The full guide
What changed after Brexit?
Before 2021, British citizens could move to Spain freely as EU citizens. Now they’re treated as non-EU nationals. You can visit Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and Spain’s border now records entries and exits digitally through the EU’s Entry/Exit System. To live in Spain, you need a residence visa.
If you were legally living in Spain before 1 January 2021, the Withdrawal Agreement protects your rights. You hold a special TIE card and different rules apply. This checklist is for people moving now.
Which visa should British citizens apply for?
| Your situation | Usual route |
|---|---|
| Retired, or living off savings, pensions or rent | Non-lucrative visa |
| Working remotely for UK or other foreign clients | Digital nomad visa |
| Job offer from a Spanish employer | Work visa sponsored by the employer |
| Studying in Spain | Student visa |
| Partner of an EU citizen living in Spain | EU family member residence card |
Apply at the Spanish consulate covering where you live in the UK. UK criminal record certificates are issued by ACRO and must be apostilled and translated.
Healthcare: S1 or private insurance
If you receive a UK state pension, the UK can fund your Spanish public healthcare through an S1 form. Register the S1 with Spanish social security and the Spanish consulate in London accepts the registration receipt for the non-lucrative visa. Everyone else applying for a non-lucrative or digital nomad visa needs private health insurance with no co-payments, unless they’ll be paying into Spanish social security.
Driving: exchange your licence within six months
Under the UK–Spain agreement, UK licence holders who become resident in Spain can exchange their licence without a test. You can drive on your UK licence for the first six months of residence; after that, you need a Spanish licence. See exchanging your UK driving licence.
Pensions, tax and money
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| UK State Pension | You can receive it in Spain, and it continues to rise each year |
| Government pensions | Civil service, military and similar pensions are generally taxed only in the UK |
| Private and workplace pensions | Generally taxed in Spain once you’re tax resident |
| ISAs | Not tax-free in Spain; interest and gains are taxable |
| Assets abroad | Declare UK assets over €50,000 on form 720 |
The UK–Spain double taxation treaty stops you being taxed twice, but the details matter. Speak to an adviser who knows both systems before you move. When you leave, tell HMRC with form P85.
Pets from the UK
Dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an Animal Health Certificate issued by a UK vet within 10 days of entering the EU. See moving to Spain with pets.
Common mistakes
Overstaying as a visitor. The 90/180 rule is tracked digitally now. Overstays can mean fines and entry bans.
Driving on a UK licence too long. After six months of residence it’s no longer valid in Spain.
Keeping UK bank accounts without checking. Some UK banks close accounts for non-residents. Check before you go.
Assuming ISAs and premium bonds are tax-free. Spain taxes them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely for my UK employer from Spain?
Yes, on the digital nomad visa, if you meet the income and other requirements. You can’t on a non-lucrative visa.
Do I still need a passport stamp?
No. Since the EU’s Entry/Exit System started, your entries and exits are recorded digitally instead of stamped.
Can I still vote in the UK?
Yes. The UK removed the 15-year limit for overseas voters, so you can register to vote from Spain.
