Many Brits think you can’t move to Spain post-Brexit. The number is not huge, but Spanish government data states 275,000 Brits have lawfully made Spain their home. Other sources claim the number could be as high as 800,000.
Interestingly, the British Council released data in 2024 stating 72% of UK nationals aged between 18-30 would consider living and working in the UK. And, according to the IFA Magazine, 23% of UK adults have an interest in living abroad, and 12% are considering emigrating in 2025.
Moving to Spain from UK could be the perfect option. Forget Australia and its 24-hour travel time: Spain is the place to be.
How do I move to Spain from the UK? Read on for the ultimate checklist for moving to Spain as a UK National in 2025 that will get you your dream life abroad in a step-by-step format.
Step 1: Picking Your Dream Spanish Location
Most articles about moving to Spain will jump straight to finding the appropriate visa. Whilst they’re great articles, we think it’s appropriate to find your dream location before you move, as the actual visa and emigration processes vary depending on the area.
The first step would be to Google areas you like the idea of, watch YouTube videos, and read articles that discuss the best areas for expats in Spain, focusing specifically on Brits moving to Spain. Pay attention to the quality of life, things to do there, the best neighbourhoods to live within that area, and, most importantly, the cost of properties and living.
If you’re moving UK to Spain, there are some areas Brits tend to love more than others, but we’d encourage you to look outside the typical Spanish tourist spots.
Some of the areas we encourage you to look at include:
- San Sebastián
- Dénia
- Seville
- Granada
- Alicante
These areas aren’t overrun with tourists and have an excellent quality of life and work opportunities.
The following areas are great if you’re retiring to Spain from UK:
- Valencia
- Nerja
- Torrevieja (near Alicante)
- Murcia
These are more relaxed places to live with a slower pace of life.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, take a trip or two and see the area. Experience the culture, look at the properties, and see where it feels like home for you.
Step 2: Understanding and Finding the Appropriate Visa
Now we can talk about visas. If you want to know ‘How can I move to Spain from UK’, the visas are the main information you should understand. And, yes, despite what people think, with excellent residency consultation and a bit of determination and perseverance (you’ll experience the dreaded Spanish bureaucracy), you can you move to Spain from UK.
Here are the most popular visas suitable for moving from UK to Spain:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Work Visa (for contracted employment with a Spanish company)
- Student Visa (if you’re studying at a Spanish institution)
- Entrepreneur Visa (if you’re starting a business in Spain)
- EU Family Reunification Visa (if you’re joining a partner or family member with EU residence
For full information about each visa type, you must check the Spanish government website – here’s the link. Click on each visa to learn the most recent information about them. Or, again, an immigration service will help you select the best visa.
To retire to Spain from UK, a non-lucrative visa is the best.
Step 3: Obtaining the Documents For Your Visa
Once you know the visa you want to try to obtain, you need to focus on getting the documents. If you go with an excellent immigration service, typically a team of qualified lawyers, they’ll help you get what you need.
As a general rule for Spanish visas, you’ll need the following:
- NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
- Valid passport (with at least 12 months before expiry)
- Criminal record certificate from the UK (translated and apostilled)
- Proof of income or savings (bank statements, payslips, pension letters)
- Private health insurance (with no co-payments, covering full duration)
- Medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract or property)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Visa fee payment receipt
For sworn translations, you can find excellent companies online, like Traducciones Abroad, that will translate your required documents in compliance with the government for a fee of around €. Some immigration lawyers will arrange this for you, but Traducciones Abroad is a good option if they don’t.
Step 4: Formalities Once You Move to Spain
This is where things get real. You’ve landed. Now you need to get local.
Start with a Spanish bank account. It’s essential. Revolut might work for day-to-day stuff, but not for everything. If you’re applying for a digital nomad visa or need to pay autónomo fees, Revolut won’t cut it. The Spanish government wants you to use a registered Spanish bank. Think Sabadell, CaixaBank, or Santander.
Get a Spanish phone number. Companies like Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone make it easy. You’ll need it to set up online banking, book appointments, and prove you’re not just visiting.
Next, register on the padrón. That’s your local census. Head to your local town hall (ayuntamiento) with your passport, rental contract, and NIE. Without it, you can’t access public services.
Apply for your TIE card too. It’s your physical residence card and proves you’re legally in the country. It’s booked through the immigration police. You’ll need your visa, NIE, padrón, photos, and application form.
And don’t forget to get a healthcare number and sort out taxes if you’re working. Spain doesn’t wait.
That’s a well-rounded checklist if you want to learn ‘How can I move to Spain.’ Learning how to emigrate to Spain isn’t as difficult as you’d think. There are plenty of options, and like we mentioned, an immigration service can help you!