{"id":1562,"date":"2025-10-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1562"},"modified":"2026-02-02T19:17:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T19:17:06","slug":"how-to-move-to-spain-from-uk-a-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/how-to-move-to-spain-from-uk-a-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Move to Spain from UK: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re dreaming of sunny Spain, you\u2019re in good company. Well over<a href=\"https:\/\/expatnetwork.com\/destination-spain\/\"> 300,000 Brits have moved to Spain<\/a> for the beautiful countryside, delicious food, and affordable properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, is the Spanish dream still a reality? Brexit has made moving abroad harder for UK citizens, but not impossible. We\u2019ve put together a guide for <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/moving-abroad-from-uk-advice-and-tips\/\">moving to Spain from the UK<\/a>, including your visa options and application process, financial requirements, and how and when you can get your long-term residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Your Visa Options?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Post-Brexit, things have changed for UK citizens wanting to move to the EU. You\u2019re no longer allowed to spend more than<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/travel-to-eu-schengen-area\"> 90 days in a 180-day period<\/a> in the Schengen Area (which includes Spain) unless you get a visa.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three types of long-term visa options:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spanish residency visa (non-lucrative visa)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work and residence visa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Student visa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital nomad visa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family reunification visa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The residency visa for UK nationals is also known as a non-lucrative visa \u2013 the golden visa. It\u2019s for individuals with sufficient financial resources to not depend on working in Spain. Basically, you can only get this visa if you have enough money to cover your living expenses, rent or mortgage, and health insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning to work in Spain? You need to have a Spanish employer in order to get a Spanish work visa. They will complete your work and residence authorisation application, which you will need for your visa application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Self-employed? Don\u2019t worry, British nationals can still <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/spain\/\">move to Spain<\/a> without working for a Spanish company. You\u2019ll need proof of funds, skills and experience, and no criminal record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth noting that all visas will need to be renewed every two years, no matter which visa you choose. You no longer need to renew your visa once you\u2019ve successfully applied for permanent residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa Application Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you\u2019ve selected the appropriate visa. Now you just need to apply \u2013 easy, right? We\u2019ve detailed what British expats need to apply for a visa below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should apply for your Spanish visa at least three months ahead of your move. Fees depend on the type of visa, and will need to be paid during the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documents Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To begin, you will need the following on hand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Valid passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Criminal record checks (clean for five years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of financial stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spanish residence permit (for residency visa)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standard photos and passport photos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You might also need further documents to prove you meet the visa requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Residency Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A long-stay visa is one thing. But what about your plans to retire to the Spanish countryside for the foreseeable? Applying for long-term residency or Spanish citizenship means that you won\u2019t need to continue re-submitting your visa application with your local immigration office every two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long-Term Residency and Citizenship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can only apply for Spanish citizenship after you have lived in Spain for at least 10 years. It may seem like a long time to wait, but with your Spanish citizenship, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Travel throughout the European Union and Schengen area without restrictions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply for a Spanish passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Register to vote in Spanish elections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply for an EHIC card (the pre-Brexit European Health Insurance Card)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, to become a citizen of Spain, you will need to give up your UK citizenship. The Spanish authorities do not currently recognise dual nationality with the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to apply to become a citizen, you\u2019ll need to be:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Able to speak Spanish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Part of Spanish culture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A clear criminal record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10 years of residency in Spain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your current passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three photographs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spanish Foreigner Identification Number<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you first arrive in Spain, you\u2019ll need to apply for your Spanish Foreigner Identification Number (NIE). You must apply in person with the Spanish consulate at the local town hall or police station \u2013 and it might involve several trips to fill out the application form and gather your documents. You will also need to pay the required fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why get your NIE? With this, you can open a Spanish bank account and apply for long-term residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the good news: the cost of living in Spain is much lower than in the UK. On average, an individual can <a href=\"https:\/\/iasservices.org.uk\/cost-of-living-renting-in-popular-expat-areas-of-spain\/\">live comfortably on \u20ac1,000 a month<\/a>, whether renting or <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/moving-abroad-from-uk-advice-and-tips\/\">owning property in Spain<\/a>. Of course, it depends on where you live \u2013 the big cities like Barcelona and Madrid cost a lot more than <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/house-prices-in-europe-trends-and-insights-across-key-markets\/\">house prices<\/a> in smaller, rural towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need \u20ac2,400 per month (or \u20ac28,800 annually, as of 2025) to meet the Spanish non-lucrative residence visa requirements. Any dependants, like a spouse or family member, will need an additional \u20ac600 per month. You\u2019ll need to prove that you have these funds with documents like bank statements or income proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These requirements can vary. It\u2019s worth checking the exact amounts and specific requirements before submitting your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening a Spanish Bank Account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s relatively easy to open a Spanish bank account as a British expat. You\u2019ll need your proof of identity, Spanish foreigner identification number (NIE) and certificate, proof of address, and proof of employment status.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might need to book an appointment with an English-speaking member of staff, but if this is not an option, you\u2019ll need to bring along someone who can translate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also worth double checking what will happen to your current bank when moving to Spain from the UK. Some banks, like Barclays, close your account when you <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/i-want-to-move-abroad-where-do-i-start-start-your-move-abroad\/\">move abroad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family and Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/moving-to-spain-if-only-i-had-known\/\">moving to Spain<\/a> with your family, you\u2019ll need to put your kids in school. In Spain, there are four stages: infant (escuela infantil), primary (educaci\u00f3n primaria), secondary (educaci\u00f3n secundaria obligatoria), and university preparation (bachillerato) or vocational training (formaci\u00f3n profesional).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public schools in Spain are free as long as you are a legal resident. It\u2019s compulsory to send your children to school from the ages of six to sixteen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Healthcare Consideration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving to Spain means you\u2019ll get one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/healthcare-in-spain\/\">best healthcare systems<\/a> in the world. Although mostly funded by taxes, British citizens will also need private health&nbsp; insurance \u2013 especially for services like dental care or mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>State healthcare is free for anyone who works and pays social security contributions. As long as you meet these requirements, you should be able to access free state healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Upscore Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to move to Spain? Sorting out your finances and applying for a mortgage for a Spanish property in a foreign country can feel like a pain. Upscore can make things easier. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/v2.app.upscoreapp.com\/onboarding\/passport\/es\">Spanish Finance Passport<\/a> is a convenient way to find lenders and get one step closer to <a href=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/buying-a-house-abroad-what-you-need-to-know\/\">owning your dream home<\/a> in Spain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apply remotely to get personalised support for your move to Spain!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re dreaming of sunny Spain, you\u2019re in good company. Well over 300,000 Brits have moved to Spain for the beautiful countryside, delicious food, and affordable properties. In 2025, is the Spanish dream still a reality? Brexit has made moving abroad harder for UK citizens, but not impossible. We\u2019ve put together a guide for moving [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1564,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","news-category":[],"class_list":["post-1562","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.3 (Yoast SEO v26.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Move to Spain from UK: A Complete Guide - Upscore<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re looking to move to Spain, our guide covers everything you need to know about Spanish visas, financial requirements, and how to get your Spanish residency.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Move to Spain from UK: A Complete Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re looking to move to Spain, our guide covers everything you need to know about Spanish visas, financial requirements, and how to get your Spanish residency.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/how-to-move-to-spain-from-uk-a-complete-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Upscore\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-02T19:17:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/spain.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"896\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/how-to-move-to-spain-from-uk-a-complete-guide\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/upscoreapp.com\/properties\/news\/how-to-move-to-spain-from-uk-a-complete-guide\/\",\"name\":\"How to Move to Spain from UK: A Complete Guide - 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