Why UK Citizens Are Moving to Spain
Thousands of UK citizens relocate to Spain each year for the sunshine, slower pace of life, family reunification, or remote work flexibility. But since Brexit, British citizens no longer have automatic EU rights—a visa and legal residence permit are now required.
At Borderless Lawyers, we simplify the entire immigration process, from visa selection to residency approval and beyond.
🇬🇧 Can UK Citizens Still Move to Spain?
Yes, but a long-term visa is required. UK nationals can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. For anything beyond that, you’ll need a Spanish National Visa.
✅ Popular Spanish visa types for UK citizens:
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Digital Nomad Visa
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Non-Lucrative Visa
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Work Visa
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Student Visa
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Family Reunification
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Residency through Spanish spouse or children
🛂 Spanish Visa Options for UK Citizens
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers earning income outside Spain
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💼 Prove at least 3 months of stable freelance or employment income
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💶 Minimum monthly income: approx. €2,650
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🧾 No local employer needed
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👨👩👧 Family members can apply as dependents
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✅ Renewable and leads to long-term residency
🏖 Non-Lucrative Visa
Ideal for retirees or individuals with independent income
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💶 Must show passive income or savings (~€2,400/month)
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❌ No employment allowed in Spain
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🏡 Residency permit valid for 1 year, then renewable
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📆 Can lead to permanent residency and citizenship
💼 Work Visa
For those with a Spanish job offer
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📄 Employer must sponsor the visa from Spain
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👔 Must meet salary and labor market criteria
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✅ Provides full residency and work rights
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🔁 Renewable annually
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🧑⚖️ Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
🎓 Student Visa
For study at Spanish universities or language schools
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🏫 Enrollment in an accredited academic program
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🧾 Proof of financial means and accommodation
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💼 Allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week)
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🔁 Visa renewal possible; convertible to work visa later
👨👩👧 Family Reunification
For UK citizens with family in Spain
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🧾 Must prove relationship (spouse, children, dependent parents)
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💼 Sponsor must already have Spanish residency
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🏡 Grants dependent residency with access to services
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📅 Often processed more quickly than other visa types
📑 Required Documents for Most Applications
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🇬🇧 UK passport (valid 1+ year)
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🏠 Spanish address or accommodation plan
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💶 Proof of income, savings, or employment
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🏥 Private health insurance
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📝 Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
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🧾 Medical certificate
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🔄 Translations by certified Spanish translator (traductor jurado)
✅ We assist with document review, legalization, and certified translation.
📍 Where to Apply for a Spanish Visa in the UK
UK citizens must apply in person at a Spanish consulate:
🇪🇸 Spanish Consulate in London
🇪🇸 Spanish Consulate in Manchester
🇪🇸 Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh
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🗓️ Appointment is required
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🧾 Complete application & biometric collection
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📬 Visa is issued before your move to Spain
👣 Legal Process – Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Consultation & Strategy
🎯 We assess your background, income, family status, and immigration goals to determine the most suitable visa.
2️⃣ Document Collection & Compliance
📑 Our lawyers assist with gathering, legalizing, and translating all required documents per Spanish consular standards.
3️⃣ Application Submission
🛂 We schedule and prepare you for your appointment, review every form, and handle correspondence with Spanish authorities.
4️⃣ Post-Arrival Support
🏡 Once your visa is approved and you enter Spain, we guide you through:
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Empadronamiento (city registration)
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TIE (foreigner ID card) application
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Health system enrollment (if applicable)
5️⃣ Ongoing Legal Support
🔁 We assist with visa renewals, family reunification, legal appeals, and long-term residency or citizenship applications.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Applying for the wrong visa category
🚫 Submitting documents without proper legalization
🚫 Relying on outdated Brexit-era travel advice
🚫 Booking your trip before visa approval
✅ With Borderless Lawyers, your application is fully compliant from day one.
👩⚖️ Why UK Clients Trust Borderless Lawyers
We offer tailored, multilingual legal support for British citizens looking to build a new life in Spain.
🧭 Our Services Include:
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Visa consultation and eligibility review
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Document collection and certified translation
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Application filing and legal representation
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Assistance with arrival logistics and residency
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Strategic planning for permanent residency or citizenship
🚀 Let’s Start Your Move to Spain
Ready to make Spain your new home? Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, reuniting with family, or expanding your professional life, we’re here to make the process smooth and fully compliant.