What does it take to move to Spain from the UK?
Since the UK is no longer in the EU, British citizens follow third-country rules. You can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period within Schengen, but to live, study, or work in Spain you’ll need a long-stay visa and a residence permit.
Popular visa routes include a work visa (job offer plus work authorisation), a digital nomad visa (remote work with income from outside Spain), the non-lucrative visa (sufficient funds, no work), a student visa, and family reunion options. The investor “golden visa” has changed and property-based paths have been limited – always check the latest rules with Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying.
You apply in the UK at a Spanish consulate (London, Manchester, Edinburgh). Expect to show a valid passport, proof of funds, private health insurance with no co-pays, a clean criminal record, medical certificate, accommodation plan, and pay the fee. After you enter Spain on your visa, finalise residency: obtain your NIE (tax ID), register your address on the local padrón, and apply for the TIE (foreigners’ ID card) at the police extranjería office – generally within 30 days of arrival. Employees need the correct authorisation to work; if you’re self-employed, register as autónomo and join social security.
Health cover is a legal requirement. Many visas require comprehensive private insurance at first; once you work and pay into social security, you can access Spain’s public healthcare. UK pensioners may be eligible to use an S1. GHIC/EHIC is only for short visits; it isn’t a substitute for full cover when you reside in Spain.
After five years of lawful, continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency. If you already live in Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement, follow Spanish authorities’ guidance for your specific rights. Practically, many people open a non-resident bank account first and convert it after becoming resident. You can drive on a UK license for a limited period, then exchange it with the DGT – check current rules.
