Since Brexit, UK citizens no longer benefit from EU freedom of movement. If you want to live, work, retire, or study in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need a Spanish national visa. The good news is that there are multiple options — and with the right preparation, approval is entirely possible.
This guide breaks down the main types of Spanish visas available for UK citizens, including requirements, benefits, and how Borderless Lawyers can assist you from application to approval.
📋 Summary Table: Visa Types for UK Citizens
| Visa Type | Best For | Can Work? | Leads to Residency? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees, passive income earners | ❌ | ✅ |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers, freelancers | ✅ (remote only) | ✅ |
| Student Visa | Enrolled university or language students | ✅ (part-time) | ✅ |
| Work Visa | Those with a Spanish job offer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self-Employed Visa | Freelancers, business owners | ✅ | ✅ |
| EU Family Member Visa | UK citizens with EU spouses/parents | ✅ | ✅ |
🔹 1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Ideal for: Retirees or UK citizens with pensions, rental income, or savings
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No work permitted in Spain
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Income requirement: ~€2,400/month (plus ~€600/month per dependent)
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Must have private health insurance valid across Spain
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Must apply from a Spanish consulate in the UK
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Renewable and leads to long-term residency
✅ Popular with British early retirees or remote landlords.
🔹 2. Digital Nomad Visa
Ideal for: UK citizens who work remotely for UK/international clients
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Must show you’ve worked remotely for 1 year
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Proof of ~€2,600/month income
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Must not work for Spanish companies
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Eligible for Beckham Law (flat 24% tax up to €600,000)
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Apply from UK or switch from tourist visa inside Spain
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1-year visa, renewable up to 5 years
✅ Excellent choice for post-Brexit UK freelancers or tech workers.
🔹 3. Student Visa
Ideal for: UK students enrolled in Spanish universities or language schools
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Must be accepted into a recognized institution
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Must show enough funds for living costs and health insurance
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Permits up to 20 hours/week of part-time work
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Renewable for multi-year degree programs
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Can transition to work or residence visa later
✅ Smart way to live in Spain with a legal path to residency.
🔹 4. Work Visa (Highly Qualified Worker / Standard Employee)
Ideal for: UK citizens with a job offer from a Spanish company
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The employer must sponsor and apply for your permit
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Position must be difficult to fill or specialized
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Includes tech, engineering, education, medical fields
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Valid for 1 year, renewable
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Enrolment in Spanish social security is mandatory
✅ Harder to obtain but ideal if you’ve secured a Spanish job.
🔹 5. Self-Employed / Entrepreneur Visa
Ideal for: UK citizens launching a business in Spain
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Must provide a full business plan and prove viability
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Show projected income and impact on Spanish economy
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Proof of relevant qualifications or licensing
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Health insurance and financial capacity required
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Can lead to long-term residency and tax residency
✅ Good option for small business owners or remote agency founders.
🔹 6. EU Family Member Visa
Ideal for: UK citizens with an EU or Spanish spouse, parent, or child
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Simplified documentation and fast-track residency
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No income threshold (in most cases)
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Immediate right to work and study
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5-year renewable card leads to permanent residency
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Must reside together in Spain
✅ One of the easiest and most flexible pathways — if eligible.
📝 Key Application Requirements (All Visa Types)
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid UK passport | Must have at least 6 months validity |
| Completed application form | Different for each visa type |
| Criminal background check | Apostilled and translated |
| Medical certificate | Must meet Spanish health standards |
| Proof of accommodation in Spain | Rental contract or property deed |
| Private health insurance | Without co-pays or exclusions |
| Proof of income or work | Salary, contracts, bank statements |
| Passport photos | Usually 2 recent photos required |
| Document translations | Must be done by a sworn translator |
📌 We handle all apostilles, translations, and formalities for you.
🕒 Where to Apply in the UK?
You must apply for your Spanish visa through the Spanish Consulate responsible for your region:
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London – For residents in England (South) and Wales
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Manchester – For residents in North England
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Edinburgh – For Scotland and Northern Ireland
⏱️ Application timelines vary, but average 4–8 weeks. Book your appointment early, especially in spring/summer.
🔁 Visa Renewals and Residency Path
| Visa Type | Initial Validity | Renewal Terms | Permanent Residency Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLV | 1 year | 2 + 2 years | ✅ After 5 years |
| Digital Nomad | 1 year | Renewable | ✅ After 5 years |
| Student | Course duration | Renewable | ✅ (with transition) |
| Work Visa | 1 year | Renewable | ✅ After 5 years |
| Family Member | 5 years | Renewable | ✅ After 5 years |
⚠️ Common Mistakes UK Applicants Make
| ❌ Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Choosing the wrong visa | Can limit work or residency rights |
| Missing apostilles or translations | Will cause rejections or delays |
| Applying too close to travel date | May not get visa on time |
| Not planning for tax residency | Can lead to surprise tax bills |
| Not budgeting for renewals | Can affect legal stay in Spain |
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps UK Citizens Get Approved
✔️ We help you choose the best visa type
✔️ Prepare and check every document for accuracy
✔️ Arrange apostilles, sworn translations, and forms
✔️ Submit and monitor your application
✔️ Coordinate with the Spanish consulate
✔️ Assist with renewals, NIE, health insurance, and tax setup
✅ UK-based service, Spain-based results — we handle everything seamlessly.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to apply for your Spanish visa from the UK?
Let us guide you through the process — legally, correctly, and with peace of mind.