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Relocating to Spain from the UK is an increasingly popular option, thanks to lower living costs across the board, excellent weather, a rich culture, and a great healthcare system.
The first step in this relocation process is understanding your visa options, and how you may qualify for them. Latitude Law is here to help; as experienced visa specialists, our Spanish visa from the UK services simplify the application and moving process, as well as offering ongoing support during your relocation.
Can a UK citizen move to Spain permanently?
UK citizens can permanently move to Spain, assuming you apply for the appropriate visa. Some route suggestions that would allow you to relocate to Spain in the long term:
- Non-lucrative visas (for retirement)
- Digital nomad and remote work visas
- Work and student visas
- Family relocation options
Generally, you will be required to maintain legal residency in Spain for a minimum of 5 years to qualify for permanent residence.
General conditions for moving to Spain from the UK
The conditions for moving from the UK to Spain depend on your personal and work situation.
The four most common types of individual looking to move to Spain are:
- British retirees - To qualify for a non-lucrative visa as a retiree, you need proof of savings or guaranteed passive income equal to 400% of the Spanish IPREM (public income indicator for multiple effects).
- Remote workers and digital nomads - The digital nomad visa requires that you work for a company or clients outside of Spain, and you must prove a minimum monthly income of at least 200% of the Spanish Minimum Interprofessional Wage.
- Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals - Individuals moving to Spain as entrepreneurs or self-employed require an entrepreneur or startup visa. You’ll typically need to demonstrate an income or liquid assets of around 100% of the IPREM, and an additional 50% for each dependent.
- Families joining Spanish nationals/residents - For those looking to join family, the sponsor must prove 150% of the Spanish IPREM for the first dependent, then an additional 50% for each further member.
Gary McIndoeManaging Partner at Latitude Law“Spain continues to be one of the most popular destinations for UK nationals, from retirees and remote workers to families seeking a new lifestyle. By offering guidance across both countries and full relocation support – including visas, residency applications, tax, property, insurance, translation, banking, and business setup – we can give clients confidence that every aspect of their move is handled professionally and with genuine understanding.”
What kind of visa do you need to move to Spain from the UK?
Non-Lucrative Visa
A non-lucrative visa is the main option for retirees, or individuals with passive income. To qualify for this visa type, you must prove sufficient financial means to live in Spain without working. You will need to meet a financial requirement based on the current annual IPREM figure, this requirement will increase if you are applying with dependents. In 2025, this amounts to approximately €28,800 annually in 2025, plus €7,200 for each dependent.
You also need private health insurance which covers you in Spain, and a medical certificate showing a clean bill of health.
Self-Employment Business Setup Visa
A visa type suitable for entrepreneurs or freelancers starting a business in Spain is the self-employment visa. UK nationals must apply for a residence and work authorisation through the UK Spanish Consulate. You must submit a detailed business plan and documents to support this.
You must also register with the Spanish social security system, then apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) following this.
Digital Nomad Visa
This visa route is ideal for UK Nationals working remotely from within Spain. It requires a relevant degree or at least three years experience in the chosen field of work, and you’ll need to be able to show proof of earning at least 200% of the minimum wage.
For self-employed individuals on this route, you are permitted to earn 20% of your total income from Spanish companies.
Family Dependent Visa
If you are the dependent of an individual moving to Spain on one of the above visa options, or if you are wondering how you can bring your dependents with you, you need to understand the specific visa requirements associated with bringing family members.
For example, the digital nomad visa requires that a single applicant must earn at least 200% of the minimum wage, but an additional 75% for one dependent, and then another 25% for each additional dependent.
Navigating these often confusing rules and financial barriers can be difficult, which is why Latitude Law offers support for dependent visa applicants as part of our services.
How has immigration for UK citizens relocating to Spain after Brexit changed?
Leaving the EU (Brexit) now means that UK citizens can no longer freely move to Spain. For any stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa. You also shouldn’t stay in Spain through successive short visits for over 180 days in any 12 month period.
This is because British passport holders are now considered as non-EU members, so to live, work, or study in Spain, you need to secure the correct visa type.
Eligibility for a Spanish visa
Your eligibility for a Spanish visa depends mainly on your purpose for travel. All applicants must have a valid passport, and meet specific requirements such as financial means, health insurance, and no criminal record.
If you wish to move to Spain as a retiree, a remote worker, or as a digital nomad, you have the right to apply for a Spanish visa, assuming you meet financial and eligibility requirements.
How to apply for a Spanish visa
Applying for a Spanish visa can be a complicated process, with many snags and pitfalls which catch most applicants out. Whilst the official application process is through the UK government website, it’s recommended that you seek the support of immigration specialists, such as the team at Latitude Law.
Our customers often underestimate the complexity and difficulty of managing Spanish bureaucracy, which ends up negatively impacting their chances.
Our service combines the comfort of an English-speaking expert legal team with in-depth knowledge of the Spanish visa process to ensure a smooth and stress-free process no matter whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or starting a business.
Get in touch today to start your Spanish relocation journey.
Get Application Support for Your Spanish Visa
Complying with regulations for relocating to Spain from the UK
To comply with regulations for relocation to Spain from the UK, you first need to establish which visa route is right for you.
Beyond this, you’ll need to gather the visa-specific information and documents, including those which are required across the board, such as:
- Valid passport
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of income
- Private health insurance
Once you’ve arrived in Spain, it’s also important that you follow local regulations in a timely manner. For example, you need to register your address locally to receive a Certificado de Empadronamiento, and apply for your TIE card as soon as possible.
It’s easy to get confused with one or more aspects of the relocation and registration process, which is why working with immigration specialists is highly recommended.
Supporting services after moving from the UK to Spain
Moving from the UK to Spain isn’t as simple as seeing your application approved then instantly moving over and starting a new life. You need to consider aspects such as residency applications, tax, property, insurance, translation, banking, and business setup.
Latitude Law also offers services such as relocation support, to help with NIE (foreigners identification number), bank account setup aid, and local compliance.
Equally, we can assist you with ongoing legal and tax advisory services for residents or businesses, ensure that you comply with all Spanish laws and regulations, and that your time in the country is as stress-free as possible.
Work with Latitude Law to successfully move to Spain from the UK
Latitude Law is a boutique law firm with offices in Manchester, London, and Brussels. The company specialises in all immigration matters, including relocation from the UK to Spain.
Our services involve helping you gather the required documents, meet financial requirements, and optimising your visa application to give you the highest possible chance of success.
We also provide ongoing services and support once you’ve moved, ensuring that you integrate into all aspects of your new life seamlessly and comfortably, adhering to business laws and regulations.
Get in touch today to get started.
Move to Spain from the UK with Our Support
