Moving to Spain from the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

Can UK Nationals Still Move to Spain After Brexit?

Absolutely — and in 2026, Spain remains the most popular destination for UK nationals moving abroad. The key change after Brexit is that UK citizens are now treated as third-country nationals, meaning you can no longer rely on freedom of movement. You must apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) before relocating.

The good news is that Spain has introduced several excellent visa pathways specifically designed to attract skilled workers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and families from non-EU countries like the UK. With over 165,000 UK nationals currently living in Spain, the infrastructure for British expats is well-established — and Agrin UK has helped over 100 of them make the move successfully.

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Which Spain Visa Do You Need? Choosing Your Pathway

The right visa depends entirely on your circumstances — specifically how you earn income (or whether you need to). Here are the main pathways available to UK nationals:

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Step-by-Step: How to Move to Spain from the UK

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What Does It Cost to Move to Spain from the UK?

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Tax When Moving to Spain from the UK

Once you spend more than 183 days in any calendar year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must declare your worldwide income to the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT). You should simultaneously notify HMRC of your departure from the UK (using P85 form).

The standard Spanish income tax rates are progressive and can reach 47% at higher income levels. However, if you're arriving on a Digital Nomad Visa or Startup Visa, you may qualify for the Beckham Law — a special expat tax regime offering a flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income for up to six years. This can represent enormous savings for higher earners.

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What to Do After You Arrive in Spain

Receiving your visa is the beginning, not the end. Within the first weeks of arrival, you must complete several administrative steps under strict deadlines. Our post-arrival support service guides you through all of them:

• NIE registration — your foreigner identification number, needed for almost every transaction in Spain
• TIE (residency card) — must be applied for within 30 days of arrival at the local Oficina de Extranjería
• Padrón municipal — register with your local town hall to access public services
• Spanish bank account — essential for paying rent, bills, and taxes
• Healthcare registration (SIP card) — register with a local health centre for public healthcare
• Beckham Law application — must be filed within 6 months of Social Security registration

If you are moving with children, our Spain schools guide for UK expat families covers state, bilingual and international school options across the main expat destinations. Pet owners should also read our guide to bringing pets from the UK to Spain — Brexit changed the rules significantly and the process now requires an Animal Health Certificate.

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Frequently Asked Questions