Moving from the UK to Spain After Brexit 2026 — Complete Guide for British Expats

How Brexit Changed Things for Brits in Spain

For decades, moving to Spain was straightforward for British nationals. As EU citizens, they could live, work, retire and buy property in Spain without any special visa or permit. The single market and freedom of movement made the process little more than a matter of booking the removal van and shipping the dog.

Brexit changed all of that. When the UK left the European Union, British nationals lost their status as EU citizens and became what immigration lawyers call "third-country nationals" — in the same legal category as Americans, Australians, or Canadians wishing to live in Spain. Freedom of movement no longer applies.

This does not mean you cannot move to Spain — far from it. Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for British expats, with an estimated 380,000 Britons registered as residents, and many more who spend extended periods there each year. The climate, lifestyle, food, and relatively low cost of living continue to attract people from across the UK. But the process of establishing yourself legally is now considerably more involved.

The key changes you need to understand are:

• No more automatic right to reside: You must obtain a visa or residency permit to live in Spain for more than 90 days.
• The 90/180-day Schengen rule: Without residency, British nationals are restricted to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
• Mandatory health insurance: Many visa routes require comprehensive private health insurance as part of the application.
• More bureaucracy: Processes that were once automatic now require formal applications, certified translations, apostilles, and appointments that can take months to secure.
• Pet travel: EU Pet Passports are no longer valid from Great Britain; Animal Health Certificates are now required.
• Driving licences: UK licences must be exchanged for a Spanish licence once you become resident.

Critically, British nationals who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 and registered before the Withdrawal Agreement deadline are protected under that agreement. Their rights in Spain are broadly preserved, though their EU-wide freedom of movement is not.

For everyone else — those moving now or planning to move in 2026 and beyond — this guide explains exactly what you need to do, in what order, and what it costs.

The 90/180-Day Rule and What It Means for Holiday Home Owners

Perhaps no single aspect of Brexit has caused more frustration for British people with connections to Spain than the Schengen 90/180-day rule. Yet despite years of headlines, many people — particularly those with holiday homes — are still caught off guard by exactly how it works.

How the rule works

British nationals without Spanish residency are permitted to spend a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day rolling period anywhere in the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area covers 27 European countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and most other popular holiday destinations.

The critical word here is "rolling." This is not a calendar year rule — it is not 90 days per year from January to December. The 180-day window rolls forward every day. So on any given day, the relevant 180-day period looks back at the previous 179 days. If you have spent 90 days in Schengen during that period, you must leave and cannot return until days fall off the back of the rolling window.

This catches people who think they can spend January to March in Spain (roughly 90 days), return to the UK for March and April, and then go back in May — only to find they are still within the 180-day window and have already used their 90 days.

Practical impact for holiday home owners

Before Brexit, a British couple who retired and bought a property on the Costa Blanca could spend as long as they liked in Spain — perhaps eight or nine months of the year. Now, without residency, they are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period. For many, this fundamentally changes the economics of owning a Spanish holiday home.

The solution for many holiday home owners who want to spend more time in Spain is to apply for residency — most commonly the Non-Lucrative Visa. Once granted residency, the 90-day restriction no longer applies in Spain (though it still applies in other Schengen countries if you travel there, subject to different rules for Spanish residents).

Visa and Residency Options for British Expats

Spain offers several pathways for British nationals who want to live there legally. The right option depends on your circumstances — whether you are retired, working remotely, employed in Spain, or investing. Here is an overview of the main routes.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most popular route for British retirees and others who have sufficient passive income or savings to support themselves without working in Spain. As the name suggests, it does not permit you to carry out paid employment in Spain — though you may receive passive income such as pensions, rental income, investments, and dividends.

To qualify, you need to demonstrate:

• A minimum monthly income of approximately €2,400 per month for a single applicant (around 400% of the Spanish IPREM), or approximately €3,000 per month for a couple, rising by a further amount for each dependant.
• Comprehensive private health insurance valid in Spain, with no copayments (sin copago), from a company authorised in Spain.
• A clean criminal record certificate (from the UK, apostilled).
• A medical certificate confirming you do not have any disease with public health implications.
• Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract or property deed).

The NLV is initially granted for one year. After the first year, you can renew it for two-year periods. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for long-term residency, and after ten years you may be able to apply for Spanish nationality, depending on your circumstances.

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Spain introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in 2023 under its Start-Up Law, and it has been of significant interest to British remote workers. It permits non-EU nationals to live and work in Spain while employed by or contracting with companies based outside Spain.

Key requirements include:

• A verifiable contract or relationship with a non-Spanish company or clients, with at least one year of professional history.
• A minimum monthly income of approximately €2,646 per month (200% of the Spanish minimum wage), or more if you have dependants.
• Comprehensive private health insurance in Spain.
• No more than 20% of your income may come from Spanish clients.

The DNV can be applied for at the Spanish Consulate in the UK before you travel (up to one year validity, then renewable for two-year periods in Spain) or within Spain if you enter on a valid visa. It offers a right to work for foreign employers, which the NLV does not.

Work Permit (Autorización de Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)

If you have a job offer from a Spanish employer, you can apply for a work permit. Unlike the NLV and DNV, this route is sponsored by your employer, who must demonstrate that the position could not be filled by an EU national (the so-called "national situation test"). This can make the process more complex, though there are exemptions for certain highly skilled roles.

Golden Visa

Spain's Investor Visa (often called the Golden Visa) grants residency to those making significant investments in Spain. Historically, the main qualifying investment was the purchase of property worth at least €500,000. However, the Spanish government announced in early 2024 that it planned to scrap the property route to the Golden Visa due to housing affordability concerns. You should confirm the current status of this route before making any investment decisions. Other qualifying investments (such as significant business investments or government bonds) may still be available.

Visa options comparison

The Application Process — Step by Step

The Non-Lucrative Visa process is used below as the primary example, as it is the most commonly pursued route by British expats. The Digital Nomad Visa follows a broadly similar structure. Allow at least four to six months from starting to gather documents to arriving in Spain with your visa — and ideally longer.

1. Arrange your private health insurance

   This is often the first practical step, because the consulate will want to see a valid policy certificate as part of your application. Make sure the policy is compliant — no copayments, comprehensive cover, valid in Spain from a company authorised in Spain. 247 Expat Insurance specialises in NLV-compliant policies.

2. Gather your financial documents

   Collect bank statements (typically the last three to six months), proof of pension income, investment statements, or any other documents that demonstrate your regular income meets the minimum threshold. Documents must generally be no more than three months old at the time of application.

3. Obtain your criminal record certificate

   Apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales (or equivalent bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland) for a certificate covering the past five years. This must then be apostilled (a formal authentication process) by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Allow several weeks for this process.

4. Get your medical certificate

   Visit your GP or a private doctor to obtain a medical certificate confirming you do not have any disease with public health implications as defined by the WHO. This certificate must also be apostilled and officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

5. Arrange certified translations

   Most documents submitted to the Spanish Consulate must be officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognised by the Spanish government. This includes your criminal record certificate, medical certificate, and any financial documents not already in Spanish.

6. Secure proof of accommodation in Spain

   You will need either a signed rental contract for accommodation in Spain or a property deed if you own a home there. This is one reason many applicants either buy a property before applying or arrange a long-term rental agreement before they submit their visa application.

7. Complete the application form and book your appointment

   Complete the official visa application form (Formulario de solicitud de visado nacional) and pay the application fee (around €80). Book an appointment at the Spanish Consulate in the UK — there are consulates in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Appointments can be extremely difficult to get; book as early as possible as they often fill up months in advance.

8. Attend your consulate appointment

   Bring all original documents plus photocopies. The consulate will take your biometric data and submit your application for processing. You may be asked questions about your intentions in Spain. Processing typically takes one to three months.

9. Collect your visa and travel to Spain

   Once approved, you will receive a long-stay visa (visado nacional) in your passport, typically valid for 90 days and allowing you to enter Spain and apply for your TIE card. You must enter Spain and begin the TIE application within the validity period of this visa.

10. Apply for your TIE card within 30 days of arrival

    This is the critical final step. Once in Spain, you must apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at your local Extranjería office within 30 days of your arrival. The TIE is your biometric residency card and your primary proof that you are legally resident in Spain.

11. Register on the Padrón Municipal

    Register at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) to obtain your padrón certificate. This is the local population register and is required for a wide range of official processes in Spain — from registering with a local GP to renewing your TIE. It is free and straightforward, requiring proof of address and your passport.

12. Register as a tax resident if applicable

    If you will be spending more than 183 days per year in Spain, you should register as a Spanish tax resident with the Agencia Tributaria (the Spanish tax authority). This involves filing a Modelo 030 form and subsequently filing annual tax returns (Modelo 100). Seek professional advice from a gestor or tax adviser familiar with both UK and Spanish tax systems.

NIE Number — What It Is and Why You Need It

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique tax and identification number issued to all foreign nationals who have financial or legal dealings in Spain. Despite Brexit, the NIE remains absolutely essential for British expats — it has not gone away and is, if anything, even more important now that Britons must formally apply for residency.

You will need your NIE for virtually every significant transaction in Spain:

• Opening a bank account
• Buying or renting a property
• Signing any legal contract
• Registering or buying a vehicle
• Paying taxes or filing tax returns
• Applying for a mortgage
• Setting up utilities
• Registering with a doctor or hospital
• Enrolling children in school
• Starting employment or self-employment

Your NIE is a permanent number — once assigned, it does not change and does not expire, even if you leave Spain for a period. It is printed on your TIE card once you have been granted residency.

How to get your NIE

There are two main routes:

In the UK before you travel: You can apply at the Spanish Consulate in the UK (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh). You will need to demonstrate a specific reason for needing the NIE (such as a property purchase, a pending visa application, or a contract). Complete form EX-15 and attend an appointment. Allow several weeks.

In Spain: You can apply in person at a National Police station (Comisaría de Policía) that handles foreign nationals. You will need your passport, two passport photos, form EX-15 completed, a model 790 fee form paid, and a reason for needing the NIE. Appointments can be obtained online through the Spanish government's appointment booking system.

TIE Card — Your Biometric Residency Card

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the biometric residency card issued to non-EU nationals who have been granted the right to live in Spain. For British expats, it is the most important document you will hold — it is your formal proof of legal residency and is required for a wide range of official and day-to-day purposes.

The TIE contains:

• Your full name, nationality, and date of birth
• Your NIE number
• Your photograph
• Your fingerprints (biometric)
• Your visa type and residency category
• The expiry date of your current residency authorisation

Applying for your TIE

You must apply for your TIE at the Extranjería (immigration) office in the province where you live, within 30 days of arriving in Spain on your visa. Missing this deadline can create significant complications, so treat this as a priority task from day one.

The application process requires:

• Completed form EX-17
• Your passport and a photocopy of the relevant pages
• Your Spanish visa
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of payment of the TIE fee (form 790 code 012, approximately €15–€20)
• Proof of your address in Spain (rental contract, property deed, or padrón certificate)

Processing times vary by location but typically take four to eight weeks from the date of application. Once approved, you collect the card in person at the Extranjería office and may need to provide fingerprints again at collection.

Your TIE must be renewed in line with your residency authorisation — annually for the first year on an NLV, then on two-year cycles. Keep track of expiry dates carefully; overstaying an expired TIE creates legal complications and could jeopardise your residency status.

Healthcare — S1 Form, EHIC, and Private Health Insurance

Healthcare arrangements for British expats in Spain changed significantly after Brexit. Understanding the different scenarios — whether you are applying for residency, are a state pensioner receiving benefits from the UK, or are simply visiting — is essential.

Private health insurance — mandatory for visa applications

If you are applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa, comprehensive private health insurance is a mandatory requirement. The policy must:

• Be issued by an insurer authorised to operate in Spain
• Provide comprehensive coverage with no copayments (sin copago)
• Cover you in Spain for the full duration of your visa
• Not exclude pre-existing conditions in the core areas of cover (requirements vary by consulate)
• Have unlimited or a very high sum insured

The "no copayments" requirement is particularly important and often misunderstood. A copayment (copago) is a fixed fee you pay each time you access a service — for example, €5 per GP visit or €10 per prescription. The Spanish Consulate requires that your policy has no such fees. Many standard international health insurance policies include copayments and will not be accepted by the consulate.

The S1 form — for UK state pensioners

If you are receiving a UK State Pension, certain UK disability benefits, or other qualifying UK benefits, you may be entitled to an S1 form (formerly E121). The S1 is issued by HMRC in the UK and effectively transfers your UK healthcare entitlement to Spain, meaning the UK government pays for your Spanish state healthcare (via the Spanish National Health Service, the Sistema Nacional de Salud).

To obtain an S1, contact the Overseas Healthcare Services team at NHS Business Services Authority. Once issued, register your S1 with your local INSS (Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social) office in Spain. This does not automatically give you access to a local GP — you will also need to register at a local health centre (centro de salud) with your TIE, padrón certificate, and S1.

EHIC and GHIC

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is no longer valid for British nationals. However, the UK government introduced the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to necessary state medical treatment in EU countries (including Spain) when you are temporarily visiting — not as a resident. It is free to apply for via the NHS website. The GHIC is for visitors, not for those residing in Spain, and cannot substitute for proper health insurance when applying for a visa.

Accessing state healthcare as a resident

Once you have your TIE and are a registered Spanish tax resident making Social Security contributions (for example, as a self-employed worker or employee), you gain the right to access the Spanish public healthcare system. However, many British expats choose to maintain their private health insurance even after gaining access to public healthcare, due to shorter waiting times, English-speaking doctors, and access to private specialists and hospitals.

Driving — Exchanging Your UK Licence, Car Insurance, and Bringing a UK Car

Exchanging your UK driving licence

Once you become a resident in Spain, your UK driving licence is valid for six months from the date you register as a resident. After this period, you must exchange it for a Spanish licence at a DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) office. Driving on a UK licence after the six-month period has elapsed as a resident is a motoring offence.

Post-Brexit, the UK and Spain have a reciprocal licence exchange agreement in place, which means most UK licence holders can exchange their licence without having to take a new Spanish driving test. The exchange process typically involves completing an application form, submitting your UK licence, and having your identity verified. You may also need to pass a sight test and a medical examination, particularly if you are over 65 or have certain health conditions. Always confirm the current status of the agreement at the time of your application, as the terms can be subject to review.

Car insurance in Spain

Third-party liability car insurance (Seguro a Terceros) is the legal minimum in Spain, as it is in the UK. However, most expats benefit from more comprehensive cover. Key points to note:

• Your UK no-claims bonus (no-claims discount) may not be automatically recognised by Spanish insurers, though some will honour it with documentation. See our guide on transferring your UK no-claims discount to Spain.
• If you buy a car in Spain, you will need Spanish car insurance from day one.
• Annual roadworthiness inspection (ITV — Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is required for all vehicles over a certain age, equivalent to the UK MOT.

Bringing a UK-registered car to Spain

If you drive your UK-registered car to Spain with the intention of becoming resident, you have a limited window in which to either re-register the vehicle in Spain (matriculación) or export it back to the UK. Leaving a UK-registered car in Spain permanently without re-registering it is not permitted. The re-registration process involves paying Spanish vehicle taxes and having the car inspected. Full details are in our guide on importing a car to Spain.

Banking — Opening a Spanish Bank Account as a British Expat

A Spanish bank account is virtually essential for expats. You will need one to receive your pension or salary, pay rent or a mortgage, set up direct debits for utilities and taxes, and pay for everyday expenses without incurring foreign transaction fees.

Types of account

Spanish banks offer two main categories of account for British expats:

• Non-resident account (cuenta no residente): For those who do not yet have Spanish residency. These accounts are more limited and may have higher fees, but they allow you to start managing Spanish finances before your visa is granted.
• Resident account (cuenta residente): Once you have your TIE, you can open a full resident account with access to the full range of banking services.

Documents typically required

• Valid passport
• NIE number (for a resident account, also your TIE)
• Proof of address in Spain (padrón certificate or rental contract)
• Proof of income or source of funds
• In some cases, a Spanish tax identification number (if you are a tax resident)

Which banks to consider

Major Spanish banks with extensive branch networks include Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, and Sabadell. Santander and BBVA are well known in the UK, which can make the initial setup process more familiar. Several of the major banks offer English-language services in areas with large expat populations. Online challenger banks such as N26 (EU-based) can also be useful for day-to-day international transactions, though they are not a substitute for a full Spanish bank account.

Tax — Becoming a Spanish Tax Resident

Tax is one of the most complex and consequential aspects of moving to Spain. Getting it wrong — or failing to plan ahead — can result in unexpected bills and penalties. The interaction between the UK and Spanish tax systems requires careful attention.

When do you become a Spanish tax resident?

You become a Spanish tax resident if you spend 183 or more days per calendar year in Spain. Days do not need to be consecutive. Spain also has a secondary test — if the centre of your economic interests (where most of your income is generated or your main assets are held) is in Spain, you may be considered tax resident there even if you have not spent 183 days in the country.

Spanish tax residents must declare their worldwide income to the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) via an annual tax return (Modelo 100). This includes UK pensions, UK rental income, UK bank interest, dividends, and any other global income.

The UK–Spain Double Taxation Treaty

The UK and Spain have a Double Taxation Treaty (DTT) that prevents the same income from being taxed in full in both countries. Under the treaty:

• UK State Pension and most private pensions: Taxable in Spain (your country of residence), not the UK, once you are a Spanish tax resident. UK income tax is not deducted from your State Pension payments overseas.
• UK government and public sector pensions (teacher, NHS, civil service, police, armed forces, etc.): Taxable in the UK only, even if you are a Spanish tax resident. You declare them in Spain but receive a credit to avoid double taxation.
• UK rental income: Taxable in the UK, but you must also declare it in Spain. A tax credit prevents double taxation.
• UK dividends and bank interest: Taxable in Spain once you are Spanish tax resident.

Spanish income tax rates

Spain has a progressive income tax system (IRPF — Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas). Rates start at 19% and rise to 47% on the highest incomes, though lower tranches may apply in some autonomous communities. Spain also has a general tax allowance (mínimo personal) for all residents.

Modelo 720 — overseas asset declaration

Spanish tax residents who hold assets outside Spain (bank accounts, property, investments, pensions) worth more than €50,000 in any category must file the Modelo 720 overseas assets declaration. This is an information declaration, not a tax payment form, but failure to file or filing incorrectly can result in significant penalties. Seek professional advice from a gestor or Spanish tax adviser.

Beckham Law — special tax regime

Certain categories of new Spanish tax residents — including those arriving via the Digital Nomad Visa — may be eligible for Spain's special expatriate tax regime (colloquially known as the Beckham Law, officially the IRPF Impatriate Regime). This allows qualifying individuals to pay a flat rate of 24% on their first €600,000 of income earned in Spain for up to six years. It can represent a significant tax advantage, but eligibility criteria apply. Take specialist advice if you think this might apply to you.

Pets — Post-Brexit Pet Travel Rules

Travelling to Spain with a pet after Brexit requires considerably more preparation than it used to. The EU Pet Passport scheme, which allowed seamless cross-border pet travel, no longer applies to pets travelling from Great Britain.

Travelling from the UK to Spain with a pet

To take a dog, cat, or ferret from Great Britain to Spain (or any other EU country), you need:

• Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. The microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination: A current, valid rabies vaccination, administered after microchipping.
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC): Issued by an official (OV-authorised) UK vet, no more than 10 days before travel. The AHC replaces the EU Pet Passport for pets travelling from Great Britain. It is a lengthy document and your vet will need time to prepare it — book well in advance.
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs only): Dogs must be treated for tapeworm by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before entering an EU country.

If your pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, they will need a primary vaccination course before travel. There is no mandatory waiting period after a first rabies vaccination for travel to Spain (unlike the UK re-entry rules), but the vaccination must be documented and within the validity period.

Returning to the UK from Spain with your pet

This is where it gets more complex. To bring your pet back to the UK from Spain, you need a rabies titre test (a blood test carried out at an EU-approved laboratory). The titre test must be carried out at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and you must then wait a further three months from the date the blood was taken before the pet can enter the UK.

This means that if you move to Spain with a pet and want to return to the UK with it at any point, you need to plan the titre test many months in advance. Many expats who plan to travel between the UK and Spain with pets arrange the titre test before they leave the UK, or very soon after arriving in Spain, to ensure they have flexibility.

Your pet will also need an AHC issued in Spain (by an official Spanish vet) for the return journey, and the relevant tapeworm treatment for dogs.

Property — Buying vs Renting as a British Expat Post-Brexit

Brexit did not restrict British nationals' right to buy property in Spain. Foreign nationals of any nationality may purchase real estate in Spain, and there is no requirement to be a resident or to obtain any special permission. However, the process and the associated costs and tax implications deserve careful attention.

Buying property in Spain

The property purchase process in Spain involves several stages:

• Make an offer and sign a reservation contract: A small deposit (typically €3,000–€10,000) secures the property while due diligence is carried out.
• Arras (private purchase contract): A preliminary contract is signed with a deposit of typically 10% of the purchase price. If the buyer withdraws, they lose their deposit; if the seller withdraws, they pay the buyer double.
• Completion (escritura pública): The final deed is signed before a Spanish notary. The balance of the purchase price is paid, and ownership is transferred.

The purchase costs on top of the agreed price are significant — typically 10–13% of the purchase price:

• Transfer tax (ITP — Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales): 6–10% for resale properties (rate varies by autonomous community)
• VAT (IVA): 10% on new-build properties from a developer
• Notary fees: approximately 0.3–0.5% of the purchase price
• Land registry fees: approximately 0.1–0.25%
• Legal fees: if you use a solicitor (recommended), typically 1% of the purchase price

You will need your NIE to complete a purchase. You will also need a Spanish bank account for the payment, and most buyers appoint a Spanish solicitor (abogado) or legal representative to carry out due diligence on the title and any debts or liens attached to the property.

Renting in Spain

Renting is often the preferred first step for British expats, particularly while the visa and residency process is underway. A rental contract gives you the proof of accommodation needed for your visa application. The Spanish rental market has tightened considerably in recent years, particularly in major cities and coastal areas, and finding suitable accommodation at the right price can take time. Properties tend to rent furnished, and landlords will typically want to see financial evidence that you can afford the rent.

Insurance for your Spanish property

Home insurance (seguro de hogar) is strongly recommended for all property owners and required by most mortgage lenders. Contents insurance is equally important. For holiday homes in particular — which may stand empty for long periods — specialist holiday home insurance is essential, as standard home policies may have restrictions on unoccupied properties. See our guide on holiday home insurance in Spain.

Insurance Requirements — A Complete Overview

Insurance is central to the expat experience in Spain, both as a legal requirement for visa applications and as a practical necessity for protecting yourself and your family.

Health insurance for your NLV or DNV

As discussed above, comprehensive private health insurance with no copayments is mandatory. Policies must be specifically designed to meet Spanish visa requirements. Standard travel insurance, basic international health plans, and policies with copayments will not be accepted by the consulate. At 247 Expat Insurance, we work with insurers who provide NLV and DNV-compliant policies that satisfy all consulate requirements. We can provide the certificate of insurance in the format required by the Spanish Consulate.

Home insurance

Whether you own or rent in Spain, home insurance is strongly advisable. For property owners with a Spanish mortgage, it is a mortgage condition. Community fees in apartment blocks (comunidad de propietarios) typically include some building insurance via the community, but this will not cover your contents or your personal liability. Specialist expat home insurance policies are available that cover properties in Spain, often with English-language customer service and claims handling.

Car insurance

Car insurance is compulsory in Spain. Third-party liability (Responsabilidad Civil Obligatoria) is the legal minimum, but comprehensive cover (Todo Riesgo) is advisable, particularly for newer vehicles. As a new expat, building a claims history with a Spanish insurer takes time, and premiums may initially be higher than you were used to in the UK — particularly if your UK no-claims bonus is not immediately recognised.

Life insurance

Life insurance for expats in Spain is available and, in some cases, required — for example, as a condition of a Spanish mortgage. Some UK-based life insurance policies continue to be valid when you move abroad, but others have restrictions on overseas residence. Check your existing policy carefully and consider taking out a new expat-specific policy if needed. Specialist life insurance for expats can be arranged via 247 Expat Insurance.

Key Documents Every British Expat in Spain Needs

Timeline and Pre-Departure Checklist

The timeline for moving to Spain legally is longer than most people expect. Starting early is the single biggest advantage you can give yourself. The table below provides a realistic guide to what you should be doing and when.

Real Stories — British Expats in Spain

To bring the process to life, here are four representative accounts of British expats who have navigated the post-Brexit move to Spain.