Controversy: Taxes or Happiness? Debate in the Influencer World about Spain and Andorra.

The relationship between influencers, YouTubers, and Andorra has been a subject of debate for years, and it is a topic that raises as much passion as criticism. Andorra, a small country in the Pyrenees, has become a haven for many people who, attracted by its low tax burden, decide to change their tax residence to avoid paying Spain’s high taxes. But what is really happening? Is it just a matter of money? Why do some influencers decide to stay in Spain while others cross the border?

Recently, the controversy resurfaced following a conversation among some of Spain’s most popular YouTubers: Plex, ElXokas, and Frank de la Jungla, during their recent adventure in China. But before going into detail about what these creators discussed, let’s review the history of influencers and their relationship with Andorra, a topic that has generated much discussion in recent years.

The rise of Andorra as a destination for influencers

In 2020 and 2021, social media and news outlets in Spain were filled with stories about the decision of some of the country’s most famous influencers to relocate to Andorra. Among them were prominent names such as Rubius, Vegetta777, and Willyrex, major figures in YouTube and Twitch content. The main reason behind this migration was clear: the difference in taxation.

In Spain, the highest incomes can be taxed up to 47% in personal income tax, while in Andorra this percentage is drastically reduced to a maximum of 10%. Faced with this situation, many wondered whether these content creators, who earn millions of euros per year, were putting money before their country, or whether they were simply making a smart decision from an economic standpoint.

The arguments in favor of moving to Andorra were clear: why pay almost half of your income in taxes if you can save a large portion of that money in a nearby country with a relatively similar lifestyle? However, criticism was not long in coming. Many saw this decision as an act of disloyalty to Spain, the country that saw them grow and from which they obtained much of their success.

Plex and life in Madrid

Recently, this controversy resurfaced thanks to a conversation between Plex, one of Spain’s most followed YouTubers, and his companions ElXokas and Frank de la Jungla, while traveling together in China. Plex, with over 14 million followers on YouTube, has proven to be one of the most beloved figures in the Spanish content creator landscape.

At one point during their adventure, while discussing life in Andorra, Plex made his position clear: “I cannot live without being in Madrid. If to earn more money I have to remove a piece of my happiness, what do I want the money for?” confessed the 23-year-old from Zamora, emphasizing that his happiness did not depend on money, but on his environment, his family, and friends.

What Plex expresses goes beyond a simple comparison between Spain’s and Andorra’s tax rates. For him, the value of being close to his loved ones is more important than the financial savings he could achieve by moving to Andorra. “For me, money is being able to live near my family and friends,” he added, emphasizing that although the idea of moving to a place like Andorra may seem attractive from a financial perspective, it is not from a personal one.

ElXokas, another major name in content creation in Spain, shared Plex’s opinion: “I love Madrid,” he stated, reaffirming that for some influencers, life in a major city like Madrid has an invaluable worth that goes beyond money.

Amadeo Llados: Criticism without mincing words

While Plex and ElXokas prefer Madrid over Andorra, not all influencers think the same way. Amadeo Llados, an equally well-known figure in the streaming world, has been one of the most critical of those who decide to move to Andorra. In one of his recent statements, Llados was particularly harsh in his words:

“I have absolutely nothing to look for in a fucking shitty town that is tiny and has absolutely nothing,” he expressed bluntly, referring to Andorra. For Llados, living in a place like Andorra is not an attractive option in any sense, despite the tax savings it may represent. “If you had to pay taxes in Andorra, no one would live in Andorra,” he added, criticizing what he considers a choice based solely on a “scarcity mentality.”

Llados went even further in his criticism, suggesting that those who move to Andorra do so because they are “dominated by money.” “Money possesses them and they say: I’m going to live in a shitty town just because I save money,” he concluded in his forceful statement.

The influencers’ dilemma: Patriotism or pragmatism?

The question of whether moving to Andorra is a patriotic or simply pragmatic decision remains a debate influenced by many variables. For some, like Plex and ElXokas, the quality of life they find in Spain, proximity to their families and friends, and the vibrant atmosphere of cities like Madrid are compelling reasons to stay in their country of origin.

On the other hand, those who have decided to relocate to Andorra, like Rubius, see it as a logical decision to maximize their earnings and protect their assets. In many interviews, these creators have pointed out that it is not about a lack of love for Spain, but simply a financial decision that makes sense for them and their families.

What is clear is that this debate is far from being resolved. While some like Amadeo Llados harshly criticize those who make this decision, others see it as a matter of personal freedom and resource optimization.

What does this tell us about the future of content creators?

The rise of platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok has generated a new class of creators who can earn millions of euros per year, something that was unthinkable barely a decade ago. This new reality has also brought new challenges and questions, both for the creators themselves and for governments.

In Spain, the tax burden for high incomes remains a hot topic, and not only for YouTubers. The taxes paid by influencers are no different from those paid by other citizens with high incomes, such as athletes, entrepreneurs, or artists. However, the visibility of these creators means that their tax decisions are scrutinized more intensely by the public.

Will Andorra continue to be an attractive tax haven for influencers in the coming years? Everything will depend on how tax laws evolve in both countries and on the personal priorities of each creator. But if one thing has become clear, it is that for some like Plex and ElXokas, happiness and closeness to their loved ones are worth more than any tax savings.

The debate continues, and we will surely see new chapters in this story. Meanwhile, life in Andorra will continue to be an option for those who prioritize money, but not everyone is willing to sacrifice other aspects of their life for it.

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