Last updated: 22 October 2026
Spain is still the most popular country in Europe for Britons moving abroad, thanks to its climate, food, lifestyle and large British community. Since Brexit, though, UK citizens need a visa to live in Spain, and the paperwork has become more important than ever.
Without a visa, UK citizens can stay in Spain (and the Schengen area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To live there longer, you need a residence visa.
| Visa | Who it suits | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Non-lucrative visa | Retirees and people with passive income | Must show sufficient income or savings and private health insurance; no local work |
| Digital nomad visa | Remote workers for non-Spanish employers or clients | Income threshold applies; can lead to residency |
| Work visa | People with a Spanish job offer | Usually employer-sponsored |
| Self-employed visa | Freelancers and business owners | Business plan and finances needed |
| Family reunification | Family of legal residents | Sponsor must meet requirements |
| Student visa | Study in Spain | Limited work rights |
Spain closed its “golden visa” property investment route in 2025. Apply at the Spanish consulate in the UK before you move, and always check the official requirements, because income thresholds change.
Most removals to mainland Spain travel by road via ferry or the Channel Tunnel, taking about 3–7 days.
| Move size | Typical cost range (UK to mainland Spain) |
|---|---|
| Part load / shared van | £1,000–£2,500 |
| 2–3 bedroom house | £2,500–£5,500 |
| Large family home | £5,000–£8,000+ |
Moves to the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands involve sea freight and extra customs steps, especially for the Canaries, which sit outside the EU VAT area. Read our international removals guide.
A UK right-hand-drive car can be registered in Spain, but it needs technical inspections, possibly modifications and registration tax, and it can be harder to sell later. Many people sell their UK car and buy a left-hand-drive car locally.
Overnight ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao let you drive down with a car full of belongings. See holidays without flying from the UK for more no-fly routes.
Yes, with a residence visa such as the non-lucrative, digital nomad or work visa. Without one, you can stay only 90 days in any 180.
Removals for a 2–3 bedroom home typically cost £2,500–£5,500 by road, plus visa, insurance and set-up costs.
Usually 3–7 days by road to mainland Spain. Island moves by sea take longer.
No. Spain ended its golden visa route in 2025.
Yes, but registration involves inspections, paperwork and tax. Many people buy locally instead.
Ask us about freighter and sea voyages from the UK to southern Europe and beyond.
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