Living in Spain as a UK Citizen: Your Guide in 2024

Living in Spain as a UK citizen post-Brexit means dealing with new residency and visa rules. This guide helps you navigate the changes, covering essential topics like documentation, healthcare, and employment. Read on to make your move smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• Post-Brexit, UK citizens must apply for a visa and residence permit to live in Spain, involving extensive documentation and specific eligibility criteria.
• UK citizens planning to work in Spain need to secure a work permit, with options for self-employment and remote work available through specific visas.
• Access to healthcare in Spain requires registration in the local system; UK citizens can choose between public and private healthcare based on their needs and preferences.

Post-Brexit Residency Rules for UK Citizens

After Brexit, the landscape for UK citizens wanting to live in Spain has changed dramatically. No longer enjoying the benefits of free movement within the EU, British nationals are now classified as non-EU citizens. This reclassification necessitates a more rigorous application process for those wishing to obtain residency in Spain. For those who were living in Spain before Brexit, the European Union Withdrawal Act provides some protections, but new rules now apply to all.

UK citizens must now apply for a visa to move to Spain, a process which involves submitting extensive documentation and meeting specific requirements. Once in Spain, a residence permit is mandatory for legal residency, a shift from the pre-Brexit era when only registration with local authorities sufficed. The initial visa application must be made from outside Spain, and upon arrival, the residency permit process begins.

Navigating these new residency rules will facilitate a smooth transition. Having all necessary documentation, such as proof of financial stability and healthcare coverage, is important. Additionally, obtaining a Spanish social security number is required for accessing various services, including healthcare.

Post-Brexit, the application process has become more thorough and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and preparation.

Short-Term Stays

For UK citizens planning short-term visits to Spain, new rules have been implemented. Starting in May 2024, an ETIAS visa waiver will be required, costing €7. This waiver allows British nationals to stay in Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.

However, exceeding this limit can result in legal consequences. Planning your stay and understanding these short-term regulations will help avoid any issues during your visit.

Long-Term Residency

Long-term residency in Spain requires meeting specific criteria and a thorough application process. UK citizens must apply for a Spanish residency visa if they plan to stay longer than 90 days, ideally about three months before moving to Spain to ensure timely processing. Additionally, obtaining a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE) is necessary for activities such as working, studying, and buying property.

Once in Spain, UK citizens can apply for long-term residency after living in the country for five uninterrupted years, during which visas must be renewed every two years. After five years, they can apply for permanent residency, which offers greater stability and fewer renewal requirements.

Applications can be submitted at the immigration office or electronically. Incomplete documentation can lead to rejection, so thoroughness is essential.

Biometric Residence Card (TIE)

The Biometric Residence Card, or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), is a critical document for UK citizens living in Spain. By providing your NIE number and making an appointment at the neighborhood immigration office, you can obtain this card, which verifies legal residency status.

The TIE card is renewable and necessary for accessing various services and legal rights in Spain. Schedule your appointment and complete the necessary steps to obtain this important card.

Visa Application Process for UK Nationals

Navigating the visa application process is essential for UK citizens moving to Spain. Various long-term visas are available post-Brexit, including the non-profit visa, which requires proof of sufficient funds to support yourself without employment. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of your intended travel date and can only be filed from outside Spain. The visa application costs €80, and processing can take up to eight months, so start early to avoid delays.

UK citizens can apply for permanent residency after living in Spain for five years, with the possibility of applying for Spanish citizenship after ten years, provided they renounce their British citizenship.

Check the latest visa information on the Spanish Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores website to stay updated on any changes or new requirements. The TIE card remains crucial for confirming residency status under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Required Documents

For a smooth visa application process, all required documents must be prepared. A valid passport with biometric data and blank pages is mandatory. Additionally, a medical certificate confirming the absence of public health risks is required. Incomplete documents, financial insufficiency, and criminal record issues can hinder your application, so thorough preparation and double-checking all requirements are crucial.

Avoid common delays by carefully filling out applications and ensuring all documents are complete.

Common Pitfalls

A clear understanding of the visa application process helps avoid common pitfalls. Lack of familiarity with the required documents can lead to delays, and failing to provide adequate financial proof or submitting incomplete applications can result in rejection.

Double-check the visa requirements specific to your situation beforehand. Preparing all necessary documents in advance can streamline the application process and prevent delays.

Employment Options for British Citizens

Spain offers a variety of employment options for British citizens, ranging from working for Spanish companies to self-employment and remote work. To work for a Spanish company, UK citizens need to obtain a work permit and meet Spanish labor law requirements. The employer must obtain the work permit, and the application process can take up to eight months.

For those interested in self-employment, registering with the Spanish authorities and providing proof of financial viability are necessary steps.

For remote workers, the digital nomad visa offers an attractive option to live in Spain while working for a non-Spanish company. This visa allows for extended stays and is subject to certain eligibility criteria.

Whether you’re planning to work for a company, start your own business, or continue working remotely, understanding the employment landscape in Spain is essential for a successful transition.

Working for a Spanish Company

UK citizens wishing to work in Spain must submit their work permit application to the Spanish Embassy in the UK. The process is reliant on the employer, who must obtain the work permit for the prospective employee. This application must include documentation such as employment contracts and proof of income.

Once approved, the work permit allows you to legally work in Spain, providing an opportunity to integrate into the Spanish workforce and culture.

Self-Employment

As a UK citizen moving to Spain, claiming self-employed status requires registering as an ‘Autonomo’ or establishing a limited company. You must register with the Special Regime for Autonomous Workers and apply for a work and residency permit from the Spanish embassy in the UK. Providing a passport, NIE number, and additional supporting documents is essential.

The minimum annual income required to establish self-employment status in Spain is £24,000.

Remote Work and Digital Nomad Visa

For those interested in remote work, the digital nomad visa allows UK citizens to live in Spain while working for non-Spanish companies. The application process typically takes 15 to 45 days. This visa offers a flexible option for digital nomads seeking a vibrant and culturally rich environment while continuing their professional endeavors.

Family Reunification

Family reunification allows UK citizens with a residence permit in Spain to bring their close family members to join them. Eligibility requires the primary applicant to have a residence permit renewed for at least one year. Spouses, children, and ascendants (parents or in-laws) qualify for family reunification under Spanish law.

Understanding the family reunification process and meeting the necessary criteria can help keep families together in Spain post-Brexit.

Eligible Family Members

Eligible family members for reunification include spouses, children, and dependent parents of the applicant. Legal documents, such as marriage or birth certificates, must be provided to prove the relationship with the applicant.

Ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate is essential for a smooth application process.

Application Process

UK citizens can begin the family reunification process at the Spanish embassy in the UK or online in Spain. The primary applicant must have renewed their initial Spanish residence permit at least once. Family members can apply online before moving or within three months of arriving in Spain.

If already in Spain, booking an appointment at the local Foreigner’s Office is necessary to proceed with the application.

Healthcare for UK Residents in Spain

Access to healthcare is a primary concern for many UK citizens moving to Spain. The Spanish healthcare system, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), provides comprehensive public healthcare services. Registering on the Padron, a local registry of residents, is essential for accessing these benefits.

Understanding how to navigate both public and private healthcare options can ensure you receive the necessary medical care while living in Spain.

Public Healthcare

UK citizens must register at a health center in Spain to receive a health insurance card, granting access to public healthcare services. British expats with a Spanish social security number can receive free healthcare, although some services may require a co-payment.

Having the correct documentation and registration ensures efficient access to the Spanish public healthcare system.

Private Healthcare

Many expats in Spain prefer private medical care due to shorter waiting times and more personalized services. Private health insurance is widely available and can provide access to a broader range of specialists and treatments.

Private healthcare options can offer peace of mind and additional medical coverage.

Financial Considerations

Financial planning is crucial for UK citizens moving to Spain. The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in the UK, with significant savings on housing, transportation, and food. Living expenses are approximately 19% lower than in the UK, making Spain an attractive destination for British expatriates.

Knowledge of the cost of living, tax obligations, and currency exchange will help manage your finances effectively.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Spain can offer significant savings compared to the UK. Housing costs are approximately 40% lower, and essentials such as transportation and food are also more affordable.

Spaniards have a different daily rhythm, with lunch often around 2-3 PM and dinner around 9-10 PM. This cultural difference can affect your lifestyle and budgeting, so it’s important to adapt and plan accordingly. These aspects can help you manage your monthly income more effectively.

Tax Obligations

UK residents in Spain are subject to Spanish income tax rates on their global income if deemed a tax resident. Self-employed individuals must pay personal Spanish income tax and register for the Impuesto sobre actividades economicas. Additionally, UK workers may need to pay social security contributions in Spain.

Filing the Modelo 720, an annual declaration of overseas assets, is necessary to ensure compliance with Spanish tax laws. Knowing your tax obligations is crucial for avoiding legal issues and managing your finances effectively.

Currency Exchange

Managing currency exchange is essential for UK citizens living in Spain to ensure they maximize their financial transactions. Regularly monitoring exchange rates and using local banks or online services can help secure favorable rates.

For pensions, having payments made in Euros can avoid unfavorable exchange fluctuations. Utilizing multi-currency accounts can also help manage exchange rates and minimize transaction fees. Proactive management of currency exchange can lead to significant financial benefits.

Education and Studying in Spain

Spain offers excellent educational opportunities for British students, with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. From primary and secondary education to higher education, understanding the options available can help you make informed decisions for your children’s education or your own studies.

Studying in Spain requires meeting specific requirements and obtaining the necessary Spanish visa to visit Spain.

Primary and Secondary Education

British students in Spain have access to both local schools and international institutions. UK qualifications can be converted for admission purposes under a previously agreed conversion table. Public schools offer a comprehensive education system, while international schools provide curriculums familiar to British students.

Choosing the right school depends on your preferences and the needs of your children, ensuring a quality education while integrating into Spanish culture.

Higher Education

To study in Spain, British students need to apply for a Student Visa and a residence permit/TIE card. The application should be submitted 2-3 months before traveling to Spain, and proof of sufficient funds and health insurance is required. Most Bachelor’s programs require a secondary education certificate and may involve an entrance exam.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. Programs like the Turing Scheme offer student exchange opportunities, broadening educational horizons.

Housing and Property Ownership

Finding the right accommodation in Spain can be competitive, but understanding the housing market can make the process smoother. Popular areas for English speakers include Alicante, Málaga, and the Costa Blanca.

Whether you choose to rent or buy, knowing the local regulations and market conditions is essential for making informed decisions.

Renting a Home

Renting a home in Spain offers financial savings, with housing costs averaging about 40% lower than in the UK. Rental agreements can be long-term or short-term, with long-term leases providing more tenant protection. Landlords commonly require a security deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent.

Knowing these terms and preparing the necessary documentation will help secure suitable accommodation.

Buying Property

Buying property in Spain can be an attractive option due to low mortgage rates and a relatively affordable property market. The process involves several steps, including securing financing, finding a property, and completing legal requirements.

Moving to Spain and investing in property can be rewarding, offering both a home and a potential financial investment.

Cultural Integration and Local Life

Integrating into Spanish culture involves embracing local traditions and participating in community events. With over 350,000 British citizens officially residing in Spain, and estimates suggesting nearly a million Brits living there, cultural integration is a vital aspect of life in Spain.

Adapting to cultural differences can enrich your experience and help you feel at home in your new environment.

Language Learning

Learning Spanish is crucial for effective communication and cultural assimilation. Regular interaction with native speakers and immersion programs in cities like Valencia can greatly enhance language skills.

Personalized language education, combining structured lessons with real-life interactions, helps achieve fluency and smoother integration into Spanish society.

Social Customs

Understanding Spanish social customs is essential for adapting to life in Spain. Common customs include greeting friends with two kisses, which contrasts with the UK’s handshake or single kiss. Respecting these traditions helps build relationships and makes you feel more connected to the local community.

Driving and Transportation

Driving in Spain requires compliance with specific regulations, including presenting a valid UK driving licence, proof of ID, and insurance. UK vehicles must display a ‘UK’ sticker when driven in Spain. Knowing these requirements helps navigate the roads legally and safely.

Additionally, Spain’s extensive public transport system, which includes trains, buses, and metro services, offers convenient travel options within cities and regions.

Exchanging UK Driving Licence

As a new resident in Spain, you can use your UK driving licence for up to six months after acquiring residency. You can use your UK driving licence until October 2023. After that date, you need to apply for a Spanish driving licence to continue driving legally.

The exchange process requires presenting a check code from the DVLA and other documentation at your appointment. Ensure your licence was valid at the time of entry to avoid issues, particularly if you are over 70.

Public Transport

Spain’s public transport system is extensive, making it easy to travel within cities and regions. Tickets often allow for transfers between buses and trains, enhancing travel efficiency.

Utilizing public transport can be a cost-effective and convenient way to explore your new surroundings while reducing your environmental footprint.

Summary

Living in Spain as a UK citizen post-Brexit involves navigating new residency rules, visa applications, and cultural adjustments. From securing a Spanish residence permit to understanding employment options and healthcare systems, this guide has covered essential aspects to help you transition smoothly. Embracing cultural differences and integrating into local life can enrich your experience and make Spain feel like home.

Taking these steps can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling life in Spain. With careful planning and preparation, you can enjoy the benefits of Spain’s vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and lower cost of living. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or retirement, Spain offers a welcoming environment for British citizens seeking a new chapter in their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in Spain without a visa?

You can stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This applies to UK citizens starting from May 2024.

What documents do I need for a Spanish visa application?

To successfully apply for a Spanish visa, you need a valid passport, a medical certificate, and proof of financial stability. Ensure that all documents are complete to avoid delays or rejection of your application.

Can I work in Spain as a self-employed person?

Yes, UK citizens can work in Spain as self-employed individuals by claiming self-employed status, registering with the Special Regime for Autonomous Workers, and obtaining a work and residency permit from the Spanish embassy in the UK.

How can I access healthcare in Spain as a UK resident?

As a UK resident, you can access healthcare in Spain by registering at a local health center and obtaining a health insurance card for public services, or you may choose private healthcare for more personalized options.

What are the tax obligations for UK citizens living in Spain?

UK citizens living in Spain are subject to Spanish income tax on their global income if they are deemed residents. Self-employed individuals must also register for and pay the Impuesto sobre actividades económicas.