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Residency in Spain

Residency in Spain Planning to move to Spain permanently? You could choose to become a Spanish resident.

Here we outline what residency means and how you can apply.

Residency in Spain after Brexit

There is no difference to the process or cost of buying a property in Spain. But there are now limits on how long you might spend there.

Unless you have a visa / Spanish residency you can spend a maximum of 90 days in each 180 in Spain every year. If you earn rental income from a property you will be liable for a higher rate of tax - 24 per cent, not per cent. If you want to stay longer than 90 days at one time, or move to Spain, you will need to get a visa.

For retirees, The Non-Lucrative Visa allows people not working in Spain to stay there for more than 90 days. You must apply to the Spanish Consulates in the UK before you go, meet certain income criteria and have private medical insurance. If one of a married couple has an EU passport then the process can be easier: the British citizen can piggyback on the EU citizen's application for residency.

If you are hoping to work in Spain you must apply for a different type of visa. If you have a Spanish employer, they might apply on your behalf; or there are entrepreneur visas and also the Digital Nomad Visa. There are autonamo (self-employment) visas too, but anecdotally these are easier to obtain if you are already in Spain on another type of visa, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa.

If you live in Spain for more than 183 days a year, you have a legal obligation to apply for Spanish residency and submit a tax return on worldwide assets and income the year after you become a resident. Holding a Spanish residency card will permit British nationals to travel freely across Spain and access their healthcare system. Britons over the age of 65 can still access the healthcare system. They must obtain an S1 form from the UK social security department. But note not everything is free in the Spanish healthcare system, and many people top up with private healthcare cover.

Types of Visas

You can find out more about which visa might be right for you below:

FAQs: Residency in Spain

How do I get residency in Spain as a UK citizen or non-EU national?

Post-Brexit, UK citizens and other non-EU nationals need to apply for a visa or residency permit if they want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Common visa options include:

  • Non-lucrative visa for retirees or those with passive income
  • Digital nomad visa – for those working for a non-Spanish company
  • Work or self-employment visa – if sponsored by a Spanish company or running your own business

Applicants must show proof of income, healthcare coverage, police check, and accommodation in Spain.

Can I get residency in Spain by buying a property?

No – Spain’s Golden Visa programme is now over.

What is the non-lucrative visa for Spain?

The non-lucrative visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without working there. It’s commonly used by retirees and assumes tax residency in Spain. To qualify, you must show proof of sufficient passive income and hold private health insurance - unless you hold an S1 Certificate. It grants an initial one-year residency, renewable in two-year increments.

Do I need residency to own property in Spain?

No, you do not need residency to buy or own property in Spain. Foreign nationals can legally purchase property whether or not they live in the country. However, if you plan to spend extended periods in Spain, you may need to apply for a visa.

Can I retire to Spain from the UK?

Yes, many UK retirees successfully relocate to Spain. Post-Brexit, you’ll need a visa - the non-lucrative visa. You'll also need proof of retirement income or savings, private health insurance, and a long-term rental contract or proof of home ownership. Once approved, you can register for healthcare and other services as a resident.

Residency in Spain Download our guide