Crypto taxation in Navarra and the Basque Country: regional differences
Spain has two tax regimes with their own powers for personal income tax: the Common Regime (managed by the AEAT) and the foral regimes of Navarra and the Basque Country (Álava, Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya). The differences are relevant for cryptocurrency investors.
To whom does the regional regime apply?
The regional personal income tax applies if you have your habitual residence in:
- Navarra → Foral Treasury of Navarra (HFN).
- Álava → Foral Treasury of Álava (HFA).
- Guipúzcoa → Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa (DFG).
- Vizcaya → Provincial Council of Bizkaia (DFB).
Tax residence in the provincial territory is determined by permanence (183 days) the same as in the common regime, but the declaration is submitted to the provincial treasury, not to the AEAT.
Personal income tax brackets in the Basque Country vs Common Regime
Savings base tranches (crypto earnings)
| Section | Common Regime | Basque Country (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €6,000 | 19% | 20% |
| 6,001 - €24,000 | 21% | 21% |
| €24,001 - €60,000 | 23% | 22% |
| €60,001 - €200,000 | 27% | 23% |
| +€200,000 | 28% | 25% |
Implication: For high crypto profits (>€60,000), the Basque Country may be significantly more favorable.
Sections in Navarra
Navarra has rates similar to the common regime but with its own scale. For high profits, it may also be slightly more favorable.
Loss compensation: differences
Common Regime:
- Capital gains and losses offset each other.
- If there are excess losses, it can be compensated with 25% of the return on capital.
Basque Country:
- Possibility of compensating capital losses with greater flexibility.
- Some historic territories allow broader cross-compensation.
- Specific differences by territory (Álava vs Guipúzcoa vs Vizcaya).
Model 720 and regional equivalents
Model 720 for assets abroad applies to all of Spain regardless of the regional regime (it is information shared with the central AEAT). However:
- Navarra and the Basque Country may have their own equivalent forms.
- Consult with the corresponding provincial treasury if there are additional obligations.
Crypto information models in regional territory
Forms 172 (balances) and 173 (operations) are mandatory to declare to the AEAT (state regime), but:
- In some cases, provincial treasuries also require parallel information models.
- Starting in 2025, the coordination is expected to be unified with DAC8.
The case of Navarra: agreement regime
Navarra operates under the Economic Agreement system. Its differences with the common regime are:
- Own tax rates in personal income tax.
- Own collection management.
- For taxpayers active in both areas, there are distribution rules.
Wealth tax in regional territory
The Wealth Tax has notable differences:
- In the Basque Country there is the Tax on Wealth and Great Fortunes with different exempt rates and minimums.
- In Navarra, the Wealth Tax also has its own scale.
For cryptocurrencies declared as assets, this tax applies to the value as of December 31 of the year, with the same valuation rules as in the common regime.
Changing residence to the Basque Country as a tax strategy?
Some investors consider moving their habitual residence to the Basque Country to benefit from lower rates on crypto profits. Points to consider:
- The change of residence must be effective and real (183 days living there).
- If the transfer has the sole elusive purpose of the tax benefit, the AEAT may challenge the change.
- The transfer has a real cost of living and logistics.
- The latent capital gain in crypto when exchanging is NOT taxed as is the case with the exit tax when leaving Spain (applicable only between countries, not between communities).
Foral consultations and resources
- Foral Treasury of Navarra: hacienda.navarra.es
- Gipuzkoa: gipuzkoa.eus/ogasuna
- Bizkaia: bizkaia.eus/ogasuna
- Álava: alava.eus/hacienda
Updated: April 2026 | Fiscal year: 2025