Moving to Spain from the UK after Brexit

Until 31 December 2020, a British citizen could move to Spain as easily as a French or German one. Passport in hand, a two-hour flight and start living. Brexit changed the rules. Now, UK citizens are non-EU nationals for all legal purposes, and moving to Spain requires a bureaucratic process worth understanding before packing your bags.

The 90-day rule

British citizens can stay in Spain (and the wider Schengen area) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This covers tourism, family visits and prospecting — but does not allow working, registering on the municipal roll or accessing public healthcare.

If your plan is to stay longer than 90 days, you need a visa before travelling. You cannot enter as a tourist and 'convert' your stay into residence from within Spain. The visa is applied for at the Spanish consulate in the UK.

Visa types for British citizens

Non-lucrative residence visa

The most common for retirees and those with independent means. It allows you to live in Spain without working. Main requirements:

• Proof of sufficient income or savings (generally ≥ €28 800/year for the main applicant, ≥ €7 200 extra per dependent family member).
• Full private medical insurance (no co-pay, total coverage in Spain).
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled).
• Medical certificate.

Initial validity: 1 year. Renewable for 2-year periods. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence.

Digital nomad visa

Created in 2023, it allows remote workers to live in Spain while working for non-Spanish companies. Requirements:

• Employment contract or freelance contracts with companies outside Spain.
• Minimum income ≥ 200 % of Spain's minimum wage (approx. €2 520/month in 2025).
• At least 3 months' tenure with the employer or as a freelancer.
• Health insurance.

Validity: up to 5 years (1 year initial + renewals). The major tax advantage: during the first 5 years you can opt for the Beckham regime (flat 24 % rate on Spanish income, no tax on worldwide income).

Employment visa

If a Spanish company offers you a job. The company must justify hiring a foreigner and apply for a work permit. The most complex visa, dependent on the employer.

Entrepreneur visa

For those wanting to start a business in Spain. Requires a viable business plan and a favourable report from the trade office.

Golden Visa (investment)

Residence through property investment of ≥ €500 000. Currently in force, though the government has announced its possible elimination. If considering this route, check the current status of the legislation before investing.

The step-by-step process

Step 1 — Apply for the visa in the UK

Before moving, apply for the visa at the Spanish Consulate General in London (or Edinburgh if applicable). You will need: completed application form, valid passport (at least 1 year validity), passport photos, apostilled criminal record certificate, medical certificate, proof of financial means, private health insurance in Spain, proof of accommodation in Spain.

Processing time: 1 to 3 months. Plan ahead.

Step 2 — Obtain the NIE

The NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) is your tax ID in Spain. You need it for almost everything: buying property, opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, arranging utilities. You can apply at the consulate before travelling or at the National Police station in Spain.

Step 3 — Arrive and register (empadronamiento)

Empadronamiento is registration on the municipal roll at your local town hall. It is not a residence permit — it is an administrative record of your address. It is free and mandatory for all residents. You need it to access public healthcare (if eligible), enrol children in school and many other procedures.

Step 4 — Apply for the TIE

The TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) is the physical document proving your resident status. Apply at the foreigners' office or National Police within 30 days of arrival. It is a biometric document (with photo and fingerprints) that replaces the passport stamp and greatly simplifies daily procedures.

Step 5 — Social Security or private insurance

If you work as an employee or self-employed in Spain, you register with Social Security and access public healthcare. If you have a non-lucrative visa, your private insurance is your only cover during the first years. After one year registered on the municipal roll, you can apply for public healthcare access through the convenio especial (fee ~€60/month under 65, ~€157/month over 65).

What Brexit actually changed

• No automatic right of residence. Before, registration was enough. Now you need a specific visa approved by the consulate.
• Working requires authorisation. You cannot freely seek employment — you need a work or digital nomad visa.
• Healthcare is not automatic. Without employment in Spain or a special agreement, you need full private insurance.
• Non-EU tax treatment. You pay IRNR at 24 % on gross income (instead of the 19 % EU residents pay). The 2025 court ruling on expense deductions may mitigate this — consult an adviser.
• Driving: UK driving licences are no longer valid indefinitely. After obtaining residence, you have 6 months to exchange it for a Spanish one (via the DGT, no exam required thanks to the bilateral agreement with the UK).

The British community on the Costa Blanca

Despite Brexit, the Costa Blanca remains Britons' favourite destination in Spain. Alicante province is home to over 70 000 registered British residents — and probably many more unregistered. There are British supermarkets, social clubs, Anglican churches, English-language radio, local English newspapers and a service infrastructure (lawyers, tax advisers, English-speaking doctors) that makes the transition far smoother than in other parts of Spain.

Areas with the largest British concentration: Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Jávea, Calpe, Benidorm, El Campello and Rojales.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move to Spain without a visa and sort one out later?

No. Entering as a tourist and staying beyond 90 days without a visa is an irregular situation. You will not be able to register, work legally or access services. The visa must be obtained before travelling at the Spanish consulate in the UK.

How much does the whole process cost?

Consular visa fees vary by type (€60-200). The NIE costs ~€12. The TIE ~€16. Private health insurance runs €80 to €200/month depending on age and cover. Immigration lawyer fees to manage the entire process range from €500 to €2 000. In total, budget €1 500-3 000 to cover fees, first quarter's insurance and advisory.

Can my children attend state schools?

Yes, once registered on the municipal roll. Education is compulsory and free in state schools for all minors resident in Spain, regardless of nationality. If you prefer an international or bilingual school (there are several on the Costa Blanca), costs range from €4 000 to €12 000/year.

Can I vote in Spain as a British resident?

Not in general or regional elections. Yes in municipal elections, if a reciprocity agreement is in force and you have at least 5 years' residence. Check current regulations — these agreements can change.

Does Brexit affect my UK pension in Spain?

If you receive a UK state pension, it is uprated annually (triple lock) and can be collected from Spain by bank transfer. It is not lost by residing abroad. The bilateral Social Security agreements between Spain and the UK remain in force post-Brexit. For private pensions, check with your provider the tax implications of being resident in Spain.

If you are thinking of moving to the Costa Blanca from the UK, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.