Moving to Spain from the UK: Complete Post-Brexit Guide

Moving to Spain from the UK changed dramatically after Brexit on January 1, 2021. British citizens now need a visa to stay in Spain beyond 90 days in any 180-day period, with popular options including the Non-Lucrative Visa (€28,800/year savings required), Digital Nomad Visa (€28,008/year remote income), or Work Visa (Spanish employer sponsorship). The days of simply moving to Spain without paperwork ended with Brexit.

This guide covers everything UK citizens need to know about relocating to Spain post-Brexit, from understanding the 90-day rule to transferring NHS healthcare to the Spanish system.

Quick Facts: UK Citizens Moving to Spain

Aspect	Details
Visa Required	Yes, for stays over 90 days (changed post-Brexit)
90-Day Rule	Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period without visa
Most Popular Visa	Non-Lucrative Visa (retirees, remote workers paid outside Spain)
Application Location	Spanish consulate in UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh)
Processing Time	1-3 months at UK consulates
Shipping Cost	€800-€3,000 for van or shared container (2-5 days)
Healthcare	Private insurance required first year (€50-€150/month), NHS coverage ends
Pension Transfer	UK state pension can be received in Spain (but frozen, no annual increases)
EHIC Card	No longer valid for UK citizens (post-Brexit)
Driving License	Valid for 6 months, then must exchange for Spanish license (€92, no test required)
Pet Relocation	EU Pet Passport no longer available; UK pet passport + health certificate required

How Brexit Changed Everything for UK Citizens

Before Brexit (until December 31, 2020), British citizens had freedom of movement in Spain. You could move to Spain, work, buy property, and access healthcare without visas or complex paperwork.

Post-Brexit (from January 1, 2021), UK citizens are now third-country nationals, the same status as Americans, Canadians, or Australians.

What Changed After Brexit:

Aspect	Pre-Brexit (Before 2021)	Post-Brexit (After 2021)
Visa Requirement	None (freedom of movement)	Required for 90+ day stays
90-Day Rule	Did not apply	90 days in any 180-day period
Healthcare (EHIC)	Valid throughout Spain	No longer valid
Work Rights	Automatic right to work	Work visa required
Residency	Could register easily	Must apply for visa before arrival
Pension Increases	Annual increases applied	Frozen at time of leaving UK
Pet Travel	EU Pet Passport valid	UK pet passport + health certificate required

The single biggest change: You cannot move to Spain and figure out paperwork later. You must apply for a visa from the UK before relocating.

Understanding the 90-Day Rule

The 90-day rule means UK citizens can stay in Spain (and all Schengen countries) for only 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

How the 90/180 Rule Works

It’s a rolling 180-day window, not a calendar year.

Example:

• January 1 - March 31: Spend 90 days in Spain (limit reached)
• April 1: Must leave Spain
• Cannot return until July 1 (180 days after January 1)

Calculate your days: Use the EU’s online calculator at ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/content/visa-calculator

Penalties for Overstaying

Overstaying the 90-day limit results in:

• Fines: €500-€10,000
• Entry ban: 1-5 years from all Schengen countries
• Deportation
• Future visa rejections

Do not overstay. If you want to live in Spain long-term, apply for a proper visa.

Alternatives to the 90-Day Limit

To stay longer than 90 days, you need one of these visas:

• Non-Lucrative Visa (most common for retirees)
• Digital Nomad Visa (remote workers)
• Work Visa (Spanish employment)
• Student Visa (enrolled in Spanish institution)
• Golden Visa (€500,000+ property investment)

Visa Options for UK Citizens

UK citizens need the same visas as other non-EU nationals (Americans, Canadians, etc.).

Non-Lucrative Visa (Most Popular for Brits)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most common choice for British retirees and remote workers. You cannot work for Spanish companies on this visa, but you can receive UK income (state pension, private pensions, investment income, remote work from UK employers).

Requirements:

• Income/Savings: €28,800/year minimum (€57,600 for couples)
• Health Insurance: Private coverage valid in Spain (€50-€150/month)
• Clean Criminal Record: DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) apostilled
• Medical Certificate: From UK doctor, apostilled
• Proof of Accommodation: Rental contract or property deed in Spain

Application Process:

1. Gather documents in the UK (apostilles from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
2. Apply at Spanish consulate in UK (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh)
3. Wait 1-3 months for approval
4. Travel to Spain within 90 days of visa issuance
5. Apply for TIE (residence card) within 30 days of arrival

Processing Time: 1-3 months at UK consulates

Cost: €60 visa fee + €150-€200 for apostilles and documents

Learn more: Non-Lucrative Visa Guide

Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)

The Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for Brits working remotely for UK companies or freelancing internationally. You can work remotely while living in Spain, but no more than 20% of your income can come from Spanish companies.

Requirements:

• Income: €2,334/month (€28,008/year) from remote work
• 20% Rule: Maximum 20% income from Spanish sources
• Remote Work Proof: Employment contract or client invoices
• 1-Year Work History: Must prove remote work experience
• Health Insurance: Private coverage valid in Spain

Tax Benefit: Eligible for Beckham Law (15% flat tax on Spanish income, 0% on foreign income for first 5 years)

Processing Time: 1-3 months at UK consulates

Perfect for: Digital nomads, remote employees, freelancers with international clients

Learn more: Digital Nomad Visa Guide

Work Visa (Spanish Employment)

If you have a job offer from a Spanish employer, they must sponsor your Work Visa. Post-Brexit, Spanish employers must prove no qualified EU candidate is available (labor market test).

Requirements:

• Job offer from Spanish employer
• Employer handles visa application and labor market test
• Work contract meeting Spanish minimums
• Health insurance coverage

Easier Routes:

• Intra-Company Transfer: If your UK company has a Spanish office
• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers (€49,356+ salary)

Processing Time: 2-4 months

Learn more: Spain Work Visa Guide

Golden Visa (Property Investment)

The Golden Visa requires a €500,000+ real estate investment in Spain. This is popular among wealthy British retirees buying Spanish property.

Requirements:

• Purchase property worth €500,000+ (one property or multiple)
• Proof of legal source of funds
• Health insurance
• Clean criminal record

Benefits:

• Fast processing (2-4 weeks)
• No minimum stay requirement (visit once every 2 years)
• Family members included
• Path to permanent residency

Popular with: British retirees buying in Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca

Learn more: Spain Golden Visa Guide

Where to Apply: Spanish Consulates in the UK

UK residents must apply for Spanish visas at one of three Spanish consulates in the UK.

Spanish Consulate Locations:

Consulate	Jurisdiction
London	England (except North West)
Manchester	North West England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Edinburgh	Scotland

Booking Appointments: Use the Spanish consulate’s online appointment system (Bookitit platform). Book 2-3 months in advance as appointments fill quickly, especially in summer.

Documents Must Be Apostilled: Use the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) apostille service (£30 per document, 4-week processing, or £75 for 1-week fast track).

Healthcare: From NHS to Spanish System

Brexit ended automatic healthcare rights for UK citizens in Spain. Your NHS coverage stops when you become a Spanish resident.

First Year: Private Health Insurance Required

Your visa requires private health insurance valid in Spain. This insurance must:

• Cover all medical expenses in Spain
• Have no copays or deductibles (Spanish consulates require this)
• Be valid for the entire visa period

Recommended Insurers for UK Citizens:

• Sanitas: €60-€120/month (English support, large network)
• Adeslas: €50-€100/month (largest private network)
• ASISA: €55-€110/month
• Bupa Global: €150-€300/month (international coverage, good for UK visits)
• Cigna Global: €150-€300/month
• April International Expat: €80-€150/month

EHIC Cards No Longer Valid: Post-Brexit, UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are no longer valid in Spain (except for tourists during the 90-day period with GHIC - Global Health Insurance Card).

After One Year: Spanish Public Healthcare

If you work in Spain or become a resident, you can access Spain’s public healthcare system. This is free if you contribute to Spanish Social Security through employment or self-employment.

Non-Workers (Pensioners): You can pay into the public system:

• Convenio Especial: €60-€157/month (based on age)
• Covers all public healthcare services

Quality: Spain’s public healthcare is excellent (ranked #7 globally by WHO), comparable to the NHS. Wait times for specialists are 2-4 weeks, but emergency care is immediate and free.

NHS Coverage: Once you become a Spanish resident, you are no longer entitled to NHS care except for emergency treatment during UK visits.

Learn more: Spanish Healthcare Guide

UK Pensions and Benefits in Spain

State Pension

You can receive your UK state pension while living in Spain, but it will be frozen at the rate when you leave the UK. Unlike in the EU (pre-Brexit), UK state pensions in Spain no longer receive annual increases.

Example:

• You move to Spain in 2025 with £200/week state pension
• In 2026, UK state pension increases to £210/week
• You still receive £200/week (frozen)

Payment Options:

• Direct deposit to Spanish bank account (via International Pension Centre)
• Transfer to UK bank account, then transfer to Spain

Pension paid in: Pounds Sterling (GBP) - you’ll need to convert to Euros

Private Pensions

UK private pensions can be transferred to Spain in two ways:

1. Keep in UK Pension Scheme:

• Continue receiving payments to Spanish bank account
• Subject to UK taxation (usually 0-20% depending on scheme)
• May owe Spanish taxes as well (double taxation treaty applies)

2. Transfer to QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme):

• Move pension to EU-based scheme
• Potential tax advantages
• Complex regulations and fees
• Consult a cross-border financial advisor

Seek Professional Advice: UK-Spain pension tax is complex. Hire a financial advisor experienced with UK expat pensions.

Other UK Benefits

Most UK benefits cannot be claimed while living abroad:

• Universal Credit: Stops when you move abroad
• Housing Benefit: Only available in UK
• Attendance Allowance: Cannot be claimed from Spain

Exceptions:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA): Can be exported if awarded before moving
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Cannot be exported to Spain (post-Brexit change)

Shipping Your Belongings from UK to Spain

Shipping from the UK to Spain is cheaper and faster than from the USA due to proximity.

Shipping Costs

Van/Road Freight (Most Common):

• Luton van: €800-€1,500 (holds 1-bedroom flat)
• 7.5-tonne lorry: €1,500-€2,500 (holds 2-3 bedroom house)
• Full articulated lorry: €2,500-€4,000 (holds 4+ bedroom house)

Shipping Timeline:

• UK to Spain by road: 2-5 days
• Door-to-door: 5-10 days including packing and unpacking

Sea Freight (Rare, for large volumes):

• 20-foot container: €2,000-€3,500 (2-3 weeks including port time)
• Only worth it for very large moves or if shipping from Scotland/Northern Ireland

Shipping is 60-70% cheaper from UK than from USA due to road freight availability and shorter distance.

What to Ship vs. Buy New

Worth Shipping:

• Furniture (especially if high-quality or sentimental)
• Electronics (voltage is the same: 220V in both UK and Spain)
• Books, clothing, personal items
• Kitchen appliances (same voltage and plugs)

Buy New in Spain:

• Large appliances if old (fridges, washing machines)
• Mattresses (European sizes slightly different)
• Budget IKEA furniture (cheaper to buy than ship)

Voltage Advantage: Unlike Americans, UK citizens don’t have voltage issues. UK and Spain both use 220V electricity and similar plug types (UK: Type G, Spain: Type C/F). A simple plug adapter works for most devices.

Recommended International Movers (UK to Spain)

• Pickfords: Premium service, expensive (€3,000-€6,000)
• AGS Movers: Mid-range (€2,000-€4,000)
• 2 Europe Removals: Budget-friendly (€1,000-€2,500)
• AnyVan: Shared load, cheapest (€800-€1,800)
• Mudinmar: Specializes in UK-Spain moves (€1,500-€3,000)

Get 3-5 quotes and ensure door-to-door pricing includes insurance, customs clearance, and packing/unpacking.

Learn more: Moving to Spain Guide

Driving License Exchange

Your UK driving license is valid in Spain for 6 months after establishing residency. After that, you must exchange it for a Spanish license.

License Exchange (No Test Required):

• UK licenses are exchangeable without retaking the driving test
• Processing: 2-4 months
• Fee: €92 (total including medical exam and fees)
• Required: UK license, residency certificate (TIE), medical exam (€40-€70)

Process:

1. Book medical exam at DGT-approved clinic (€40-€70)
2. Submit application at DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) office
3. Pay €28.30 fee
4. Wait 2-4 months for new Spanish license
5. Receive physical card in mail

Your UK license is retained by Spanish authorities when you exchange it.

Driving Differences:

• Roundabouts more common than in UK (but UK has many too)
• Drive on the right side of the road (opposite of UK)
• Tolls common on motorways (autopistas)

Car Insurance: Average €400-€800/year (cheaper than UK)

Pet Relocation from UK to Spain

Brexit changed pet travel rules for UK citizens. You can no longer use EU Pet Passports.

Requirements for Bringing Pets

Dogs and cats need:

1. Microchip: ISO-compliant (15-digit)
2. Rabies Vaccination: At least 21 days before travel
3. Animal Health Certificate (AHC): Issued by UK vet within 10 days of travel (replaces EU Pet Passport)
4. Tapeworm Treatment: For dogs only (1-5 days before travel)

Cost:

• Animal Health Certificate: £100-£200 per pet (valid for 4 months)
• Vet consultation: £50-£100
• Total: £150-£300 per pet

Validity: AHC is valid for 10 days to enter Spain, then 4 months for onward travel within EU.

Travel Options

By Air:

• Cabin: Pets under 8kg (varies by airline)
• Cargo hold: Larger pets
• Cost: €50-€200 per pet

By Ferry:

• Brittany Ferries: UK to Spain (Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao)
• Pets allowed in cabins or kennels
• Cost: €30-€100 per pet
• Journey: 24-30 hours

By Car (via France):

• Drive through Channel Tunnel or ferry to France, then to Spain
• Pets welcome in car
• Requires AHC valid for travel through France

Pet relocation is easier from UK than from USA due to proximity and ferry options.

Learn more: Moving to Spain Guide

Cost Comparison: UK vs. Spain

Spain is 15-30% cheaper than the UK, with significant savings in dining, utilities, and healthcare.

Expense	UK (Average)	Spain (Average)	Difference
Rent (1-bed city center)	£900-£1,500 ($1,160-$1,935)	€700-€1,200 ($760-$1,300)	15-30% cheaper
Groceries (monthly)	£250-£400 ($323-$516)	€200-€350 ($220-$380)	20% cheaper
Utilities	£150-£250 ($194-$323)	€80-€150 ($87-$163)	45% cheaper
Public Transit (monthly)	£70-£150 ($90-$194)	€40-€55 ($43-$60)	50% cheaper
Restaurant Meal	£15-£25 ($19-$32)	€10-€18 ($11-$20)	40% cheaper
Healthcare (private insurance)	£100-£200 ($129-$258)	€50-€150 ($54-$163)	40% cheaper
Internet (fiber)	£30-£50 ($39-$65)	€35-€50 ($38-$54)	Similar
Pint of Beer	£5-£7 ($6.45-$9)	€2.50-€4 ($2.70-$4.35)	55% cheaper

Total Monthly Cost of Living:

• UK (medium city): £1,800-£2,800/month ($2,322-$3,612)
• Spain (medium city): €1,500-€2,500/month ($1,630-$2,715)

Spain is 20-30% cheaper than the UK, with the biggest savings in dining out, utilities, and alcohol.

Learn more: Cost of Living in Spain

Cultural Adjustments for British Expats

While Spain and the UK share some European culture, there are significant differences.

Daily Schedule Differences

Spain operates on a later schedule than the UK:

• Lunch: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (main meal, not a quick sandwich)
• Siesta: Some businesses close 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Dinner: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM (light meal)
• Bedtime: Midnight or later

Brits used to 6:00 PM dinners will need to adjust. Restaurants don’t open for dinner until 8:00 PM.

Weather and Lifestyle

Spain has significantly more sun than the UK:

• 300+ sunny days/year in southern Spain (vs. 150 in UK)
• Hot summers: 30-40°C (86-104°F) in July-August
• Mild winters: 10-20°C (50-68°F) in southern Spain

Outdoor culture: Life happens outside in Spain (terraces, plazas, walking). The UK’s pub culture is replaced by terrace bar culture.

Language Barrier

English proficiency in Spain is lower than you might expect. Outside tourist areas and major expat communities (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca), expect limited English.

Recommendations for Brits:

• Take Spanish classes before moving (3-6 months of study)
• Practice with language exchange apps (Tandem, HelloTalk)
• Watch Spanish TV with subtitles
• Join conversation groups in Spain

Spanish Fluency Timeline:

• 3 months: Basic survival Spanish
• 6 months: Conversational (A2-B1 level)
• 12 months: Functional fluency (B2 level)

Many British expats live in English-speaking bubbles (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca), but this limits integration and access to services.

Work-Life Balance

Spain prioritizes life over work more than the UK:

• 40-hour workweek standard (similar to UK)
• 22 days minimum vacation + 14 public holidays (vs. 28 days total in UK)
• Work emails after 6:00 PM rare
• August is vacation month (businesses close)

Less “always on” culture than the UK.

Banking and Finance

Opening a Spanish Bank Account

You need a Spanish bank account for paying rent, utilities, and receiving income. UK bank accounts don’t work for Spanish direct debits.

Requirements:

• NIE (foreigner ID number)
• Proof of address (Padrón certificate)
• Passport

Best Banks for British Expats:

• N26: Free, English app, Spanish IBAN (ES)
• Revolut: Multi-currency (but Lithuanian IBAN, may not work for all Spanish payments)
• BBVA: Traditional bank, free with €800+ salary deposit
• Banco Sabadell: International department for expats
• Santander: Familiar brand (UK Santander is separate)

Monthly Fees: €3-€15/month unless you meet minimums (usually €800-€1,000 monthly deposit)

Learn more: Opening a Bank Account in Spain

Transferring Money UK to Spain

Avoid using banks for international transfers (high fees and poor exchange rates).

Best Options:

• Wise (TransferWise): 0.35-0.7% fees, real exchange rate
• Revolut: Free up to £1,000/month, small markup after
• CurrencyFair: Peer-to-peer exchange, low fees
• OFX: Good for large transfers (property purchases)

Typical Savings: 3-5% compared to high street bank transfers

UK Tax Obligations

Once you become a Spanish tax resident (183+ days/year in Spain), you pay taxes in Spain, not the UK.

Leaving the UK Tax System

You must notify HMRC that you’re leaving the UK:

• Fill out form P85 (“Leaving the UK - getting your tax right”)
• Receive final tax refund (if owed)
• Update your tax residency status

Split-Year Treatment: If you leave mid-tax-year, you may qualify for split-year treatment (part of year taxed in UK, part in Spain).

Spanish Tax Residency

If you spend 183+ days/year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must file Spanish taxes.

Spanish Income Tax Rates:

• 19% on first €12,450
• 24% on €12,451-€20,200
• 30% on €20,201-€35,200
• 37% on €35,201-€60,000
• 45% on €60,001-€300,000
• 47% on €300,001+

UK-Spain Tax Treaty: Prevents double taxation. Most income is taxed only in Spain once you’re a Spanish tax resident.

Beckham Law: If you qualify (moving for work, Digital Nomad Visa, etc.), you can pay only 15% flat tax on Spanish income for 5 years (huge savings).

Learn more: Spanish Taxes for Expats Find: Tax Advisors Spain

Moving Timeline for UK Citizens

Here’s a realistic timeline for moving from the UK to Spain post-Brexit.

12 Months Before: Planning

• Research visa options (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Work)
• Save money for move (€10,000-€15,000 recommended)
• Start learning Spanish
• Research cities and regions in Spain

6-9 Months Before: Visa Application

• Gather documents (bank statements, DBS check, medical certificate)
• Get apostilles from FCDO (4 weeks standard, 1 week fast-track)
• Book appointment at Spanish consulate (London, Manchester, Edinburgh)
• Apply for visa
• Wait 1-3 months for approval

3-6 Months Before: Logistics

• Decide what to ship vs. buy new
• Get quotes from international movers
• Book shipping (road freight van or lorry)
• Give notice on UK rental/sell property
• Notify HMRC (form P85)

1-3 Months Before: Final Preparations

• Buy private health insurance valid in Spain
• Book one-way transport to Spain (flight, ferry, or drive)
• Arrange temporary accommodation (Airbnb for first month)
• Cancel UK subscriptions
• Arrange pet travel (if applicable)

First Week in Spain: Immediate Tasks

1. Register at Ayuntamiento (local town hall) for Padrón certificate
2. Apply for NIE (foreigner ID number) if not obtained with visa
3. Apply for TIE (residence card) within 30 days of arrival
4. Open Spanish bank account
5. Get Spanish SIM card

Learn more: Moving to Spain Checklist

First Month: Getting Settled

• Find long-term housing (rental or purchase)
• Set up utilities (electricity, water, internet)
• Register with Social Security (if working)
• Exchange driving license
• Join expat groups and language exchanges

Common Mistakes British Expats Make

1. Thinking the 90-Day Rule Doesn’t Apply

Many Brits assume they can still stay indefinitely because “we used to have freedom of movement.” This is the #1 mistake. The 90-day rule is strict post-Brexit, and overstaying results in fines and entry bans.

Solution: Apply for a proper visa if you want to stay more than 90 days.

2. Not Getting Apostilles Before Leaving UK

Spanish consulates require apostilled documents (DBS check, birth certificate, marriage certificate). Getting apostilles from Spain is extremely difficult.

Solution: Get all apostilles from the FCDO before leaving the UK.

3. Assuming EHIC Still Works

Your UK EHIC card is no longer valid in Spain for residents (only for 90-day tourists with GHIC). You need private insurance for your visa.

Solution: Buy Spanish private health insurance (€50-€150/month).

4. Not Understanding Frozen Pensions

UK state pensions are frozen in Spain post-Brexit (no annual increases). Many British retirees are shocked when they don’t receive the annual rise.

Solution: Budget based on current pension amount, not future increases.

5. Trying to Apply for Residency from Within Spain

You cannot arrive on a 90-day tourist entry and then apply for residency from Spain. You must apply for your visa at a Spanish consulate in the UK before traveling.

Solution: Complete your visa application in the UK before moving.

6. Living in English-Speaking Bubble

Many British expats live exclusively in English-speaking communities (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca) and never learn Spanish. This limits job opportunities, healthcare access, and integration.

Solution: Learn Spanish to at least B1 level (6-12 months of study).

Popular Destinations for British Expats

British expats in Spain tend to cluster in specific regions:

Costa del Sol (Málaga Province)

The most popular destination for British expats. Over 100,000 British residents.

Popular Towns:

• Marbella: Upscale, expensive (€1,200-€2,000/month rent)
• Fuengirola: Family-friendly, English-speaking (€800-€1,200/month)
• Torremolinos: Budget-friendly, beach town (€600-€1,000/month)
• Estepona: Quieter, Spanish feel (€700-€1,200/month)

Pros: Year-round sun, English widely spoken, large expat community Cons: Can feel like “Little Britain,” less authentic Spanish culture

Costa Blanca (Alicante Province)

Popular with British retirees. Large English-speaking communities.

Popular Towns:

• Alicante: City life, international airport (€700-€1,200/month)
• Benidorm: High-rises, beaches, expat hub (€600-€1,000/month)
• Dénia: Quieter, family-friendly (€800-€1,300/month)
• Jávea: Upscale, expat-friendly (€1,000-€1,800/month)

Pros: Affordable, warm winters, easy access to UK (flights from Alicante) Cons: Very expat-heavy (limited Spanish immersion)

Barcelona

Popular with younger Brits and remote workers. Cosmopolitan, multicultural.

Pros: International city, English common, thriving job market Cons: Expensive (€1,000-€1,600/month rent), Catalan language adds complexity

Learn more: Living in Barcelona

Madrid

Less common for British expats, but growing. More Spanish culture, fewer tourists.

Pros: Authentic Spanish experience, good job market, central location Cons: Hot summers (40°C), less English spoken, landlocked (no beaches)

Learn more: Living in Madrid

Rural Spain

Increasingly popular with remote workers seeking lower costs.

Popular Regions:

• Andalusia: White villages (pueblos blancos), affordable (€300-€600/month rent)
• Extremadura: Very cheap, remote (€200-€400/month)
• Galicia: Green, rainy (like UK climate), affordable (€400-€800/month)

Pros: Very cheap, authentic culture, slow pace Cons: Limited English, fewer services, need a car

Next Steps: Your Move to Spain from the UK

Moving from the UK to Spain post-Brexit requires advance planning, but it’s achievable within 6-12 months.

Immediate Next Steps:

1. Choose your visa type based on your income and situation
2. Start gathering documents (especially those requiring apostilles)
3. Book consulate appointment at London, Manchester, or Edinburgh (2-3 months in advance)
4. Begin learning Spanish (3-6 months of study before moving)
5. Research destinations and plan a scouting trip

Resources:

• Spain Visa Options
• Cost of Living in Spain
• Finding Housing in Spain
• Opening a Bank Account
• Spanish Healthcare Guide

Need Help? Consider hiring:

• Immigration Lawyers for visa applications
• Relocation Agents for housing and setup
• Tax Advisors for UK-Spain tax compliance
• International Movers for shipping belongings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I still move to Spain after Brexit?

Yes, but you need a visa for stays longer than 90 days. The most common options are the Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees and remote workers earning outside Spain) or the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning €28,008+/year).

What is the 90-day rule for UK citizens?

UK citizens can stay in Spain (and all Schengen countries) for only 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This is a rolling 180-day window. Overstaying results in fines (€500-€10,000) and entry bans (1-5 years).

How long does it take to get a Spanish visa from the UK?

Spanish consulates in the UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh) process visas in 1-3 months. Apply at least 6 months before your intended move to allow time for document gathering and potential delays.

Can I receive my UK state pension in Spain?

Yes, but it will be frozen at the rate when you leave the UK. Post-Brexit, UK state pensions in Spain do not receive annual increases. You can have it paid directly to a Spanish bank account.

Does my EHIC card work in Spain after Brexit?

No, UK EHIC cards are no longer valid for UK residents living in Spain. You need private health insurance for your visa (€50-€150/month). The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) only works for 90-day tourists.

How much does it cost to ship belongings from UK to Spain?

€800-€3,000 depending on volume. A Luton van costs €800-€1,500 (1-bedroom flat), while a 7.5-tonne lorry costs €1,500-€2,500 (2-3 bedroom house). Shipping by road takes 2-5 days.

Do I need to exchange my UK driving license?

Yes, within 6 months of establishing residency. UK licenses can be exchanged for Spanish licenses without retaking the driving test. Fee: €92 total including medical exam. Processing: 2-4 months.

Can I work remotely for a UK company while living in Spain?

Yes, on the Digital Nomad Visa (if earning €28,008+/year) or Non-Lucrative Visa (if 100% of income is from outside Spain). You’ll pay Spanish taxes as a tax resident (183+ days/year in Spain).

Is Spain cheaper than the UK?

Yes, Spain is 20-30% cheaper than the UK on average. Biggest savings: dining out (40% cheaper), utilities (45% cheaper), public transit (50% cheaper), and alcohol (55% cheaper). Housing in Madrid and Barcelona is similar to mid-tier UK cities.

What documents need to be apostilled for a Spanish visa?

DBS check (criminal record), medical certificate, birth certificate (if applicable), and marriage certificate (if applicable). Get apostilles from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK (£30 per document, 4-week standard or 1-week fast-track).

Can I bring my pet from the UK to Spain after Brexit?

Yes, but you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a UK vet (£100-£200), issued within 10 days of travel. EU Pet Passports are no longer valid for UK pets post-Brexit. Your pet needs a microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment (dogs only).

How do I avoid the 90-day rule?

Apply for a Spanish visa (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Work, Student, or Golden Visa) at a Spanish consulate in the UK before traveling. Once approved, you can stay in Spain for 1 year (renewable annually).