Royal House Stipulates Tax Residency Requirement for Don Juan Carlos’s Return to Spain
Don Juan Carlos can return to Spain but must regain tax residency to do so legally, says the Royal House amid political calls for his return.
- • The Royal House states Don Juan Carlos can return anytime but must recover tax residency in Spain.
- • Don Juan Carlos has been a tax resident of Abu Dhabi since 2020, exempting him from Spanish taxes.
- • Alberto Núñez Feijóo advocates for the former king's return, highlighting his role in thwarting the 1981 coup.
- • Spanish Foreign Minister criticized Feijóo's calls as political distraction, emphasizing fiscal compliance before return.
Key details
Former King Don Juan Carlos has the option to return to Spain at any time, but the Royal House insists that he must re-establish his tax residency in Spain to do so legally and protect the image of the Crown. This requirement arises after decades of Juan Carlos residing outside Spain and the recent declassification of documents revealing his key role in stopping the 1981 coup attempt.
Since relocating to Abu Dhabi in August 2020, Juan Carlos has been a tax resident there and thus exempt from Spanish tax obligations. The Royal House clarified that while there are no legal barriers preventing his return, Don Juan Carlos must resume his fiscal responsibilities in Spain in order to live there again. This includes being subject to Spanish tax laws, underscoring the need to recover his tax residency status.
His absence began as a voluntary self-imposed exile amid controversies but has been met with renewed calls for his return by Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Feijóo highlighted Juan Carlos's historical contribution in defending Spanish democracy during the 23-F coup, advocating that the former king deserves to spend his final years in dignity within his homeland. Starting March, Juan Carlos is also planning to visit Spain monthly, staying for four to five-day periods, mainly for sailing events and social meetings.
However, the Spanish Foreign Minister criticized Feijóo’s push for Juan Carlos’s return, viewing it as a political distraction. Should Feijóo become Prime Minister, questions regarding the former king’s return and the related tax residency issue are expected to be urgent topics.
Currently, Juan Carlos enjoys a private life in Abu Dhabi, managing cultural and personal initiatives through the Sumer Foundation. The Royal House’s firm position emphasizes responsible compliance with Spanish tax laws is essential before the former king resumes residence, underscoring the balance between legal requirements and preserving the dignity of the monarchy.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
