Relocation guide
Moving from สหราชอาณาจักร to สเปน
Since Brexit, British citizens need a visa to live in Spain. The non-lucrative visa suits retirees and people with savings, and the digital nomad visa suits people keeping UK employers or clients. What is different from the UK: police certificates come from ACRO with an FCDO apostille, UK licences can be exchanged, and UK state pensioners can use the S1 for healthcare.
Updated 1 ตุลาคม 2569
Quick answer
British citizens moving to Spain now need a visa: the non-lucrative visa (€28,800 a year in funds) or the digital nomad visa (200% of the Spanish minimum wage from non-Spanish work). Apply at the Spanish consulate in London or Edinburgh through its visa centre. Get an ACRO police certificate apostilled by the FCDO. The UK–Spain tax treaty applies once you become Spanish resident.
As of 1 ตุลาคม 2569
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Short visits | We confirm this for your case |
| Visa appointments | We confirm this for your case |
| Documents | Apostille accepted: your country is in the Hague Apostille ConventionSource · checked 2 ตุลาคม 2569 |
| Double tax treaty | A comprehensive income tax treaty is in forceSource · checked 2 ตุลาคม 2569 |
| Dual citizenship | We confirm this for your case |
| Minimum | 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI) a month, plus 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each further oneSource |
What is different from สหราชอาณาจักร
No more free movement
UK citizens can visit Spain for up to 90 days in any 180, but living there needs a residence visa. Time spent visiting counts against the 90 days, so plan scouting trips carefully.
ACRO certificate and FCDO apostille
Your criminal record certificate is an ACRO police certificate. Have it and your civil documents apostilled by the FCDO Legalisation Office, then sworn-translated into Spanish.
Healthcare and pensions
Holders of a UK State Pension can register an S1 form in Spain for state healthcare; most others need private insurance for the visa. The UK–Spain double tax treaty decides where pensions are taxed.
Driving licence
A UK licence can be exchanged for a Spanish one under the UK–Spain agreement once you are resident; check the current deadline after registering.
Routes open to you
Figures are statutory minimums from official sources. Official fees are estimates and change; our own fees are quoted for your case.
Digital nomad visa (international teleworking)
Remote employees and freelancers working mainly for clients or employers outside Spain.
- Minimum
- 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI) a month, plus 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each further one
Non-lucrative residence visa
People with savings or passive income who will not work in Spain.
- Minimum
- €28,800 a year (400% IPREM), plus €7,200 per dependant
Not sure which route fits?
An adviser checks your eligibility from สหราชอาณาจักร and replies within one working day.
Step by step from สหราชอาณาจักร
Choose the route
Non-lucrative for retirement or living on savings; digital nomad for remote work for non-Spanish employers or clients.
Order documents
ACRO police certificate, birth and marriage certificates, then FCDO apostilles and sworn translations.
Show funds and insurance
Bank statements or income evidence, plus Spanish-valid private health insurance (or S1 evidence where accepted).
Apply in the UK
Book the Spanish visa centre appointment for the London or Edinburgh consulate, depending on where you live.
Register in Spain
Register your address, get your TIE, then exchange your driving licence and register with healthcare.
Documents and legalisation
Get public documents (birth and marriage certificates, police certificate, degrees) apostilled in สหราชอาณาจักร, then have them translated by a sworn translator where the destination asks for it.
You will usually need a police certificate from สหราชอาณาจักร and from every other country you have lived in recently.
Where to apply
Apply at the Spanish consulate responsible for your place of legal residence, or (digital nomad route) online through the UGE from inside Spain while you are there legally.
Tax: what to check before you move
Double tax treaty: A comprehensive income tax treaty is in force Listed on the Spanish Ministry of Finance treaty list (BOE 15/05/2014).
General information, not tax advice. Tax points on this page are awaiting review by a tax specialist.
Advisers who speak your language
Speak to someone who knows the process from สหราชอาณาจักร.
- Marcus LeungHead of Asia PacificMandarin, English, Cantonese
- William HarringtonHead of Middle East & GCCArabic, English, French
Sources and review
Last updated 1 ตุลาคม 2569
- Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visas
- Spain UGE: international teleworkers (digital nomad) residence
- ACRO Criminal Records Office: police certificates
- GOV.UK: get a document legalised (apostille)
- GOV.UK: tax treaties
Parts of this page are awaiting review by our legal team; we confirm every point for your case before you apply.
Speak to a senior adviser
Not Sure Which Programme to Choose?
Book a one to one video consultation. We look at your goals, family and budget, then set out which programmes fit you, with the costs, timelines and next steps.
- Confidential, covered by an NDA
- Led by a senior adviser
- Final price shown before you book
Programme Review
You review your booking and pay securely on the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Do British citizens need a visa to live in Spain?
Yes. Since 1 January 2021, UK citizens need a residence visa to live in Spain, unless they were already resident under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Can I work for my UK employer from Spain?
Yes, on the digital nomad visa, if your employer agrees and Spanish clients make up no more than 20% of your work.
Where is my UK pension taxed if I live in Spain?
Under the treaty, most private pensions are taxed in Spain and UK government service pensions in the UK. Take tax advice for your case.
Can I keep using the NHS?
No, once you live in Spain. State pensioners can use an S1 in Spain; others need private cover for the visa.
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
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