Tax Law · European Union
Get Your Non-Resident Tax Position Right From the Start
Earning or owning property in a country where you do not live pulls you into a second tax system, with its own filing duties, rates and deadlines. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted tax lawyer who handles non-resident cases in that specific country every day, so you pay what you owe and nothing more.
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Who this is for
You can owe tax in a country without ever living there
Non-resident tax applies when you earn income or hold assets in a country where you are not tax resident — for example, rental income from a property abroad, a pension paid from another state, or capital gains on shares you sold in a foreign company. Most countries tax non-residents only on income sourced within their borders, and they usually apply different rates, allowances and filing rules than they do for residents. The exact treatment varies by country and often by the tax treaty signed with your home state, which decides where each type of income is taxed and at what rate. Getting this wrong means double taxation, missed deadlines or unexpected bills. A specialist can confirm your real position and keep you compliant.
Why non-residents get caught out
The rules that apply to residents rarely apply to you.
That cuts both ways.
Different rates, different deadlines and treaty rules most people never know exist — until a letter arrives.
Paying tax twice on the same income
Without a clear treaty position, the same rental income, pension or gain can be taxed in two countries at once. A specialist maps the treaty rules so you only pay where you should.
Missing non-resident filing duties
Owning or earning in a country you do not live in still triggers returns, withholdings and quarterly payments in many states — and the deadlines differ from what residents face.
Wrong rates and allowances applied
Non-residents typically get fewer allowances and sometimes higher withholding rates than residents. An accountant’s default often assumes residence, leaving you either overpaying or quietly underpaying tax.
What you get
A tax lawyer who works your non-resident position properly
We only match you with tax lawyers who handle cross-border and non-resident cases in your specific country.
Residency & treaty review
Your lawyer confirms where you are actually tax resident and how the relevant double-tax treaty allocates your income, so you know which country taxes what before you file.
Accurate filing & withholding
Get your non-resident returns, withholding claims and refund requests prepared to the exact local format — with the correct rates and any treaty relief properly applied.
Double-taxation relief
Where tax is withheld twice, your lawyer claims the credits, exemptions or refunds you are entitled to, so you recover overpaid amounts instead of absorbing them.
Cross-border coordination
Income split across several countries is handled as one joined-up picture, with each jurisdiction’s rules reconciled so nothing is missed and nothing is paid twice.
Coverage
Non-resident tax lawyers across Europe
Tax rules, rates and treaty networks are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who works with your specific country’s tax authority and your home state’s treaty on a regular basis. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Non-resident tax — common questions
Who counts as a non-resident for tax purposes?
A non-resident is someone who does not meet a country’s tax-residency test — usually tied to how many days you spend there or where your home is. Residency is decided by each country’s own rules, not by where you hold a passport, and a lawyer can confirm your status in both the source country and your home state.
Do I have to file a tax return as a non-resident?
In most countries, yes — if you have income sourced there, such as rent, employment, a pension or gains on local assets. The filing requirements, rates and deadlines for non-residents differ from those for residents, so it is worth confirming exactly what your situation triggers.
Can a double-taxation treaty reduce what I owe?
Most European countries have tax treaties that allocate taxing rights between the source country and your home state, often reducing or eliminating double taxation. The relief is not automatic — you typically have to claim it, and a lawyer can make sure the right treaty article applies to your income.
I rent out a property abroad but live elsewhere — what now?
Rental income is usually taxed in the country where the property sits, even if you live abroad, and your home country may also want to tax it. A specialist can clarify where the primary right to tax lies and how any credit or exemption works across the two systems.
How is non-resident tax different from resident tax?
Non-residents are generally taxed only on income sourced in that country, often at different rates and with fewer allowances or deductions than residents. The exact treatment varies by country, so applying the resident rules to yourself is a common and costly mistake.
Can a lawyer help me recover tax I overpaid as a non-resident?
Yes. If withholding was applied at too high a rate or treaty relief was missed, you may be able to claim a refund through the correct procedure. A tax lawyer can identify the overpayment, file the refund claim and handle any questions from the tax authority.
Free case review
Stop guessing at a tax system you were never taught
Tell us where you earn or own assets and we’ll connect you with a tax lawyer who handles non-resident cases in that country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.