Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for British expats in Europe, combining a pleasant climate, excellent food and culture, relatively affordable property (outside the major cities), and straightforward EU residency processes for those who move promptly and correctly. Post-Brexit, the process requires more paperwork than before, but Spain continues to welcome significant numbers of UK nationals through both general residency and investment routes. This guide covers the key steps and considerations.
Residency After Brexit
UK nationals are no longer EU citizens and therefore must apply for residency as third-country nationals. The main route for most expats is the Non-Lucrative Residency Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa), which requires proof of sufficient income or savings to support yourself without working in Spain. As of 2026 the minimum is approximately €28,800 per year for a single applicant (400 per cent of the IPREM indicator), plus around €7,200 for each additional family member.
The application is made at the Spanish consulate in the UK before you arrive. Once in Spain, you have one month to apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE — foreign identity card) at your local National Police station. The initial visa lasts one year; after that, you renew for two years, then another two, then you qualify for long-term residency.
Digital Nomad Visa. Launched in 2023, this route is available to non-EU workers employed by foreign companies or self-employed individuals working primarily for non-Spanish clients. Requires a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,350 (200 per cent of minimum wage) and proof of the employment or business relationship. A practical option for those running UK businesses or working remotely for UK employers.
Golden Visa (closed). Spain's Golden Visa (Investor Visa) — which previously granted residency to those investing €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate — was abolished on 3 April 2025 under Organic Law 1/2025, in response to housing-market pressures. The property-investment route to residency no longer exists; applications submitted before that date remain valid. You can still buy property freely as a foreigner, but it no longer confers residency. Non-EU nationals seeking to relocate now use the non-lucrative or digital nomad routes (above), or work/business visas.
NIE Number
The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) is an identification number assigned to all foreign nationals in Spain. You need it for almost everything: opening a bank account, buying property, signing a rental contract, registering a car, and filing tax returns. Apply for it at a Spanish consulate in the UK (before you move) or at a National Police station in Spain after arrival. Applications in Spain require an appointment (cita previa via the Spanish government website) and can have long waits.
Padron Registration
The Padrón Municipal is the local population register. Once you have a Spanish address — either owned or rented — you should register at your local town hall (ayuntamiento). Padrón registration is important: it underpins access to public services including healthcare, gives you standing in local electoral rolls, and is often required as proof of address in other administrative processes. Update your Padrón whenever you move house.
The Beckham Law (Régimen de Impatriados)
Spain's so-called Beckham Law (named after the footballer David Beckham who famously used it) allows qualifying expatriates who establish tax residency in Spain to elect to be taxed as non-residents for their first six years in Spain. The key benefit: income is taxed at a flat rate of 24 per cent on the first €600,000 of Spanish-source income (rather than the progressive rates up to 47 per cent that apply to general residents). Foreign-source income — subject to some changes — may be treated more favourably.
Reforms in 2022–2023 expanded eligibility and modified the rules. The regime now also applies to certain categories of remote workers, entrepreneurs, and company directors. The application must be made within six months of your first Spanish social security registration or NIE assignment. This is a complex area and professional tax advice is essential: applying incorrectly or failing to apply in time forfeits the benefit permanently.
Healthcare
EHIC/GHIC. UK nationals with a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC — the post-Brexit successor to the EHIC) can access medically necessary state healthcare in Spain while visiting or during an initial period of residency. However, GHIC is not a substitute for proper residency-linked healthcare access or private insurance.
Public healthcare (SNS — Sistema Nacional de Salud). Once registered as a resident and in some cases contributing to the Spanish social security system (as an employee or autónomo — self-employed), you gain access to the SNS. Non-working residents applying under the non-lucrative visa typically need private health insurance (it is a condition of the visa) and can apply to register with the SNS after 12 months of residency.
Private healthcare. Spain has an extensive network of private hospitals and clinics with high standards and shorter waiting times than the public system. Major providers include Sanitas (owned by Bupa), Asisa, Adeslas, and HM Hospitals. Annual premiums for comprehensive private health insurance are generally €1,000–€3,000 per person depending on age and coverage level — substantially less than UK private health costs.
Choosing Your Location
Spain is a large and diverse country. The expat experience varies enormously between regions.
Barcelona. A cosmopolitan, culturally rich city with a strong international community. Property prices are high by Spanish standards, and Catalonia's political situation adds some complexity. English is widely spoken in professional environments. Access to excellent international schools and healthcare.
Madrid. The capital offers the full infrastructure of a major European city, a dynamic economy, and strong employment prospects. Property is expensive in central districts but more reasonable in suburbs. A more traditional Spanish urban experience than Barcelona.
Malaga and the Costa del Sol. The most popular region for British retirees and lifestyle buyers. Year-round warm weather, established expat communities (particularly in Marbella, Nerja, and Estepona), good private healthcare, and international schools. Property prices range from affordable to premium. The main drawback is high tourist density in summer.
Valencia. Often cited as the best value among Spain's major cities. A genuine city with culture, beaches, a world-class food scene (paella originated here), and a large and growing expat community. Property prices are significantly below Barcelona and Madrid. Good international school provision.
Alicante and the Costa Blanca. Warmer and drier than Malaga, and considerably more affordable. Popular with retirees. Strong UK expat community, particularly around Torrevieja, Javea, and Denia. Healthcare infrastructure is good for the region size. Less cosmopolitan than Valencia or Barcelona.
Gestor Advisers
The gestor is a Spanish-specific profession — a registered administrative specialist who handles paperwork, tax filings, social security registrations, and bureaucratic processes on your behalf. Think of them as part tax adviser, part administrative lawyer, part personal assistant for navigating the Spanish system. Every long-term expat should have a good gestor. Fees are typically €500–€2,000 per year depending on the complexity of your affairs.
Banking
Spanish banking is dominated by BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, and Sabadell. Opening an account as a new resident requires your NIE, passport, proof of address, and in some cases proof of income. The process can be slow. Fintech alternatives such as N26 and Revolut operate in Spain and are useful for day-to-day spending, but a local Spanish account is ultimately necessary for direct debits, rental payments, and local administrative needs.
Driving Licence Exchange
UK driving licences are not automatically valid for driving in Spain beyond a one-year period from residency registration. You must exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one within that period; failure to do so means sitting a Spanish driving test. The exchange process (canje de permiso) is handled by the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. It involves a form, your UK licence, medical certificate, and photos. Processing times vary significantly by region — start early.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments has extensive experience supporting UK nationals relocating to Spain, from property acquisition advice to introductions to trusted gestors, tax specialists, and healthcare brokers. Whether you are considering the Beckham Law regime, planning a property investment, or navigating the NIE and residency application process, our team can guide you through each stage.
Contact us to discuss your Spain relocation plans and how we can help you establish your new life there as efficiently and as tax-efficiently as possible.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.