This guide is a practical reference for British nationals planning a move to Spain after Brexit. It walks through the visa and residency routes available to UK citizens, the documents and timelines involved, what to expect on arrival, and how insurance fits into a Spanish relocation from the United Kingdom. Requirements vary by route, age, family situation and Spanish region. We don’t recommend specific insurers on this page; we explain options based on your situation, in plain English, seven days a week.
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Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserSpain is one of the most popular relocation destinations for British nationals. According to various estimates, several hundred thousand British nationals are registered as resident in Spain, with significant additional numbers spending substantial time each year as second-home owners and long-stay visitors. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca, Madrid and Barcelona have well-established British expat communities, supported by English-speaking infrastructure, international schools and broad private healthcare networks.
Brexit changed the route. Until December 2020, British nationals could move to Spain as EU citizens with light registration requirements. From January 2021 onwards British nationals are non-EU third-country nationals from a Spanish immigration perspective. This means a visa route, supporting documentation, Spanish-regulated health insurance for visa applicants and the TIE residence card process — the same framework that applies to US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African movers.
This guide explains how to move from the UK to Spain step by step: which visa route fits, what documents you’ll need, how to handle apostille and sworn translation, what insurance is required and how to manage the first 90 days after arrival.
Climate — the most-cited reason. Spain has more than 300 days of sun a year along the southern Mediterranean coast, mild winters across the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, and a substantially drier climate than most of the UK across the whole country.
Cost of living — outside Madrid and Barcelona, the cost of living in Spain is typically lower than equivalent UK cities. Rent, groceries, restaurants and everyday services are often noticeably cheaper than London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Bristol.
Healthcare quality — Spain’s Sistema Nacional de Salud ranks well internationally, and the private healthcare sector is strong, particularly in expat areas where English-speaking doctors are widely available.
Lifestyle — Mediterranean food, walkable city centres, beach access along thousands of kilometres of coastline, longer daylight hours much of the year, and a culture that prioritises outdoor and family living.
Connectivity to the UK — direct flights from Málaga, Alicante, Palma, Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona to most UK cities. Most UK movers can be back in the UK door-to-door within a day if family circumstances require it.
Established British expat community — making the social transition smoother and providing networks for advice on schools, healthcare, legal services and day-to-day life.
British nationals moving to Spain post-Brexit need a long-stay (Type D) visa for any stay over 90 days. The main routes for UK applicants:
The most popular route for UK retirees, semi-retired professionals and those with sufficient passive income or savings. No working in Spain on this route. Requires Spanish-regulated health insurance, financial proof, ACRO certificate, apostille and sworn translation. See NLV health insurance.
For UK remote workers continuing to earn from non-Spanish sources. Eligible UK employees of overseas companies and UK freelancers serving non-Spanish clients can apply. Beckham Law (Special Expatriate Regime) may apply for the first 6 years for qualifying applicants. See DNV renewal.
For UK nationals studying at recognised Spanish institutions. Requires valid certificate of enrolment and Spanish-regulated health insurance during the study period. Allows limited work alongside study.
For UK nationals taking up Spanish employment. Requires a Spanish employer sponsor and labour market clearance unless the role qualifies for HQP (Highly Qualified Professional) or other expedited categories.
Expedited route for senior UK professionals taking up Spanish employment. Higher salary thresholds, faster processing.
For UK nationals starting a Spanish business with a business plan endorsed by ENISA. Capital requirements and viability assessment.
For UK autónomo applicants — freelancers, consultants and sole traders establishing in Spain.
For family members of non-EU residents already in Spain — spouses, dependent children, dependent parents. See Family Reunification.
British nationals who are family members of EU citizens (Irish nationals, French nationals, German nationals etc.) may apply through this route, which has different rules from standard Family Reunification.
The Spanish Golden Visa investor route closed to new applications in April 2025. Applicants who held Golden Visa status before closure retain rights under transitional rules. New investor-minded applicants now use other routes (DNV, Entrepreneur, HQP, NLV) depending on circumstances.
British nationals who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 are protected by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and have a separate residence status with TIE card marked “Acuerdo de Retirada”. This guide is for UK nationals moving to Spain post-Brexit who don’t have pre-Brexit residency.
Most UK visa routes require some combination of:
Specific documentation varies by route: NLV emphasises passive income, DNV emphasises remote-work contracts and qualifications, Student Visa emphasises certificate of enrolment, Work Visa emphasises employer sponsorship documents.
This is the most-delayed part of UK applications — lead times matter.
The ACRO Police Certificate (formerly “Subject Access Request” under different names) is the UK criminal record check accepted by Spanish Consulates for visa applications. Process:
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Legalisation Office issues apostilles for UK documents to be used abroad. Spanish Consulates require apostilled originals for ACRO, birth certificates, marriage certificates and any other foreign-issued documents that form part of the visa file.
Spanish Consulates require translations into Spanish by an official sworn translator (Traductor Jurado) authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). UK-side options:
Don’t use a non-sworn translator, however accurate the translation — the Consulate will reject it. The translator’s certification and stamp must be on the translation.
UK visa applicants typically need a Spanish-regulated private health insurance policy meeting specific requirements at the Consulate appointment.
For NLV applications specifically, sin copago is the strict expectation. DNV applications have somewhat more flexibility on copago in some Consulates but sin copago is the safest choice. Student Visa applications require similar Spanish-regulated cover with bilingual evidence of enrolment dates.
What typically doesn’t meet Spanish Consulate requirements:
See NLV health insurance, DNV cost guide and visa-compliant cover detail.
Three Spanish Consulates serve British nationals from different UK regions:
Each Consulate has its own appointment booking system, document checklist and processing timelines. Check the appropriate Consulate website for current requirements before submitting.
Appointment availability is the rate-limiting step for many UK applicants. Periods of high demand can mean wait times of several weeks or months for the next available slot. Book the Consulate appointment as soon as you’ve confirmed your visa route and target move date — documents can typically be added between booking and appointment.
The Consulate verifies your documents, takes biometrics where required, accepts the visa fee and submits the application to the Spanish authorities. Processing time from submission to visa decision is typically 4–8 weeks but varies by route and Consulate workload. Some Consulates use BLS International as a visa application centre intermediary — check the current process at the Consulate covering your area.
Most experienced UK movers recommend renting for the first 6–12 months. This lets you confirm the region and neighbourhood before committing to a Spanish property purchase, which is a significant transaction.
Property purchase costs typically total 10–13 percent of purchase price on top of the price itself: ITP transfer tax (resale), IVA + AJD (new build), notario, registro, abogado/gestoría, plusvalía (often seller).
Most UK buyers use an English-speaking solicitor independent of the estate agent and seller, an NIE before purchase, a Spanish bank account, and Spanish home insurance from completion. Non-resident mortgages are typically up to 60–70 percent LTV with stricter income verification than resident mortgages.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the unique Spanish tax/identity number. It’s typically obtained as part of the visa application process or shortly after entry to Spain. It’s needed for almost every Spanish administrative process — bank account, rental contract, property purchase, car registration, paying tax, taking up employment.
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residence card for non-EU residents in Spain. UK nationals on NLV, DNV, Student, Work and other long-stay visas register for TIE at the local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) within 30 days of arrival. Required documents: visa stamped passport, Modelo EX-17, photos, NIE confirmation, empadronamiento certificate, accommodation evidence, fee (Modelo 790 c012).
Empadronamiento (Padrón Municipal) is registration at the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) confirming you live at a specific address in that municipality. Commonly required for TIE registration, local health centre access, school enrolment, convenio especial application after 1 year, and many administrative processes. Bring passport/NIE and rental contract or property deed to the local town hall. Same-day in many municipalities.
A Spanish bank account is essential for day-to-day life and insurance direct debits. Major Spanish banks: CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander, Sabadell, plus online-first options including ING Spain, Openbank, and multi-currency options like Wise and Revolut.
Documents typically required: NIE, passport, address in Spain (sometimes empadronamiento certificate), Spanish phone number for SMS verification.
Many UK movers retain their UK accounts during the transition for pension payments, UK property income, dividend payments and family transactions. SEPA transfers between UK banks and Spanish banks work post-Brexit, although in GBP/EUR transfers exchange costs apply. Multi-currency providers (Wise, Revolut) commonly offer better exchange rates for UK–Spain transfers than high-street banks.
Spanish tax is one of the most important areas to plan before moving from the UK.
Meeting any one of the three tests can establish Spanish tax residency. Some movers focus on the 183-day test and overlook the family-interest test.
The UK and Spain have a comprehensive double tax treaty (DTT) preventing the same income from being taxed twice. The treaty allocates taxing rights for different income types: government pensions to source country (typically UK), private pensions to residence country (Spain once resident), rental income from UK property to UK with credit in Spain, UK dividends and interest typically taxable in Spain once resident with treaty credits.
Worldwide income is taxable in Spain at progressive rates once Spanish tax resident: roughly 19% on the first tranche rising to around 45–50% on income above EUR 300,000. Regional autonomies set their own additional rate components.
UK private pensions paid to a Spanish resident are typically taxable in Spain. Pension drawdown timing and lump-sum withdrawal timing have significant cross-border tax implications. UK personal allowance changes for UK-resident vs Spanish-resident tax status. The 25% UK tax-free lump sum is typically taxable in Spain. QROPS and SIPP arrangements have specific Spanish tax treatments — specialist advice essential.
The UK state pension is paid to Spanish residents in full (uprated annually under the social security agreement with Spain). Apply via the International Pension Centre. The S1 form is typically issued alongside.
Wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) varies by region. Madrid currently rebates wealth tax to zero. Andalusia similarly rebated. Catalonia and Valencia apply wealth tax above thresholds. The region you settle in significantly affects wealth tax exposure for movers with substantial assets.
National tax applying above EUR 3 million in net assets per individual. Rates from 1.7% to 3.5%.
Annual declaration of assets held outside Spain — bank accounts, securities, real estate — where each category exceeds EUR 50,000. Relevant for UK movers retaining UK accounts, UK property, UK pensions and UK investments. Penalty regime has been subject to EU court rulings but the declaration itself remains required.
Special Expatriate Regime for qualifying inbound employees taking up Spanish employment — flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income up to EUR 600,000 for the first 6 years. Doesn’t apply to NLV retirees. Has specific eligibility windows.
Spanish inheritance tax (ISD) is set nationally but modified regionally. Some regions (Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia for direct family) apply near-zero rates for spouses and children. Cross-border estate planning is important — a Spanish will covering Spanish assets is commonly recommended alongside any UK will.
UK National Insurance contributions can typically continue voluntarily from abroad (Class 2 or Class 3) to preserve UK state pension entitlement. HMRC NI38 process applies.
Engage a tax adviser familiar with UK-Spain combination before becoming Spanish tax resident. The cost of planning typically pays for itself.
Spain’s public healthcare system is universally accessible to entitled residents. Each registered resident is assigned a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (regional health card), allocated to a local health centre (Centro de Salud) and GP. Specialist appointments referred via GP. Hospital admissions referred via specialists or emergency departments.
UK nationals receiving qualifying UK state pensions can apply for S1 form:
Many UK retirees use S1 + Spanish-regulated private top-up for faster specialist appointments and dental.
UK nationals taking up Spanish employment or registering as autónomo get SNS access through Spanish social security contributions. Family dependants also get access.
Paid agreement for SNS access after 1 year of empadronamiento. Cost typically EUR 60/month under 65 and EUR 157/month aged 65+. Pre-existing conditions generally covered.
Spanish-regulated private health insurance is commonly used by UK movers for visa applications, ongoing comprehensive cover during NLV/DNV period, S1 top-up for dental and faster specialist access, and broad English-speaking doctor access in expat areas.
GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) replaced EHIC for UK residents. GHIC is for short trips, not long-stay residence. UK nationals moving to Spain don’t rely on GHIC after becoming Spanish resident — they transition to S1, employment-based SNS access, convenio especial or Spanish private cover.
UK driving licences are valid in Spain for short visits. Once you become Spanish resident, current DGT rules require exchanging your UK licence for a Spanish equivalent within 6 months of residency. There have been changes to UK-Spain licence exchange arrangements post-Brexit and current rules apply — verify before relying on UK licence beyond the initial transition.
UK licence exchange process:
If exchange isn’t available, sitting the Spanish driving test (theory + practical) is the alternative.
UK vehicles can be imported to Spain. The process: Spanish-style registration plates, ITV (Spanish MOT), import declaration, tax (Impuesto Especial sobre Determinados Medios de Transporte), Spanish car insurance from a Spanish-regulated insurer. Specialist transit agents often handle the process for UK movers. RHD vehicles can be imported but conversion or specialist authorisation may apply.
Once driving on Spanish-plated vehicles, Spanish-regulated cover is required. Three main tiers: Terceros (third-party only, legal minimum), Terceros Ampliado (plus theft, fire, glass), Todo Riesgo (comprehensive).
UK pets travel to Spain under post-Brexit rules:
Once in Spain, register your pet with a local vet and consider Spanish pet liability insurance — required for certain dog breeds classed as PPP (perros potencialmente peligrosos). See pet insurance Spain.
Indicative cost-of-living comparison UK vs Spain (figures vary by city and circumstances):
Overall most UK movers find day-to-day cost of living lower in Spain outside Madrid and Barcelona city centres, with healthcare and eating out being particularly favourable.
Spanish-regulated health, home, car, pet and other cover for UK movers. English-speaking advisers, seven days a week.
Get a QuoteTalk to an Adviser247 Expat Insurance helps British nationals move to Spain — Spanish-regulated health, home, car, pet and other cover, in plain English, seven days a week.
Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserYes — via a Type D long-stay visa appropriate to your situation (NLV, DNV, Student, Work, HQP, Entrepreneur, Self-Employed, Family Reunification, EU Family Member).
Standard service typically issued within around 10 working days. Premium service is faster. Current ACRO timelines vary — check at application.
Typically not. Spanish Consulates require Spanish-regulated cover (DGSFP-authorised). UK-only private health insurance from UK insurers typically doesn’t meet the requirement.
No — GHIC is for short trips, not long-stay residence. UK nationals moving to Spain transition to S1 / employment-based SNS / convenio especial / Spanish private cover.
UK state pensioners apply for S1 form via the International Pension Centre. Once registered at local INSS, S1 gives access to Spanish SNS, with UK reimbursing.
Yes — many UK movers retain UK accounts for pensions, dividends, UK property income and family transactions.
UK personal allowance availability depends on UK-Spain tax residency status and treaty position. Specialist UK-Spain tax advice essential.
Subject to current DGT rules. UK-Spain licence exchange arrangements have changed post-Brexit — verify current rules before relying on exchange.
UK property income remains taxable in UK with treaty credit in Spain once resident. UK property as Spanish resident is reportable on Modelo 720.
UK NHS doesn’t serve UK nationals living abroad. Notify your GP practice of your move. Re-registration on return to UK applies if you ever come back.
Yes — voluntary NI contributions (Class 2 or 3 depending on circumstances) can typically continue from abroad to preserve UK state pension entitlement. HMRC NI38 process applies.
Depends on your UK residential address — each Consulate has its catchment area. Check the relevant Consulate website.
Indicative monthly cost: EUR 40–80 at 30, EUR 70–130 at 50, EUR 130–220 at 65, EUR 230–350 at 70+. Exact quote depends on age, region, plan and underwriting.
Some Spanish-regulated insurers offer refund on visa refusal subject to specific terms. Confirm before purchase.
Renewals follow the same post-Brexit framework as initial applications. UK applicants are non-EU third-country nationals at each renewal point.
