Can Brits still move to Spain after Brexit?

Yes, Brits can still move to Spain after Brexit. The main change is that UK citizens are now classed as non-EU nationals, which means you’ll need a visa or residency permit if you want to stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period.

While the rules are stricter, the good news is that there are clear visa routes available, and many Brits are still making the move successfully.

Main visa options for Brits

• Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): Best for retirees and those with passive income. Requires around £25,000 per year per person plus £6,000 per dependent. You cannot work in Spain on this visa.

• Digital Nomad Visa: Introduced for remote workers who can show steady income (£24,000+ a year). You can legally live in Spain while working for UK or international employers.

• Entrepreneur/start-up visas: For those planning to launch an innovative business.

• Golden Visa (abolished in 2025): Previously for property investors – no longer available.

Permanent residency and citizenship

• Permanent residency: After 5 years of continuous legal stay.

• Citizenship: After 10 years, with language and cultural tests.

We recommend seeking professional advice for visas and financial planning  – our expertise is in making your move to Spain seamless.

How much money do you need to move to Spain?

Finances play a big role in visa approval and day-to-day living.

Visa income requirements

• Non-Lucrative Visa: approx. £25,000 a year for the main applicant + £6,000 per dependent.

• Digital Nomad Visa: income of £24,000–£28,000 per year.

Cost of living comparison (2025)

• Rent: £760/month for a 1-bed flat in city centres (vs £1,090 in the UK).

• Groceries for a couple: £115–£175/month (vs £270–£320 in the UK).

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): £145–£205/month.

• Private health insurance: from £26/month, with comprehensive plans around £55–£102.

• Dining out: £11–£13 per meal (vs £27–£36 in the UK).

Overall, living in Spain is 20–25% cheaper than in the UK. A comfortable lifestyle typically requires £1,500–£1,700 per person per month.

Before deciding, it’s worth checking our guide on essential questions to consider before relocating, which helps you plan around costs, healthcare, and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle and healthcare for British expats

Healthcare access

• Public healthcare: Available if you’re working in Spain, self-employed, or a UK pensioner with an S1 certificate.

• Private health insurance: Required for most visas and costs from £26/month. Many expats start with private insurance, then switch to public once eligible.

NHS vs Spain’s healthcare

Spain ranks highly in European healthcare, with shorter hospital wait times and better patient satisfaction than the NHS. Many private hospitals also have English-speaking staff.

Quality of life

• Climate: 300+ days of sunshine in many areas.

• Cost of living: Lower than the UK.

• Community: Strong expat networks in coastal areas.

• Family life: International schools widely available, and children adapt quickly thanks to bilingual education and outdoor activities.

Where Brits live in Spain

• Costa del Sol: Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona, Benalmádena.

• Costa Blanca: Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa.

• Valencia region: Valencia city, Denia, Gandia.

• Islands: Mallorca and Canary Islands.

• Cities: Madrid and Barcelona (popular with professionals and digital nomads).

Work, pensions, and retirement in Spain

Working in Spain

UK citizens can work in Spain with the right visa. Jobs are available in:

• Tourism & hospitality

• Teaching English

• IT & digital roles

• Healthcare (nurses, carers)

• Construction and trades

UK qualifications are recognised in many sectors, but regulated professions (teaching, law, medicine) often require approval from Spanish authorities.

Retiring in Spain

• Most retirees use the Non-Lucrative Visa.

• UK state pension is still paid in full, with triple lock increases applying in Spain. If you’re comparing different destinations, our guide on the best countries to retire to from the UK highlights how Spain stacks up against other popular choices.

• UK pensioners can access Spain’s public healthcare via the S1 scheme.

• Tax residency applies if you live in Spain more than 183 days a year. Your pension will be taxed in Spain under the double taxation agreement.

Ready to plan your move? Request a free quote for removals to Spain today.

Buying or renting property in Spain

Can Brits buy property?

Yes, Brexit didn’t remove this right. Brits can buy property anywhere except certain military-sensitive zones.

Buying property doesn’t grant residency, so make sure your visa is sorted first. Many Brits choose to rent for the first year while getting settled.

Buying process

1. Obtain a NIE (Foreigner ID Number).

2. Pay reservation deposit (£850–£2,550).

3. Sign private contract with 10% deposit.

4. Complete at the Notary and register property.

Costs

• Transfer tax (resale): 7–10%

• VAT (new build): 10%

• Notary & registry: 1–2% combined

• Total fees: around 10–15% of purchase price

Mortgages

• Available, but stricter post-Brexit.

• Non-residents: 60–70% loan-to-value.

• Rates: 3–6%.

Renting vs buying

• Renting: Cheaper and flexible for short stays or trial periods.

• Buying: Better for long-term settlement or retirement.

Are more Brits moving to Spain in 2025?

Despite Brexit, the British community in Spain is growing again.

• Registered residents (INE, 2023): 293,000.

• Estimated total including unregistered: 412,000.

• Brits make up 10–15% of Spain’s expat population.

Why some leave

• Post-Brexit bureaucracy

• Healthcare or residency renewal issues

• Rising living costs

• Desire to return home to be closer to family

Why most stay

• Climate, lifestyle, affordable living, and established communities still make Spain a top destination compared to Portugal, France, and Cyprus. We’ve also published in-depth guides on moving to countries like Norway and Canada, so you can see how Spain compares.

How many Brits move to Spain each year?

Each year, an estimated 10–15K people from the UK relocate to Spain, even after Brexit introduced visa requirements. Around 293K Brits are officially registered, but the wider community is thought to be over 400K when including part-time homeowners and unregistered residents. This makes Spain the top European destination for British expats, ahead of France and Germany.

The numbers have fluctuated over time. The early 2000s saw a retirement boom, with tens of thousands moving during the property surge before the 2008 financial crisis slowed migration. After Brexit, many feared numbers would collapse, but by the mid-2020s the community had stabilised and begun to grow again.

Today, retirees still make up the majority, but digital nomads and younger families are increasingly part of the mix – a shift driven by Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and demand for a lower-cost, higher-quality lifestyle.

How to move your belongings from UK to Spain

At Total Moving Solutions, we specialise in fully managed European removals – including removals to Spain. Our team handles every step – from export packing to customs clearance – so you avoid delays and hidden costs when moving abroad.

Average removals costs (2025)

• 1-bed flat: £1,500–£2,000

• 2-bed house: £2,200–£3,000

• 3-bed house: £3,500–£5,000

• 4-bed house: £6,000–£8,000

Moving timeline

• Road freight: 7–14 days depending on collection and delivery points.

Paperwork

• Inventory of goods

• NIE number

• Customs declaration

• Proof of new residence

ToR (Transfer of Residence) relief

Allows Brits to import belongings duty-free if moving permanently, provided items were owned for at least 6 months.

Moving pets & vehicles

• Pets need EU pet passport, rabies jab, and microchip.

• Vehicles must be registered in Spain within 30 days of becoming resident.

Popular services

• Part-load (groupage) for cheaper options

• Full-service removals with packing/unpacking

• Short- and long-term storage

FAQs about Brits moving to Spain

Can Brits still move to Spain after Brexit?

Brits can move to Spain after Brexit, but they are now classed as non-EU nationals. This means a visa or residency permit is required for longer stays.

What visas are available for Brits moving to Spain in 2025?

The main options include the Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees, the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, and work permits for those with a job offer in Spain. Each has its own income or eligibility requirements.

How long can Brits stay in Spain without a visa?

UK citizens can spend up to 90 days in Spain within any 180-day period without a visa under Schengen rules.

How long does it take to get Spanish residency after applying?

Most residency applications are processed in 2–12 weeks, depending on the visa type. Permanent residency is available after 5 years, and citizenship after 10 years of continuous legal stay.

Can Brits still apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2025?

The Digital Nomad Visa is available to UK citizens who earn at least €2,763 per month, hold private health insurance, and meet work or study requirements. It allows Brits to live in Spain while working remotely for employers outside the country.

Can Brits still retire to Spain after Brexit?

Retirement in Spain is possible through the Non-Lucrative Visa, which requires proof of income or savings and private health insurance. UK state pensions are still paid in Spain in full, including annual triple lock increases.

Is Spain cheaper than the UK to live in?

Spain’s cost of living is around 20–25% lower than the UK, particularly for housing, groceries, utilities, and dining out.

Has the pound-to-euro exchange rate in 2025 made Spain more expensive for Brits?

The weaker pound in 2025 has reduced the value of UK income in Spain by 4–5%, but Spain remains significantly cheaper than the UK for most day-to-day expenses.

What are the main cultural challenges Brits face when moving to Spain?

Common challenges include language barriers, slow bureaucracy, late dining habits, and summer business closures in August. Families often find that children adapt more quickly through local schools and bilingual education.

Can Brits still get a mortgage in Spain in 2025?

Spanish banks continue to offer non-resident mortgages to Brits, but terms are stricter. Typical requirements include a 30–50% deposit, proof of income, an NIE, and a Spanish bank account.

What paperwork do Brits need to move belongings to Spain?

Required paperwork includes a valid passport, NIE, visa or residence permit, proof of address in Spain, a customs declaration, and proof that items are personal and owned for more than six months. Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief may allow Brits to import belongings tax-free if moving permanently.

How long does it take for belongings to arrive in Spain from the UK?

Most removals take between 1 and 3 weeks. Road freight is the most common option, averaging 7–14 days, while sea freight takes longer and air freight is quicker but more expensive.

Is it worth moving from the UK to Spain?

Yes! Despite stricter rules, Spain remains one of the most attractive destinations for Brits in 2025. Lower living costs, sunshine, healthcare, and strong communities make it a top choice for retirees, families, and remote workers.

The key is planning your move carefully: understand visa requirements, budget realistically, and use an experienced removals company.

At Total Moving Solutions, we provide international removals and dedicated support for every UK-to-Spain move:  from export packing and customs to safe delivery of your belongings.

Ready to start your new life in Spain?