In addition to being a common holiday destination, Spain is also one of the most popular destinations for British expats. The warm climate and affordable cost of living makes it a desirable country to relocate to.
Before moving to Spain, it's important to take plenty of time to research the country, its immigration laws, and everything you need to know about day-to-day life there. This can help make it easier for you to adjust when you arrive and will ensure your international move will go as smooth as possible.
Spain is a large country, so it's also important for you to be aware of what region, or city you would like to move to. Prices for goods and services will vary depending on where you go, so take your budget into account before deciding on the best place to settle down.
The Spanish climate
Being such a large country, Spain’s climate varies from region to region. In the North, it has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. In the south of Spain summer can get very hot. Central Spain, far from the modifying effects of the ocean, tends to experience extremes of hot and cold.
Skiing in Spain
Although known for its sunny weather, there are also places in Spain that you can ski. There are ski resorts in The Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada, and even in the area around Madrid.
The cost of living in Spain
One of the many perks of moving to Spain is the cost of living. If you want to eat and live like a local, your money can go much further than it does in the UK.
The average cost of rent in Spain is cheaper than in the UK as is buying a property.
Additionally, living costs in Spain are on average around 20% cheaper than the cost of living in the UK. Food and groceries are often cheaper in Spain than the UK including dining out in a restaurant.
From utility bills to public transport, Spain is on average more affordable to live in than the UK. Although you will have to budget for your move, once you are living in Spain you will find yourself spending less per month.
Working in Spain
Finding a job and working in Spain requires research and planning. It’s important you understand the job market, which jobs are in high demand, and which jobs might be more competitive to ensure you set yourself up properly for employment in Spain.
Do you need a visa to work in Spain?
British citizens will need a visa or permit if they are staying for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period. You will need to apply for a work permit to be able to work and stay in Spain long-term.
There are a group of documents that you will need to present to be eligible to work in Spain.
When applying for an employee visa you will need:
- National visa application form
- Recent passport photograph
- Valid and unexpired passport
- Residence and employee work permit
- Cope of your work contract
- Criminal record check certificate
- Medical certificate
- Proof of your capability and qualifications
It’s important to research the format your documents will need to be in and if they will need to be translated.
If you are moving to Spain and plan to live on your British pension, remember that there will always be fluctuations between the British pound and the Euro so you need to be prepared to deal with this.
It is also worth looking into taxes that need to be paid in Spain, and consider organising your accounts in advance.
Self-employment
If you plan on starting your own business, that needs an even greater amount of thought and planning.
If you are applying for a self-employed work permit you will also need to provide documents.
These include:
- Application form for initial residence and self-employed work permit
- Valid and unexpired passport
- Permits and licenses for business activity
- Business plan
- Certificate from Spain’s Self-Employed Workers Association stating that the business plan is feasible
- Criminal record check certificate
- Medical certificate
- Evidence of sufficient funds to maintain the business
It’s preferable to get things lined up before you go as the process can take a while to process.
If you don’t sort employment before arriving in Spain, make sure you have money to live there for at least six months while you find a job and establish yourself.
Speak the language
If your Spanish is not very good, it would be helpful to enrol on a course before you move to Spain. Having at least a basic grasp of the language can help you settle in to your new home more easily.
There are people who happily live abroad without speaking the language, but even if you are going to be moving to an area with many British expats, like
Costa del Sol, you will find it helpful if you’ve learned Spanish before you arrive, especially if you are intending to find a job.
From facilitating your job search and making new friends amongst the locals, you’ll be able to deal more efficiently with all necessary bureaucracy and allow you to travel to less touristy areas.
If you are struggling for time, using language learning apps and websites in your spare time can be a good way to learn the language.
Get a gestor/gestoría
Getting a gestor/gestoría can help make the administration process much easier.
What is a gestor/gestoría?
A gestor is a clerk with experience and good contacts, not a professional. While not a property solicitor or an accountant, they can do some of their work. Their main role is to liaise between you, a member of the public, and the Spanish administration.
The relatively low fees are well worth it for the time you’ll save in all your dealings with Spanish administration, especially if you are struggling with the language barrier.
Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain
Spain has a national health service, Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), provides free (or low cost) healthcare to registered Spanish residents. Much like the NHS, most healthcare is free, but some things, such as prescriptions, will need to be paid for.
In order to be registered to the healthcare system in Spain you must meet one or more requirements. You must have been living in Spain for more than 5 years, be employed in Spain, or be paying directly into the public health insurance scheme.
If you want private healthcare, check the terms of your current health insurance in the UK, which will probably only cover you for a short period away from home.
For those taking an early retirement to Spain, it’s important to note that the NHS stopped reimbursing medical costs incurred by non-working Britons under pensionable age in other European states.
Before your move, find out what healthcare options are available in the Spanish region you’re moving to. You may be required to buy private health cover. If you already hold a residual S1, ready for your move to Spain, the changes will not affect you until your current form expires.
Make sure you do your research to understand what you will be covered for when living in Spain.
Spanish NIE numbers
You will need to obtain a NIE number upon your arrival in Spain.
A NIE is a tax identification number issued by the National Police of Spain. It is a legal requirement in Spain for anyone who is working, wants to open a bank account, or wants to buy/sell a property or car.
To get your number, you’ll need to request directly in Spain or in the Consular Office in the UK.
The application must be made in person or through an accredited representative. Depending on the region you are moving to, you may have to book an appointment in advance to request your NIE number.
To obtain your NIE number when moving to Spain, take these documents with you:
- Your passport and a copy of all pages
- Passport photos
- proof of legal entry into Spain
- A complete EX-15 form; you can find this online along with English instructions (it must be completed in Spanish)
- A supporting document stating why you need an NIE (plus a photocopy)
There is a small fee of £8.45 that must also be paid.
Once issued, the number is yours for life.
Strictly speaking these must be applied for in person but you can apply via
your local Spanish consulate before you leave. There are also firms that offer to act as your representative to organise this prior to your arrival in Spain.
Buying a property
To avoid misunderstanding, it’s important that your advisor has excellent command of Spanish as well as English.
Select a conveyancing solicitor that specialises in Spanish land law, as the system there is vastly different from ours.
For example, when buying property, you’ll need to create a will to cover disposal of Spanish assets in the event of your death. You may also be liable for any debts associated with the previous owner.
Shipping documentation
To ship your belongings to Spain, you’ll need the following documentation:
- Passport
- NIE
- Residence certificate
- Letter from your employer confirming you have work (if you are not retiring)
- Application for duty free import
- Your house deeds for your Spanish home or a rental contract
- A full inventory of the goods in Spanish
In addition, your chosen international removals company must have the following accreditations:
- FAIM Accreditation
- Membership of the FIDI Global Alliance
- Membership of the British Association of Removers Overseas Group (BAR OVERSEAS)
For definitions of the international moving terms you will encounter during this experience, take a look at our
Moving Glossary.
It is recommended that you discuss the customs documentation and regulations necessary for your move to Spain with your international removal company, as they can guide you through the process.
Prohibited and restricted Items
Before you select which goods you’ll be taking with you to your new home abroad, it is important that you make yourself aware of restricted items when entering Spanish shores.
Restricted items include:
- Works of art or antiques to be sold as part of a collection will incur duty charges. If they are over 100 years old and shipped as personal items, they are free.
- Any new furniture up costing over 3,000 euros is free from duty
- Sports guns need the appropriate license and permission from Spain.
- Inheritance – The death certificate, letter confirming right to inheritance and certificate from the UK and Spain confirming exemption from inheritance tax.
- Wedding Trousseaux - A marriage certificate, authenticated by the British consulate and proof of address in Spain.
- Alcohol and tobacco over your personal limited will incur duty.
- Plants must have a Phytosanitary Certificate.
The Spanish post website also has guidance on what is
prohibited for postal shipments in international mail.
There can also be duty taxes and bans on items that you may wish to transport to Spain. Your
overseas removal firm will have the experience and knowledge to advise you in full on what can and can’t be taken when you move to Spain.
Transportation tips
- Transit - For European moves to Spain, the most common method of goods transportation is by road.
- Direct Loads - In a direct load, the removal vehicle will contain your goods exclusively. This is more expensive as you can specify a delivery date. The removal company will transport your belongings directly to your new property to arrive on the most convenient day for you.
- Part Loads - If your items don’t fill the removal vehicle or you have a limited budget, a part load would be a cost-effective option. Part loads involve your goods sharing a vehicle with those of other movers. Although cheaper, this option can take longer. You won’t be able to select a delivery date, but your removal firm will provide you with a delivery window and a more specific date of arrival once the removal vehicle has set off.
- Furniture - You’ll need to find an experienced international removal company to ensure the safe transportation of your belongings when you move to Spain. They’ll be familiar with local customs and duty regulations and can advise you on any restrictions and on what documentation is required.
It’s suggested that you get your removal company to conduct a pre-move survey of your items to discuss which transportation option would be more suitable for you.
Find out more about
the differences between part load and direct load shipping.
Bear in mind it can take anywhere from days to weeks for your shipment to reach you, so it may be worth sending the important items by air freight or, if you are driving there, taking them with you in the car so you have them available when you reach your destination.
Opening a bank account in Spain
Some UK banks, like Barclays and Santander, aren’t affiliated with Spain, they are entirely separate. If you have an account with one of these banks in the UK, you’ll still have to open a new, separate, account in Spain.
If you want to open an account before you live in Spain, it will be a non-resident account and for this you will need a Certificado No Residente.
The procedure to get one is the same as obtaining your NIE certificate: you have to fill in
the EX-15, pay the amount due into the bank and then obtain the form.
Once you have the certificate you can go along to your bank with the following documents:
- The EX-15 Certificate
- Your Passport
- Your NIE number
- An address where any paperwork can be forwarded
If you intend to become a Spanish resident, you must first get a Certificate of Residency. When this is in your possession you can give the bank a copy of the certificate and a utility bill in your name, they will then change the account to that of the resident.
Find out more about
changing banks when moving abroad.
Importing a car to Spain
If you’re a Spanish resident, you cannot drive a foreign plated car.
When you first arrive, however, you can drive one for six months. After 6 months you are regarded as a Spanish tax resident, and you must register your vehicle with Spanish authorities.
Once you become a resident you have up to 30 days to register your vehicle. For this, you must put it through a Spanish MOT test (ITV). The price for an ITV test is not uniform, but the average cost is around €39-55. You might also need to buy a new set of headlamps as you must have fog lights at the rear of your vehicle, on both sides.
Once you’ve passed your ITV, you’ll then need to get Spanish plates and pay your import tax which is based on emissions.
Moving to Spain from the UK FAQs
Can I move to Spain permanently from the UK?
If you are wanting to live in Spain indefinitely you can apply for a long-term residency permit after you have lived in Spain for five years. This will allow you to gain residency status.
How much money do you need to move to Spain without a job?
If you are look for a non-working (non-lucrative) residence visa, then you will need to meet the minimum income requirements. The requirement for a primary applicant is 400% of the annual IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). The IPREM is an index that determines eligibility for certain benefits. The current IPREM is currently €600 per month, meaning you need at least €2400 annual income per month or savings in your bank account.
Is healthcare free in Spain for UK citizens?
Yes, once you have registered for healthcare basic health services will be free. However, you will still have to pay for certain services such as prescription medication.
What is a Golden Visa in Spain?
A Golden Visa is residency by investment program. It offers residency to non-EU nationals who offer to make a significant contribution to the Spanish economy.