To make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of questions you may be asking yourself about relocating to Spain from the UK and their answers. 

Can UK residents still move to Spain?

Perhaps the most important question of them all before you start planning on relocating to Spain – can British citizens move to Spain just like they did years ago? The answer is that UK citizens can move to Spain, but there is some paperwork they will need to do first. 

After Brexit, British citizens who want to emigrate, need to apply for a long-term visa – which is known in Spain as a ‘visado internacional’. There are various types of visas and you will need one or another depending on what your personal circumstances are.

What type of visa do I need to apply for?

There are different types of residence permits, including the ‘visado de trabajo y residencia’ if you will be working and residing in Spain or a ‘visado de residencia’ if you will live in Spain but you will not work there, for instance, if you are moving to Spain after your retirement. 

All British citizens need a visa if they plan to stay in the country for a period larger than 90 days. Your passport will also need a minimum validity of 90 days before travelling to Spain.

If you will work as an employee for a company in Spain, it will be your employer who will request the work permit and submit the application for you. This work permit will last for a year and will need to be extended after that. If you are self-employed, you can also apply for a freelance visa if your monthly income is at least £2,000.

Can you apply for an EU Blue Card?

EU Blue Cards are for highly qualified experts who want to live in the EU. As a UK citizen, you can apply for an EU Blue Card if you meet the following criteria:

• You have a higher professional qualification which lasted at least three years OR a minimum of five years of professional experience at the same level
• You have been offered a job in Spain and will be an employee (not self-employed)
• Your salary will be at least one and a half times the average in Spain 
• Your job offer is for at least one year
• You have health insurance for yourself and any family members joining you; and
• can prove you fulfil the legal requirements to practice your profession, if applicable

Can I apply for permanent residency?

After five years in Spain, you can apply for the ‘permiso de residencia de larga duración’ (long-term residency), which allows you to live and work in Spain without being affected by any immigration conditions, just like all Spanish citizens. 

After 10 years living in Spain, you can also apply for Spanish citizenship, but if you are British, that would mean renouncing your British nationality. 

Is it worth moving to Spain?

As you’ve probably seen already, moving to Spain after Brexit is not as easy as it once used to be. However, even though you will need to meet certain requirements and apply for a residence permit, moving to Spain still has many advantages. 

For instance, there are very few countries where you will be able to enjoy such a great lifestyle and climate paired and which is also secure and has great public services, including healthcare. 

How much money do you need to move to Spain?

Although this depends on your personal preferences and requirements, It’s possible to retire comfortably in Spain with around £20,000 a year (around £1,666 per month.)

What are the disadvantages of living in Spain?

The disadvantages of living in Spain will also greatly depend on your personal circumstances. For example, if your family and friends are mostly in the UK, going back regularly to visit them might be expensive. However, living in a place near international airports with regular flights can help you save thousands of pounds each year. 

A good option is Alicante, which has its own airport 14km away from the centre of the city, as well as many airports in the vicinity of the province of Alicante, including Murcia airport (60km), Región de Murcia airport (74km), Albacete airport (134km) and Valencia airport (134km). This makes Alicante an ideal location for expats who want to be able to go back to the UK to visit their family and friends regularly.

If you prefer the island life, Mallorca also has Palma airport, which is situated 8 kilometres east of Palma, and which connects the island with multiple cities in the UK with direct flights, including London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

Is retiring in Spain a good idea?

If you are retired and get a pension, moving to Spain is certainly one of the best possible options, as you will be able to enjoy a higher standard of living compared to the UK.

The low cost of living, great climate and excellent healthcare are some of the reasons why many retirees choose Spain as a residence after their retirement. 

Is healthcare free in Spain?

When you become a Spanish resident, you will have to register for healthcare. All the basic services are free, but there are some things you will need to pay for. For instance, you will have to pay for prescriptions – either full-price or a reduced price. You will also have to pay a percentage of the cost of some things, such as orthopaedic services.

When it comes to dental treatment, some of it is available for free, but most treatments are covered only by private dentists. 

How we can help you relocate to Spain

Thinking about relocating to Spain? If you are looking to buy property in Spain, get in touch with our team of expert property finders who will help you find the perfect property for you and your needs.

At Kaasa we offer relocation services to help you with the whole process of moving from the UK to Spain, from finding your ideal property to providing you with legal, financial and tax advice.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team – we will be happy to help.

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