Moving to Spain from the UK in 2025
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Your Relocation Guide to Embracing a New Life Abroad in Spain
You have probably landed on this article because like the rest of us you are dreaming of sun-soaked days, new culture, and a more relaxed lifestyle. You're not alone. Many Brits moving to Spain have made their dream move abroad, particularly with the help of best homes abroad finding the best, cheap and dream European homes. Post-Brexit however, the process of relocating to Spain has changed greatly, but not to worry—this guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Spain from the UK.
Post-Brexit: How Do I Move to Spain from the UK?
1. Research: First and foremost, like any big decision their needs be thorough research and planning in your relocation to Spain. A good place to start is gaining an idea of region or regions that suit you most, it could be the sunny Costa del Sol, the picturesque Costa Blanca, or the charming Balearic Islands. It is worth considering all the different other factors involved with these places include climate, cost and culture.
2. Visa Requirements: Post-Brexit, UK citizens need a visa to move to Spain. Here are the main types of visas available:
Non-Lucrative Visa moving from the UK to Spain
Ideal for those who can support themselves financially without working in Spain. Applicants must provide proof of funds and private health insurance
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €25,560, with an additional €6,390 for each family member they wish to include.
Family Members
Spouses, unmarried partners, dependent children, and other dependent relatives are eligible for the visa. However, bringing family members increases the financial requirements and can complicate the application process.
Application Process
You can initiate the application process at the Spanish consular office in your region or country. Typically, you'll need to book an appointment via email. Required documents include a recent photograph, a police report, and a medical certificate confirming good health. The legal decision period is three months from the application submission date, but it may be extended.
The EU Blue Card/working visa for moving to Spain from the UK
Your salary must at the least meet the minimum salary threshold set by Spain. This is 1.5 times the average gross annual salary for your profession. For 2020, this was set at €33,908.
You must present documents proving that your qualifications meet the national legal requirements for regulated professions or higher professional qualifications for unregulated professions.
You need a valid travel document, an application for a visa, and a valid residence permit.
You must not pose a threat to public policy in Spain.
Application Process for EU Blue Card Moving to Spain from the UK
Obtain a valid job offer from a Spanish employer.
Submit your application for the EU Blue Card to the Spanish authorities. You can do this either from your home country or after arriving in Spain.
Provide necessary documents, as highlighted above.
Spain then applies a Labour Market Test to ensure that migrant workers are only admitted after employers have unsuccessfully searched for national workers, EU citizens, or legally residing third-country nationals.
The maximum processing time for issuing a Blue Card in Spain is 45 days.
Benefits of the EU Blue Card
· After holding the Blue Card for two years, you can apply for long-term residence.
· Enables you to move freely within the EU for work purposes.
Renewal and Validity of Blue Card Spain
The EU Blue Card is initially valid for one year in Spain and can be renewed biannually, provided you meet the initial requirements. The renewal fee is €112.
What is the cost of Blue Card in Spain?
The initial Blue Card fee is €418, with a renewal fee of €112 and a replacement fee of €112.
The Digital Nomad Visa for Moving to Spain from the UK
The Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent route for the modern worker. It allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Spain for a period of one year, this can then be extended for up to five years. This visa is ideal for individuals who work remotely in the digital sphere, allowing a much easier and more flexible integration in to your new life in Spain.
Eligibility Criteria for Digital Nomad Visa from the UK to Spain
Only available to those 18 years of age +.
You need to demonstrate a qualifying income with that from non- Spanish Company, with at least 80% of your income coming from non-Spanish sources. The minimum income requirement varies depending on the number of family members you include in the application process. You can also work for a Spanish company, but this work should not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.
You need to have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from or at least three years of work experience in your current field.
Private Health Insurance
Application Process for Nomad Visa from the UK to Spain
Provide a valid job offer or proof of your qualifying income and/or business details.
Submit your application for the Digital Nomad Visa to the Spanish authorities. This can be done either from your home country or after arriving in Spain.
Provide necessary documents as highlighted above.
Submit a criminal record certificate issued by your country of residence for the past two years.
Apply for a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before submitting your visa application.
The maximum processing time for issuing a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain is 45 days.
Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
Allows you to live and work in Spain while working remotely for non-Spanish companies or clients, therefore do not have as much of a difficult task with finding a job with a Spanish company.
You will be able to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which includes 27 European countries.
Offers favourable tax rates under the Non-Resident Income Tax Regime for digital nomads.
After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
The Entrepreneur Visa moving from Spain to the UK
Photo by Tomáš Malík
What is the Entrepreneur Visa?
The Entrepreneur Visa (also known as a startup visa) is a residence permit granted to non-EU citizens who want to develop an innovative business activity in Spain. It is a self-employment work visa that allows you to set up and run your own business in Spain.
Eligibility Criteria for the Spanish Entrepreneur Visa
Your business idea must be innovative and different from what already exists in the market.
You need to have a relevant professional and academic background that supports your business idea.
You must present a comprehensive business plan that outlines your business idea, market analysis, financial projections, and operational strategy.
You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your business during the initial period. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), plus 50% of the IPREM for each family member.
You must not have a criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided in the last five years.
You must be over 18 years old.
Private Health Insurance
Application Process for Entrepreneur Visa
Submit your application for the Entrepreneur Visa to the Spanish authorities. You can do this either from your home country or after arriving in Spain
Provide necessary documents as mentioned above.
Submit a criminal record certificate issued by your country of residence for the past five years.
The maximum processing time for issuing an Entrepreneur Visa in Spain is 45 days.
Benefits of the Entrepreneur Visa
Allows you to live and work in Spain while developing your business.
After holding the Entrepreneur Visa for two years, you can apply for long-term residence.
You can travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which includes 27 European countries.
Offers favourable tax rates under the Non-Resident Income Tax Regime for entrepreneurs.
Golden Visa moving from Spain to the UK
Available to individuals who invest €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate. This visa allows you to live and work in Spain.
Here are some of the requirements and benefits of the Golden Visa Spain:
Applicants must make a minimum investment in Spain, such as purchasing real estate, investing in government bonds, or investing in a Spanish company.
The visa allows the holder and their family to live in Spain and travel to the Schengen area without a visa.
After 10 years of living in Spain with a Golden Visa, applicants may be eligible for citizenship if they meet certain criteria, such as speaking Spanish and having a basic understanding of Spanish history and culture.
The Golden Visa allows applicants to obtain permits for their spouse, dependents, and parents who are dependent on them.
The application process for the Golden Visa Spain involves two stages:
Applicants apply for a Spanish residence visa in their home country.
Applicants apply for a Spanish residence permit.
3. Documentation: You must prepare the follow depending on your specific visa requirements, a valid passport, visa application forms, proof of financial means, health insurance, and other specific requirements for your visa type.
4. Applying for Residency: Upon arriving in Spain, UK citizens must register with local authorities and apply for residency. This involves obtaining a Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE) and registering with the local town hall (empadronamiento). Residency cards (TIE) are issued for stays beyond the initial visa period.
Property in Spain: Affordable, Diverse and Beautiful
A typical beautiful Spanish sunrise. Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric
One of the major draws for relocating to Spain is the affordable property market. There is such rich choice in lifestyle to beautiful tranquil country houses to urban city apartments and stunning coastal villas. Which is why around 300,000 Brits have chosen Spain as their getaway destination. It is also an option for you. Best Homes Abroad is a great place to start as they do the hard work finding dream homes abroad that are good value instead of you having to sieve out thousands upon thousands of homes yourself.
1. Property Prices: Property prices in Spain are much more affordable than the UK and US. Even in sought-after areas like the Costa del Sol, you can find very good, priced homes.
2. Buying Process: The process of buying property in Spain should include:
Property Search: Use reputable real estate agents and property portals.
Legal Checks: Hire a solicitor for due diligence (this a must, we always recommend doing this before any big decision), including property ownership and debt checks.
Offer and Negotiation: Make an offer and negotiate with the seller.
Deposit: Pay a reservation deposit (typically 10% of the price).
Completion: Sign the sale contract (escritura) before a notary and pay the remaining balance.
3. Types of Properties:
Apartments: Ideal for city living (although in recent times in the major cities have become a lot more expensive than historically) or coastal areas, often part of complexes with shared amenities like pools and gardens.
Villas: One of the best countries in the world for choice of villas and depending on where you are, can get extraordinary value. Ideal for those seeking some privacy and outdoor space, available both inland and along the coast, frequently featuring private gardens and pools perfect for hosting friends and family to have nice outdoor evenings.
Townhouses: Offer a balance of space and community, situated in charming towns with local amenities. Suited to those that want to immerse themselves in the local culture and access to a rich history of charming architecture.
Country Homes (Fincas): Again, Spain offers a huge amount of stunning Country Homes situated in gorgeous locations. They are more for those seeking rural tranquillity, they usually include large plots for gardening or small-scale farming.
Embracing Spanish Culture
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Photo by Enrico Perini
As a Brit moving to Spain, Spain's rich and diverse culture makes it an exciting place to live, you'll find plenty to explore and enjoy.
1. Language: It goes without saying that Spanish (Castilian) is the official language. However, it is worth noting regional languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken. People who have moved abroad that we have spoken to recommend learning basic Spanish, more often than not it will enhance your experience and help you integrate into the local community helping you settle in your new home.
2. Cuisine: Spanish cuisine is spectacular; we would go as far as to say one of the best cuisines in Europe with a dish for everybody’s taste. Due to its rich resources, it offers a varied pallet of choices. Each region also has specialties—paella in Valencia, pintxos in the Basque Country, and tapas throughout the country just to name a few, if you are worried about moving for the food, you shouldn’t be.
3. Festivals and Traditions: Spain is renowned for its vibrant festivals, or "fiestas." From the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona to La Tomatina in Buñol, these events showcase Spain’s lively spirit.
4. Art and Architecture: Spain has some of the greatest and most celebrated iconic art and architecture. Gaudí’s works in Barcelona to the Alhambra in Granada, the country offers a rich tapestry of historical and modern influences. Numerous museums dotted around the country are well worth a visit, like the Prado in Madrid house masterpieces from artists such as Velázquez and Goya.
Navigating Life in Spain
Photo by Riccardo
1. Healthcare: Spain has an excellent healthcare system, ranked among the best in the world. As a resident, you can access public healthcare services. Many expatriates also choose private health insurance for additional coverage and shorter wait times.
2. Education: For families moving to Spain, there are various educational options, including public schools, private international schools, and bilingual schools. Research and choose the best fit for your children based on curriculum, language, and location.
3. Cost of Living: The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in the UK. This includes expenses like groceries, dining out, and public transport. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the region and lifestyle.
4. Transportation: Spain has a well-developed transportation network, including efficient public transport systems in cities, high-speed trains (AVE), and extensive bus services. Renting or buying a car is also a viable option for exploring rural areas.
5. Social Integration: Emigrating to Spain means embracing a new social environment. Joining local clubs, attending community events, and participating in activities can help you build connections and integrate into Spanish society.
6. Legal and Financial Considerations: Understanding Spain’s legal and financial system is crucial. This includes taxes, banking, and local regulations. Consulting with legal and financial advisors can help you navigate these aspects smoothly.
Conclusion
Emigrating to Spain from the UK post-Brexit involves navigating new visa requirements and residency processes. However, the rewards are plentiful—affordable property options, a rich cultural experience, and a relaxed lifestyle. Whether you're drawn by the sunny beaches, vibrant cities, or tranquil countryside, Spain offers a welcoming new home for Brits moving to Spain. With careful planning and an open mind, your relocation to Spain can be the start of an exciting new chapter filled with opportunities and adventures.