🇬🇧 Digital Nomad Visa Spain – A Guide for UK Citizens Post-Brexit
Since Brexit, UK citizens have lost their automatic right to live and work in the EU. But with Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), remote workers from the UK now have a clear legal path to live in Spain while working for UK or international clients.
Here’s your step-by-step guide.
✅ Who Qualifies for the Visa?
UK citizens must meet the following criteria:
🧑💻 Work remotely as:
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A freelancer with multiple clients, or
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An employee of a non-Spanish company
💰 Minimum income: €2,646/month (200% of Spain’s SMI)
📄 Must have a work history of 3+ months with current client/employer
🎓 Hold a university degree or 3 years’ related experience
🧼 Clean UK criminal background check
🏥 Valid private health insurance
🏠 Proof of accommodation in Spain (lease, reservation)
📍 Best Cities for UK Digital Nomads in Spain
| 🏙️ City | Why UK Citizens Choose It |
|---|---|
| Valencia | Affordable, coastal, strong UK expat base |
| Barcelona | Cosmopolitan, startup scene, direct flights |
| Malaga | Sunny, relaxed, popular with remote workers |
| Madrid | Ideal for professionals, quick EU access |
| Alicante | Quiet, beachy, cost-effective |
🛂 Application Routes
Option 1: From the UK (Spanish Consulate in London or Edinburgh)
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Apply for a 1-year visa
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Initial entry visa allows conversion to 3-year residency in Spain
Option 2: From Spain (on a tourist visa)
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Apply for a 3-year digital nomad residence permit
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Submit through UGE within your first 90 days in Spain
🗓️ Processing time: ~20 working days (Spain) or 1–2 months (UK)
🧾 Required Documents for UK Citizens
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Valid UK passport
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Apostilled UK police certificate (ACRO)
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Employment contract or freelance invoices/contracts
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Income proof (bank statements, payslips, tax returns)
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Proof of academic degree or 3 years’ work experience
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Private health insurance (not travel insurance)
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Spanish address documentation
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Sworn translations into Spanish of all relevant docs
📌 Note: Borderless Lawyers can help secure apostille + certified translations.
🧮 Spanish Taxation for UK Digital Nomads
Spain offers a reduced flat tax rate under the Beckham Law:
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24% on income up to €600,000/year (first 6 years)
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No tax on foreign passive income (UK investments, dividends)
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Still need to file UK Self-Assessment unless tax non-resident
📍 Planning to stay long-term? Spain’s non-dom tax structure may be worth exploring.
👨👩👧👦 Can You Bring Family?
Yes — you can bring:
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Your spouse or civil partner
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Dependent children
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They’ll be issued linked digital nomad family permits
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You must show additional income (~€1,000/month per adult dependent)
💡 Why UK Citizens Are Choosing Spain
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🕶️ Better weather, lifestyle, and healthcare
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💸 Lower living costs than London or the Southeast
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📡 Fast internet + growing remote work hubs
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✈️ Direct flights to major UK airports
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🧑🎓 International schools and English-speaking services
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
As a UK applicant post-Brexit, the process involves:
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Spanish bureaucracy
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Apostille services
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Residency and tax planning
We offer:
✅ Application filing & legal review
✅ UK criminal record checks + apostille
✅ NIE number & empadronamiento setup
✅ Family reunification handling
✅ Ongoing tax residency management
📞 Book your free legal consultation and relocate to Spain the smart way.
✈️ Final Thoughts
The Digital Nomad Visa is a game-changer for UK citizens post-Brexit. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or remote employee, Spain welcomes you with warm weather, a strong nomad community, and legal clarity.
Don’t navigate the system alone. Contact Borderless Lawyers today.