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Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Moving to Spain from the UK and how to avoid common pitfalls

Are you thinking of moving to Spain from the UK? It’s a fantastic idea, and plenty of British citizens do it. In the post-Brexit era, there are many significant rule changes to consider. Moving to Spain from the United Kingdom is undoubtedly more challenging, but it’s entirely possible.

Recall that the UK voted in favor of Brexit (British Exit from the European Union), and this was codified on December 31, 2020. Now, UK citizens and permanent residents wanting to move to Spain are required to apply for an EU visa to Spain. 

Spain is markedly different from the UK since it’s far more relaxed and has a cheaper cost of living. Over 80% of every year in Spain is filled with sunshine along the idyllic Mediterranean coast.

As the number one tourist destination for UK expats, Spain reels in vast numbers of folks from England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Official figures suggest that as many as 350,000 UK citizens are residents in Spain. However, estimates indicate that as many as one million Brits reside in Spain.

What do you need to move to Spain from the UK?

Ever since Brexit was finalised, it has become significantly more complex. There are several procedural issues, notably the application process itself. Since Brits now require visas and residency permits to live in Spain, several compliance-related matters must be satisfied.

UK citizens are strongly advised to consult with relocation experts to organise their affairs. Naturally, a long-term visa is needed for anyone looking to live in Spain. The specific type of visa depends on the purpose of your stay in Spain. Ideally, it’s best to apply for a long-term visa at least three months before your move to ensure sufficient time for approval.  

Fees, paperwork, and processing must be taken care of. Schengen Visa eligibility requirements determine the possible Spanish long-term visa types. In Spain, visas are valid for two years. After that, they must be renewed. This requirement falls away once a British citizen qualifies for permanent residency in Spain.

As a long-term resident, Spain requires everyone to have a biometric residence card. These are available from the immigration department. It is official confirmation that you can study or live in Spain. When moving to Spain from the UK, obtaining an NIE number is imperative for taxation-related matters. It provides the necessary authorization for work and study. Notably, the NIE number facilitates access to critical services.

What is the process when moving to Spain from the UK?

First, apply for a visa through the Spanish consulate in London. The visa application forms spell out precisely what is needed, including the supporting documentation, fees, photographs, and other pertinent data. Specifically, applicants will need to complete the following process:

  • Application for National Visa: Get the free form available at the Spanish consulate
  • Photo Requirements: Provide recent passport-sized photographs
  • Personal Information: Include surname, given names, birth date, birthplace, nationality, sex, and marital status
  • Travel Document Details: Specify passport type, number, issue date, and expiration
  • Home Address & Contact: Provide current home address, email, and phone number
  • Occupation: Mention current occupation
  • Purpose of Journey: Clarify whether it’s for residence, work, study, or family reunion
  • Supporting Documents: Present proof of accommodation, financial means, medical certificate, and criminal background check
  • Visa Decision: Notified within one month; collect the visa within one month after approval

There are, of course, several options available for British citizens moving from the UK to Spain, notably:

  • Moving to Spain from the UK for retirement
  • Moving to Spain from the UK for study purposes
  • Moving to Spain from the UK as a paid employee of a Spanish business
  • Moving to Spain from the UK to be a self-employed person earning at least £2000 monthly
  • Moving to Spain from the UK as the dependent or family member of a Spanish resident

Fortunately, several unique work visas are available, depending on your specific work category. These include but are not limited to, visas for au-pairs, visas for seasonal workers, and general long-term work visas. Increasingly, more Britons are choosing to move to towns and cities across Spain as self-employed people. You can do this by registering under the AUTONOMO category or via a registered limited corporation. 

Today, Spain boasts a significant number of self-employed persons—3 million+. Anyone considering this option is advised to comply with the requirements. These include evidence of sufficient funds available for investment purposes, proof that you have the requisite skills and expertise to conduct the business-related activity, commissions or contracts from relevant companies to support your application, etc. 

Another option is for Britons looking to live and work in European Union countries: the EU Blue Card option. To qualify, individuals must prove competence, professionalism, and skill, with at least 3+ years of higher qualification status or 5+ years of professional experience.

Like any long-term visa category to Spain, there are many requirements to comply with. These can be found here: EU Blue Cards. Regardless of your direction, speak to a professional relocation expert with extensive experience in Spanish immigration regulations.

Image credit: Colormaker

Helen
Helen
I'm the editor here at Business Cheshire and I'd keen to hear what's happening where you live. With more than 18 years' experience in journalism and digital PR, I'm particularly keen to hear from businesses with exciting news.
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