Discover everything you need to know about moving to Spain after Brexit. Explore visa options, residency rules, job opportunities, healthcare, and tips for adapting
Spain remains one of the most attractive destinations for British citizens seeking to relocate or purchase property abroad. However, after the UK left the European Union, the process of moving has changed slightly, and you should be aware of all the innovations so that the change of residence goes smoothly and without surprises or hitches.
Brits moving to Spain are now faced with new rules and requirements. Brexit has significantly affected the rights of British citizens in Spain, depriving them of freedom of movement within the EU. You will need special visas and permits to live and work in Spain.
Despite these changes, the sunny climate, lower cost of living, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle continue to attract thousands of Britons every year. If you prepare as carefully and thoroughly as possible for moving to Spain from the UK, you can carry out your plans effectively. The main thing is to carefully study all the aspects and potential options for moving and choose the correct method for yourself.
The UK's exit from the EU was a turning point, especially for those planning relocating from the UK to Spain. Britons are no longer considered citizens of the European Union, which has numerous implications, particularly in the context of migration and long-term residence. Understanding the new rules will be key for those wishing to move successfully.
The Status of Britons Before and After Brexit
Before Brexit, British citizens enjoyed the same rights as other members of the European Union, including the freedom of movement, residence, and work in any EU country without special permits. Britons can move to Spain by registering with the local authorities and obtaining a European Union registration certificate.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. The transition period for this process ended on 31 December 2020, which is when Britons' status changed dramatically. They are treated as third-country nationals and are the same as migrants from the US, Canada, or Australia.
Therefore, moving to Spain after Brexit comes with immigration rules that have not previously been imposed on UK residents. Such people must now obtain visas, submit biometric data, and meet financial requirements.
Since 2021, residency in Spain after Brexit has required official status. The main changes include:
If you plan to visit Spain for a short term (up to 90 days within 180 days), you do not require a visa. However, if you plan to stay in the country for an extended period, you must collect the relevant documents and obtain the necessary permission.
The situation is more favorable for British citizens who are officially registered in Spain before the end of the transition period. The Withdrawal Agreement protects citizens' rights and allows them to keep most of the rights they used to enjoy as citizens of the European Union.
British expats living in Spain before Brexit had to replace their EU registration certificates, also known as green certificates, with new TIE residence cards. They confirm their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
A British expat in Spain who has received a TIE has the right to reside and work in this country under the same conditions as before Brexit. Those with a permanent residence permit (i.e., have lived in Spain for over 5 years) retain their permanent resident status. However, they also need to obtain a TIE card to confirm this status.
UK citizens must obtain a visa to live in Spain after Brexit if they plan to stay for more than 90 days. For different categories of migrants, Spain offers a range of options.
Foreign citizens can choose several options to obtain a long-term residence permit in Spain.
Each of the visas has its characteristics, advantages, and restrictions. You need to study who they are suitable for, and what they offer their holder. Such information will enable UK residents to select the most appropriate method for obtaining a long-term residence permit in Spain and successfully relocate to a warm European country.
The Golden Visa is designed for investors. It is one of the most direct ways of emigrating to Spain Post-Brexit. To obtain it, you must invest significantly in the Spanish economy. Here are the available options:
The Golden Visa has many advantages for UK residents. It is a residence and work permit for your stay in Spain. There is no requirement for holders of such a permit to reside in the country permanently. You will only have to come to Spain once a year to do this. You can choose to include dependents when applying.
Such features make the Golden Visa an attractive option for wealthy Britons. It's especially appealing to those who don't plan to live in Spain permanently but want the legal freedom to stay long-term and visit without restrictions.
Passive Income Visa is intended for individuals with sufficient funds to support themselves in Spain without working. It is typically suitable for pensioners, retirees, or individuals who rely on passive income.
Living in Spain as a British citizen on a non-lucrative visa requires proof of a minimum monthly income of about 2,400 euros for the applicant and 600 euros for each family member. Additionally, you must have comprehensive medical insurance from a private company recognized in Spain.
The main limitation of this visa is the ban on working in Spain, including remote work for foreign companies. It is issued for one year and can be extended twice for a further two years. After five years of residence, you can apply for a long-term residence permit.
The Digital Nomad Visa Spain is a relatively new project in Spain. It was launched as part of the Startup Act of 2022. This visa has become a desirable option for those seeking to comply with the rules for living in Spain after Brexit. It enables remote workers and freelancers to legally reside in the country for an extended period and work for foreign companies or clients.
Among the main requirements that the Spanish authorities include for applicants are the following:
The Digital Nomad Visa is initially issued for one year and can be extended for up to five years. After that, you can apply for long-term residence in Spain.
For English expats in Spain with family members legally residing in the country, there is the possibility of obtaining this type of visa. Family Reunification visa allows the following categories of applicants to join the Spanish prescription:
This category remains among the most popular among the British who moved after Brexit in 2025.
To obtain this visa, a Spanish resident must have lived in the country for at least one year and hold a valid residence permit for at least another year. The state also requires proof of a stable income: in 2025, the minimum monthly income is 800 euros for the first family member and 267 euros for each subsequent one.
The availability of suitable housing is also a requirement in Spain. It must meet sanitary and technical standards. This must be confirmed by a municipal report. All documents must be translated into Spanish and certified by the notary public. The application process is conducted through the UK's Spanish consulates or the relevant immigration office in Spain.
A student visa is required for Britons wishing to study in Spain for more than 90 days. Moreover, emigrating to Spain from the UK for study requires the following documents from the applicant:
A student visa is issued for up to one year, but extensions are possible. It allows you to work up to 20 hours a week, provided that the conclusion of the employment contract must be officially registered.
Upon completion of their studies, graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to seek employment for 12 months, making living in Spain post-Brexit a viable option.
A special startup visa is available for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business in Spain. Obtaining an entrepreneurship visa Spain requires fulfilling several key conditions, namely:
The state issues a visa for an initial period of 1 year. If the project demonstrates positive dynamics, such as investment growth and job creation, you can extend the permit twice for a total of 4 years.
In 2025, you can apply for this type of visa online through the UGE-CE platform. This feature greatly simplifies the process. The Start-up visa is an attractive opportunity for UK citizens relocating to Spain, particularly in the IT, fintech, biotech, or greentech sectors.
Spain also has other visa categories suitable for non-standard and specific situations. A striking example is the visa for scientific researchers. It is intended for specialists who have received an invitation from officially recognized research centers or universities in Spain. It is issued for the project's duration and allows them to live in the country without additional permits.
Spain also offers a visa for highly qualified specialists. It suits top managers, engineers, IT specialists, and other professionals in short supply. To obtain such a permit, you are to be contracted by a Spanish company listed in the Register of Strategically Important Employers.
Short-term visas are available for seasonal workers. They are valid for up to 9 months and are most often used in agriculture and tourism. Additionally, investors and strategic sectors, such as renewable energy or real estate, can obtain the appropriate visa by investing at least 500,000 euros.
You must go through the formal visa application process to apply for Spanish residency after Brexit. You must complete the process correctly, as any mistake or incomplete set of documents can result in refusal.
In 2025, applicants can apply through the Spanish consulate in the UK, located in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. You can also apply online; however, please note that the processing of relevant documents through the UGE-CE platform is only available for specific visa categories.
The process of obtaining a UK long-stay visa to Spain begins with the preparation of the necessary documents, which usually include:
It is essential to note that all documents issued in the UK must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator and, in most cases, certified by a Hague Convention Apostille.
You must apply for a visa to obtain post-Brexit Spanish residency for Brits. The applicant can do this at the Spanish consular sections in the UK:
You must apply in person, having previously booked an appointment through the website of a sympathetic consulate. For some types of visas, forms can be pre-completed through the online system UGE-CE. However, a personal visit is always required to provide biometric data.
To avoid refusals and delays when applying for a relocation visa, you should follow the guidelines for moving to Spain as a UK resident. Here are simple and practical tips from experts:
Common mistakes when submitting documents include incomplete certificates, incorrect translations, insufficient financial justification, and failure to meet the requirements of the medical certificate. By eliminating such errors, you can significantly increase the chances of your visa application being approved.
Obtaining a visa for expats living in Spain after Brexit involves several stages. First, you must fill out an application. Download and complete the relevant forms from the official consulate website. Collect all the necessary supporting documents. You will also be required to pay a visa fee. The fee may vary depending on the type of permit.
Then, make an appointment. The online system allows you to book a suitable date and time. As a rule, you must make an appointment several weeks and sometimes even months in advance.
The final stage is a visit to the consulate. You must personally provide all the necessary documents. Additionally, at this stage, biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph, is submitted. In some cases, the applicant will have to undergo an interview to clarify the purpose of the trip and other details.
The processing time for applications from British citizens seeking to comply with the rules for staying in Spain after Brexit can vary significantly, depending on the type of visa and the consulate's current workload. The average processing time for most permits is 1 to 3 months. The Golden Visa is typically processed within 20-30 days. Waiting times may be longer during periods of high demand. In some cases, accelerated processing is available for an additional fee.
If your application is refused, you must clearly understand the reasons for the refusal. The Spanish authorities typically issue these in a special notice. Common reasons include:
In most cases, you can appeal within one month of receiving the refusal notice. Alternatively, you can correct the deficiencies and resubmit a new application. Consulting an immigration lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success when resubmitting.
After receiving a visa and moving, a vital adaptation stage begins. This is especially important for immigrants from the UK. During the first weeks, you need to obtain a NIE, register at your place of residence, open a bank account, and, if necessary, take out health insurance. These actions will legalize your stay and give you access to basic public and private services in Spain.
NIE is a foreigner's identification number that is required for work opportunities in Spain for UK citizens and most administrative and financial transactions in Spain:
To obtain a NIE, you must apply to the nearest foreign police office or the national police.
You need to register with the municipality where you live. This procedure is necessary for:
Before visiting the government agency, you will need to collect a package of documents, including a completed registration form, an identity card, a copy of it, and a document confirming your right to reside at the specified address.
You need to open an account in one of the local banks for everyday expenses, pay by invoice, and receive a local salary. To do this, you will need a passport, NIE number, proof of address in Spain, and proof of residency status (for some accounts).
Following Brexit, access to the Spanish public healthcare system has significantly changed for British citizens. Long-term visas for Brits in Spain typically require comprehensive health insurance.
To register for the public healthcare system, you must obtain a health card from your local health center. You will need to provide your NIE number, proof of registration with your local town hall, and evidence of entitlement to healthcare.
Private health insurance is a must for many Brits, especially those moving to Spain on a non-profit visa. This varies from €50 to €200 per month per person, depending on age, health, and coverage.
Popular expat insurers include Sanitas, Adslas, DKV, and Asisa. The healthcare quality in Spain is very high, with short waiting times for specialist consultations and treatments.
Tax issues are significant for foreign nationals who plan to work in Spain after Brexit. You are considered a tax resident if you live in Spain for more than 183 days a year. The main types of taxes include:
Britain and Spain have signed an agreement that eliminates double taxation. Thus, immigration to Spain can be a safe and financially transparent process.
The following tips will help you to effectively and adequately carry out tax planning:
The rules for moving to Spain also include tax regulations, which you should carefully read. Such information will help you avoid financial troubles in the future.
Moving is not only about documents but also about complete adaptation. It is vital for UK residents to feel confident in a new country, especially if it is a long-term move. Start learning the language to understand the local population, at least in everyday life. Be socially active and take part in local events. Finding communities of other British people will benefit you - this will accelerate your adaptation.
Families with children often wonder about schooling. In Spain, they are:
The choice depends on the region and budget. British families who have moved to Spain often prefer international options.
After Brexit, British rights are no longer automatically recognized. You can exchange them within 6 months of receiving the temporary residence permit. If time is lost, you will have to take an exam.
For those who have chosen Spain as a permanent solution, two options are relevant: renewing your residence permit or obtaining citizenship. After 5 years of legal residence, you can obtain a residence permit. To do this, you must not have left the country (with no more than 10 months' absence in the past 5 years), have a stable income, and have no criminal record.
Among the main advantages are less bureaucracy when renewing, access to social benefits, and the ability to work without restrictions.
You can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence (in exceptional cases, after 2 years). To do this, you must pass a language and culture exam, renounce British citizenship, and prove integration and a stable income.
After the UK left the EU, moving has become somewhat more complicated. However, it is still possible. The main changes are the need to obtain visas, residence permits, and comply with tax and legal requirements. Nevertheless, expat life in Spain for UK nationals remains attractive and desirable. This is due to the mild climate, high standard of living, quality medicine, and education.
Moving requires careful preparation, but with the right approach, immigration of UK residents to Spain after Brexit becomes an entirely feasible plan, both for retirees and for young professionals or families.
Plan your move and take advantage of all available opportunities for a comfortable life in Spain!
Yes, British citizens need a visa to live in Spain Post-Brexit. Popular options include the Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees or those with passive income, and the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers.
British expats can access Spain's public healthcare system if they are registered residents. Private healthcare is also available, offering shorter waiting times and more personalized care.
Brits who lived in Spain before the Brexit transition period ended can apply for long-term residency under the Withdrawal Agreement. New arrivals must meet stricter visa and residency requirements.
UK driver's licenses are valid for a limited time in Spain after moving. You must exchange your UK license for a Spanish one within six months of registering as a resident.
Spanish residents must pay income tax, property tax, and possibly wealth tax. The UK-Spain double taxation treaty ensures you don't pay taxes on the same income in both countries.
Yes, you can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residency. However, Spain generally requires renouncing previous citizenship, though some exceptions may apply.
