics, and panoramic views of the city. Stroll through the park and enjoy the whimsical sculptures and vibrant garden areas.

3. La Rambla

La Rambla is a bustling tree-lined street that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. It's a great spot for shopping, people-watching, and exploring markets like La Boqueria, one of Europe's most famous food markets.

4. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

Wander through the Gothic Quarter, a maze of narrow streets and hidden squares. This area is home to Barcelona's oldest buildings, including the Barcelona Cathedral, and offers plenty of shops, cafes, and bars to explore.

5. Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Both of these buildings, designed by Gaudí, are essential stops for architecture lovers. Casa Batlló is known for its colourful façade and dragon-inspired roof, while Casa Milà (La Pedrera) boasts undulating stone walls and unique chimneys. Both are UNESCO-listed.

6. Montjuïc Hill

Take a cable car or walk up to Montjuïc Hill for fantastic views of Barcelona's skyline. On the hill, you can visit the Montjuïc Castle, explore the Olympic Stadium, and enjoy the gardens and the Magic Fountain, which hosts nightly light and music shows.

7. Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona holds one of the most extensive collections of works by the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing over 4,000 pieces documenting Picasso's early years and his development as an artist.

8. Beach Day at Barceloneta

Barcelona is a coastal city, and Barceloneta Beach is the most famous of its urban beaches. Relax by the sea, enjoy beachside restaurants, or walk along the promenade. You can also rent bikes or rollerblades for a fun way to explore the coastline.

9. Camp Nou

For football fans, a visit to Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, is a must. You can tour the stadium, visit the museum, and relive the glory of one of the most successful football clubs in the world.

10. El Born District

The El Born District is an artsy and trendy neighbourhood full of narrow streets, boutique shops, and vibrant bars. Don't miss the Picasso Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a beautiful Gothic church. The area is also great for tapas and enjoying the local nightlife.

Interested to know why of all the amazing cities in Spain you would choose Barcelona? Having been all over Spain, that part of the country is the least "Spanish-feeling" I have encountered:

Very expensive - like REALLY expensive.

Over-hyped.

Not friendly at all.

Many people won't even speak Spanish, and Catalan is more like French.

A big grimy city. Once you have been to most of the places listed above, agog at the prices and being jostled by thousands of tourists, you will probably never want to go back for a second visit.

Perhaps others have a different experience, but that is definitely mine.

@Andrew50

If you like a fishing village atmosphere but only 55 minutes from downtown Barcelona, then you should check into Arenys de Mar.  Beautiful area with gorgeous coastlines as well as mountains too! 

contact me if you need an place to wtay, I’ve  got a small 3  bedroom apartment for rent, if needed….

cheers

Lmf

@Andrew50

Maybe try a language course?

@Andrew50

Five weeks in Barcelona makes a hard man humble (and poorer). :-)