Moving to Spain: Practical Relocation Guide and Checklist

Spain is the most popular destination for British expats in Europe, with an estimated 300,000+ UK nationals registered as residents as of 2026, and many more living there without formal registration. The combination of climate, culture, food, affordable cost of living, and geographic proximity to the UK continues to attract families, retirees, remote workers, and investors.

Since Brexit, UK nationals are third-country nationals in Spain. Free movement no longer applies. This guide explains the new reality — how to move to Spain legally in 2026, what it costs, and how to structure your finances.

Visa Options for UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)

UK nationals can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay longer — to live, work, or retire in Spain — you need a visa or residency permit.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). The most popular route for retirees and those with passive income. You must prove you do not intend to work in Spain and have sufficient financial means — as of 2026, approximately €2,400 per month for the principal applicant (plus around €600 per additional family member). You must also show proof of private health insurance, a clean criminal record, and accommodation. Applications are made at the Spanish consulate in your home country.

Digital Nomad Visa (Startups Law). Introduced under Spain's 2022 Startups Law and operational from 2023. Designed for remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancers with foreign clients. Income threshold as of 2026: 200% of Spain's minimum wage (approximately €2,646 per month). Allows work in Spain for foreign employers. Includes a special Beckham Law tax option — see below.

Entrepreneur Visa. For those setting up a business in Spain. Requires a business plan approved by a Spanish authority (typically ENISA or regional equivalents) and proof of investment or business activity.

Highly Qualified Professional Visa. For senior employees of large companies relocating within a company structure, or highly skilled professionals in demand sectors.

Golden Visa (now closed). Spain's Golden Visa previously allowed residency for property investments of €500,000+. The programme was abolished entirely and closed to new applications on 3 April 2025 — the property route and the other investment routes (business, shares, public debt) are no longer available. UK nationals seeking residency in Spain should plan around the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or other permits described above rather than the Golden Visa.

The NIE Number — Your First Priority

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) is your identification number for all official purposes in Spain — taxes, banking, property purchase, utility contracts, car registration, and more. Without it, you cannot function in the Spanish system.

Apply for your NIE at the Spanish consulate before you leave the UK, or at a Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or designated police station in Spain. The process can take several weeks. Apply early.

TIE (Foreigner's Identity Card) and Registration

Once you have a visa and enter Spain, you must register at the town hall (Ayuntamiento) on the municipal register (Padrón municipal). This is separate from your immigration status but important — it registers you as a resident of your local area and gives you access to local services.

You will also need to apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — your physical residency card — within 30 days of arrival. This is done at the Foreigner's Office.

Tax in Spain

Spain's tax system is complex and has several features UK expats need to understand:

Spanish tax residency applies if you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in Spain, or if your economic interests are centred there. Spanish residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates. As of 2026, the top marginal rate (combined state and regional, which varies by autonomous community) can reach 47–54%.

The Beckham Law (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados). This special regime allows qualifying individuals — those who have not been Spanish tax residents in the previous five years and who move to Spain to work under an employment contract or as a Digital Nomad Visa holder — to elect to be taxed on Spanish-source income only, at a flat rate of 24% on the first €600,000 of income. It applies for the year of arrival and the following five years. This is a significant advantage for high earners and is worth understanding carefully before you move.

Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio). Spain reintroduced a national wealth tax (Solidarity Tax) in 2023 and as of 2026 some form of wealth tax applies in most autonomous communities. Rates and exemptions vary considerably by region — Andalusia and Madrid have historically offered rebates. If you hold significant global assets and plan to become Spanish resident, this requires careful planning.

UK-Spain Double Tax Treaty. Provides relief against double taxation on income taxed in both countries. UK rental income, for example, is taxed in the UK but the UK tax paid can offset your Spanish liability.

Banking

Post-Brexit, UK banks have restricted services for Spanish residents in some cases. Opening a Spanish bank account is straightforward for residents — you need your NIE, passport, and proof of address. Main options:

• Santander Spain / BBVA / CaixaBank — the big three; all have English-language service in major expat areas.
• N26, Revolut, Wise — digital accounts for day-to-day spending; not a substitute for a local account for salary, rent, and direct debits.
• Sabadell — historically strong in expat areas of the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

Maintain a UK account. Non-resident UK accounts are available from HSBC, Lloyds International, and Barclays (subject to minimum balances). If your existing UK bank is reluctant to continue serving you as a non-resident, act early — this is harder to resolve after departure.

Healthcare

EU citizens have access to Spain's public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud, SNS) via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its post-Brexit UK equivalent (GHIC) on a temporary basis. For long-term residents, access depends on your registration status.

Non-Lucrative Visa applicants must show private health insurance as part of the visa application. Once resident for several years and making social security contributions (through employment or self-employment), you may gain access to the public system.

Private healthcare in Spain is excellent and affordable relative to UK private options. A comprehensive private health plan for a couple in their 50s typically runs €200–500 per month from providers like Adeslas, Sanitas, or Asisa.

Cost of Living

Spain is considerably more affordable than the UK, particularly outside Madrid and Barcelona. Indicative costs as of 2026:

• A three-bedroom apartment in Málaga or Valencia: €1,000–1,800 per month rent.
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): €150–250 per month.
• Eating out: restaurant menus del día (three courses with wine) from €10–15; dinner at a good restaurant €30–60 per person.
• Groceries: 20–30% cheaper than the equivalent UK shop.

Practical Relocation Checklist

• Apply for NIE at Spanish consulate in the UK
• Obtain visa appropriate to your circumstances
• Arrange private health insurance (required for NLV)
• Apostille key UK documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal record check)
• Arrange translation of key documents by a certified translator
• Register on the Padrón at your local Ayuntamiento within 30 days of arrival
• Apply for TIE at Foreigners Office
• Open Spanish bank account
• Register with local health centre (Centro de Salud) once entitled to SNS access
• Notify HMRC of departure; file final UK tax return
• File Spanish tax return (Modelo 100 or Modelo 151 if using Beckham Law)
• Declare overseas assets to Spanish tax authority (Modelo 720, for assets over €50,000)

How Global Investments Can Help

Spain's tax and residency landscape for UK expats has changed materially since Brexit and requires careful advance planning. Global Investments works with clients considering Spain as a long-term base to model the combined UK-Spain tax position, plan the timing of departure, advise on the Beckham Law election where applicable, and structure investments appropriately for Spanish residency. Our team has over 32 years of experience serving internationally mobile clients across Europe.

This guide is for general information only. Tax rules, visa requirements, and regulations change frequently. Always seek professional legal and financial advice tailored to your circumstances before making relocation or investment decisions. Investments can fall as well as rise in value.