Miguel Morillon has been leading the French-Spanish law firm Morillon Avocats since its creation more than twenty-five years ago.
The firm offers each month 4 to 5 legal breakfasts on a topical tax or legal theme, and organizes French-Spanish Tax Conferences, the next of which will take place on November 5, 2026 in Madrid and on November 12 in Paris.
These events are an opportunity to exchange with clients in a friendly and practical manner.
In 2026, you will offer more than 50 breakfasts and practical workshops on very specific tax and legal topics.
Why did you choose these themes? How do you meet the needs of French professionals and individuals in Spain?
The choice of topics addressed is based on our in-depth knowledge of the needs of French individuals and professionals in Spain. We work with them daily and we know their concerns.
The aim of the legal breakfasts is to inform and simplify certain topics that are relatively technical and complex for non-experts, while establishing a close link with members of the French community in Spain.
Can you tell us more about the topics that will be covered?
Of course. The topics are very diverse, and each breakfast focuses on a specific subject, but they mainly revolve around the following areas: real estate and investment in Spain, taxation, entrepreneurship, inheritance and marital situations.
We invite you to consult the detailed topics via the firm’s calendar on our website.
How do these events take place and how can one participate?
Most of our legal breakfasts are held in Madrid, almost every Thursday at 10 a.m. We also regularly organize meetings in Valencia, Paris, Brussels, London or even Berlin, on the subjects that most interest our clients, such as creating a company in Spain or purchasing real estate in the country.
To register, simply send an email to info@morillon.es, indicating your name, the subject you are interested in, and your telephone number. As the number of participants is limited to 10 per session (20 for sessions outside Madrid), we recommend reserving your place as early as possible.
You are offering a conference on inheritance and gift tax in Spain in October 2026. What are the risks and the main mistakes that French people make when dealing with these issues in Spain?
Main risks:
French citizens residing in Spain or owning assets there often underestimate the impact of the differences between the French and Spanish tax and legal systems.
Spanish decentralization adds an additional layer of complexity: each autonomous community applies its own tax brackets and allowances. Failing to take these specificities into account can result in significantly higher taxation than expected.
Most common mistakes:
Lack of planning: Many do not prepare their succession considering the tax advantages offered by certain Spanish regions.
Insufficient coordination between the two countries: Poor synchronization between the French and Spanish tax regimes can lead to double taxation or loss of certain benefits.
Poorly adapted wills: The interaction between the European succession regulation and Spanish law can create unexpected effects if documents are not properly drafted.
Not seeking expert advice: Underestimating the complexity of Spanish legislation and acting without professional guidance often leads to costly mistakes.
Key message:
Understanding Spain’s specific rules and relying on specialized guidance is essential to avoid decisions that could harm your heirs or your assets. The webinar will address these pitfalls in detail and provide solutions to avoid them.
For many French people living in Spain, taxation can be a real headache. What do you consider the most accessible and effective tax optimization strategies for individuals?
1. First, it is essential to understand the regional specificities and take advantage of them.
In Spain, inheritance and gift taxation varies significantly from one autonomous region to another. Some regions, such as Madrid or Andalusia, offer very advantageous allowances or tax reductions. Proper estate planning adapted to your place of residence or the location of your assets can significantly reduce your tax burden.
2. Anticipate your succession through donations.
In many cases, making a lifetime donation is a very relevant solution to anticipate and optimize one’s succession.
3. It is equally essential to master European regulations on successions.
The European Regulation allows EU citizens to choose the law applicable to their succession: the law of their nationality (or one of their nationalities), or that of their habitual residence. This choice helps secure the transmission, protect reserved heirs and organize the future management of the estate.
4. Know the available tax optimization tools.
For example, French life insurance can be very advantageous for Spanish tax residents, provided it is used correctly.
5. Work with bilateral experts.
Calling on advisors who know both the French and Spanish tax systems is essential to avoid double taxation and to structure cross-border estate planning strategies adapted to your personal situation.
Conclusion:
The key to successful optimization lies in thoughtful anticipation and a deep understanding of Spanish and French rules. This webinar will highlight essential points to protect and efficiently transmit your assets while minimizing tax impact.
Do you think the current geopolitical and economic situation in Spain will influence the tax and legal concerns of French residents here?
Absolutely, the current geopolitical and economic situation in Spain will have a direct impact on the tax and legal concerns of French nationals living in the country.
Here are some key points:
1. Changes in Spanish tax policies
Faced with economic challenges such as inflation or the slowdown of certain sectors, Spain may reinforce its taxation, particularly on inheritances and donations, to increase public revenue. This could make asset transfers more costly, especially for expatriates.
2. Tax disparities between regions
Political tensions between the central government and some autonomous regions fuel increasing tax divergences. These disparities directly influence estate planning, as tax benefits can vary drastically depending on the region of residence or the location of assets.
3. Concerns related to real estate
With increasing pressures in the Spanish real estate market, such as higher property taxes or restrictions on short-term rentals, French property owners may face additional tax and legal challenges.
Conclusion:
In this uncertain context, it is essential for French residents in Spain to anticipate changes and adapt quickly. The webinar will be a valuable opportunity to understand these dynamics and develop appropriate estate planning strategies to protect their assets in a constantly evolving environment.
Why is this webinar essential today?
The tax rules regarding inheritance and donations in Spain are undergoing major changes. These developments could significantly impact the way you protect and transfer your assets. This webinar is a unique opportunity to anticipate these changes, identify risks, and discover strategies to preserve your tax advantages in an uncertain environment.
Who is this webinar for?
The conference is aimed at anyone who owns assets in Spain: individuals, expatriates, entrepreneurs, or investors are all invited to participate.
If you want to understand upcoming tax changes, their consequences on your estate, how to avoid negative impacts and benefit from Franco-Spanish tax advantages, this event is for you.
Do not hesitate to register by sending us an email at: info@morillon.es
What are the benefits for participants?
Participants will receive a clear and up-to-date analysis of legislative changes, the risks they entail, and practical solutions to optimize their decisions. They will leave with concrete tools to anticipate the consequences of reforms and maximize the tax advantages related to their assets.
What is the “El Faro” Prize and what inspired you to create it and award it for the second time in 2027?
The «El Faro» Prize recognizes and thanks individuals and institutions that carry out actions in favor of the development of the French-speaking community in Spain, highlighting the importance of its presence in the country.
In 2027, Morillon Avocats will celebrate its 30th anniversary; we felt it was a wonderful opportunity to thank the individuals who have become true references for French people in Spain, who have also been Morillon Avocats clients for 30 years.
These institutions are a landmark for the community—like a lighthouse guiding the way.
How important is it to highlight the work of personalities and institutions that support the French community in Spain? Why is this crucial in the current context?
These individuals and institutions defend the interests of French citizens in Spain and offer essential services to a very large community. They also help strengthen ties between France and Spain, which is particularly important between two neighboring and friendly countries.
What qualities or achievements will be considered in selecting the winner of this prize?
The goal is to recognize efforts made over the years. We aim to highlight individuals and institutions that have become a true beacon for the French-speaking community.
Miguel Morillon
Lawyer
MORILLON AVOCATS
