Move to Spain from UK

How to move to Spain from UK after Brexit

Applying for Visas

For the first time since the mid-1970s, people from the UK who want to travel within the EU have to apply for a visa if they want to move to Spain from the UK. This has been a distressing experience for a number of people.

As you may guess, a large number of British citizens, who want to become resident in Spain, continue to yearn for the warmer and brighter climates of the Spanish mainland and islands.

Here, I will discuss the many visas and residence permits that can be filed for, as well as some of the application requirements.

Move to Spain with a Non-Lucrative Residency Permit

The application for what is known as a “Non-Lucrative Residency Permit” is by far the most common. As the name suggests, the idea is that the person with the permit doesn’t do anything in Spain that brings in money.

Typically, those who get a non-lucrative residency permit are retirees. This doesn’t mean they don’t have a way to make money. In fact, if you want your application to be accepted, you have to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents.

This money can come from pensions or income from owning assets in the United Kingdom or somewhere else. This rental income can come from properties in the United Kingdom or anywhere else.

You could also have enough money in your bank account to cover how much you need to earn to take care of yourself and your dependents.

Public Income Index (IPREM)

You will need at least four times the multiplier for the Public Income Index, or IPREM, that must be demonstrated by an individual. In 2021, the monthly IPREM payment was €564.90, which means four times that amount is €2,259.60.

If you have one dependent, you must provide an additional €564.90 per month for one year, which is the IPREM multiplied by one. For a couple to get a non-lucrative residency visa, they must either show that they make at least €33,894 a year or that they have at least that much in the bank.

Since you are moving to a different country, you should definitely have more than €33,894 in your bank account.

The Spanish consulate in your area will get the first part of the application. For example, people who live in the south of England must go to the Spanish Consulate in London, while people who live in the north of England must go to the Spanish Consulate in Manchester.

If you live in the United States, you can find out which of Spain’s general consulates is closest to you.

The staff in the Visa Section of the Spanish Consulate General looks at your paperwork before giving you a visa. Therefore, in reality, they are the ones who decide what is and is not acceptable as proof of the available money to you.
Medical Certificate for the Spanish Consulate

You must also provide the consulate staff with a medical certificate stating that you do not suffer from any serious diseases, a criminal record certificate detailing any convictions for crimes other than traffic violations, and a medical insurance policy proving that you have comprehensive medical coverage in Spain.

The first step is to make an appointment to bring your papers to the consulate in person. Getting an appointment with a Spanish consulate in the United Kingdom can be hard right now. So be patient. After a consular appointment, you should, on average, hear back from the consulate within two to three weeks with their decision.

Unfortunately, it can be made longer. The consulate will notify you when the visa may be collected. You have one month to retrieve it. The visa will then grant you three months to travel to Spain.

Once you arrive in Spain, you have one month to visit the police station to have your fingerprints taken, after which you will be given an appointment to get your foreigners identity card or TIA from the same police station.

On average, it takes between three and four months from the start of the application procedure to receive a visa. However, this may vary based on where and when you submit your application.

The most important factor is;

• having adequate finances to support your application
• that the condition of the non-lucrative residence permit is that you do not work in Spain
• that you live there regularly, i.e. for more than six months every year.

Therefore, if you reside in Spain with a non-lucrative residence permit, you must pay Spanish tax as a Spanish tax resident.

After one year in Spain, you can apply to stay for another two years. After the initial two-year period, you may extend it for an additional two years. After living in Spain for five years without a gap, you can apply for a long-term residence visa with less strict income requirements.

Becoming a Permanent Resident of Spain

After ten years of living in Spain without leaving, you can apply for Spanish citizenship and get a Spanish passport. You will be tested on how well you speak Spanish and how much you know about Spanish society, history, and culture.
Move to Spain from UK with an Investor Visa
If you are able to make a substantial investment in Spanish real estate, deposit a big sum of money in a Spanish bank account, or acquire Spanish government bonds, you may wish to apply for an investor visa.

The primary benefit of the Investor visa is that, once secured, you have the option of remaining in Spain. However, you will continue to be considered a resident, thus there is no annual limit on the number of days you can spend in Spain.

In contrast to the rule that visitors from outside the EU cannot spend more than 90 days in a 180-day period on vacation in Spain, EU citizens are permitted to spend up to 180 days on vacation in Spain.

If you don’t make Spain your centre of economic interest, you and your dependents can work in Spain, and if you don’t spend more than six months in the country, you won’t become a Spanish tax resident, unless your spouse and children live there.

The disadvantage of the investor visa is that the applicant must have spent a minimum of €500,000 in Spanish real estate since the investor visa statute took effect at the end of 2013. One million euros could also be put into a bank account in Spain, or two million euros could be put into Spanish government bonds.

If you invest in real estate, the applicant must demonstrate €500,000 in equity.

Without a mortgage, you can buy a house for €300,000 and two apartments for €100,000 each. Alternately, you may acquire a home for €700,000 and borrow €200,000 from a bank to cover a portion of the purchase price.

You can apply to the Spanish Consulate General in the same manner as you would for a “non-lucrative permit”. You will still need to present proof of income or available funds, but with the non-lucrative permit, you can not work to earn the money.

You can continue working remotely in your native country, for example. As with the non-lucrative permit, you can travel to Spain and apply for your TIA as soon as you have the visa.

The first permission is good for two years, and it can be renewed for another five. As previously stated, you will be required to demonstrate the minimum investment upon renewal.

Getting Work in Spain as a British Citizen after Brexit

If you are highly qualified in your chosen industry, it is possible for a Spanish firm to hire you, provided they can demonstrate that your abilities are necessary for the post they’re attempting to fill and that they cannot find someone equally qualified who is already a resident of Spain.

For the purposes of this sort of visa application, there are clear standards for determining whether a certain set of talents constitutes that of a highly qualified individual.

Most of the work is done by the employer, and for the employee to get the visa, they must go to the Spanish Consulate in their home country. The next step is to fly to Spain, get a TIA, and sign up for the social security system in Spain.

Move to Spain after Brexit and Start a Business as Self Employed

You could also start your own business in Spain or buy an already established business and run it.

Even if you’re acquiring a firm that is already operating, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the investment capital and sufficient funds to live on while you expand your business.

The subject of investment level is relativistic. It is possible that a business is being sold for €50,000 and its annual profits are at least €30,000. In such a case, €70,000 may be sufficient, as additional investment in the business will almost certainly be required beyond the first €50,000.

In another case, like buying a hotel that is already open, a much bigger investment may be needed. You will also have to show that you have enough money to support yourself, just like you have to do for a non-lurative or investment visa.

Aside from the investment itself, the business plan will be the single most crucial document. This should be carefully looked at by someone who is used to making business plans that meet the standards of the Spanish immigration authorities.

Again, the application will be lodged at the Spanish Consulate. They will make contact with the immigration officials in the location where the business will be operating. In the end, the consular workers you talk to will decide whether or not to give you a visa. However, it is important to remember that the local immigration officials are the ones who make the decision.

If you want to apply to the Spanish Consulate General, you will have to pay a big fee. You will also be required to pay a smaller charge when you acquire your TIA in Spain.

Acquiring EU Citizenship through a Grandparent

If you have a grandparent or parent who is an EU citizen, then it is possible for you to also become an EU citizen, if you are not already one. For example, if you have an Irish g=Grandparent who was born in Ireland you may be able to apply for Irish Citizenship and this get an Irish Passport and hence become an EU Citizen that has the right to live and work in Spain freely and without there need for visas.

Questions about how to live in spain from the UK

Where to move to and stay in Spain from UK?

Spain has a lot to offer UK expats looking for a new home. Here are the best places to move to and stay in Spain, based on the quality of life, cost of living, and safety.

Costa del Sol is one of the most popular destinations for UK expats in Spain. The weather is great, the lifestyle is relaxed, and there are plenty of activities and amenities nearby. The cost of living is also relatively affordable, making it a great place to live for those on a budget.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Spanish experience, then Granada is the perfect place for you. The city is rich in history and culture, and its residents are warm and welcoming. The cost of living is also very reasonable, making it a great option for those on a tight budget.

The Costa Blanca has a huge number of expats living and visiting particularly Torrevejia, Alicante and Santa Pola to name but a few.

You might also consider;

1. Barcelona – This vibrant city is perfect for those who want to experience Spanish culture at its best. There are plenty of things to do and see, and the food is amazing.

2. Madrid – If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan city with a lively nightlife, Madrid is the place for you. It’s also home to some of Spain’s best museums and art galleries.

3. Valencia – This coastal city is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. There’s plenty of fresh seafood on offer, and the weather is usually sunny and mild.

Can I travel to Spain from UK without a vaccine?

Yes, you can travel to Spain from the UK without being vaccinated, but there are some risks involved. The main risk is contracting a disease that is not present in the UK, such as Zika virus or chikungunya. Most of the time, these diseases are found in tropical areas, so if you want to go to Spain in the summer, you should get a vaccination. There are also some areas of Spain that have a higher risk of these diseases, so it is important to check with your travel doctor before you go.

Can you move to Spain from UK after Brexit?

Yes, you can move to Spain from the UK after Brexit. There are a few things you need to do in order to make it happen. First, you need to obtain a Spanish visa, which you can do by either applying for one at a Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK, or by applying for one online. Once you have your visa, you need to apply for a residency permit, which you can do by going to your local police station in Spain and filling out the necessary paperwork. Finally, once you have your residency permit, you need to register with the Spanish government as a resident. This can be done by going to your local town hall and filling out the necessary paperwork.

Detailed information is in the article above.

What is life like for UK Citizens in Spain?

Spain is a renowned tourist destination for many reasons: its stunningly well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks, Mediterranean atmosphere, diverse landscape, tasty food, and passionate culture. But what is it like to live in Spain as a UK citizen?

There are over 300,000 British expats living in Spain, most of whom reside on the Mediterranean coast. The cost of living can be quite high in Spain, but this is offset by the lower cost of healthcare and generous vacation time (30 days per year).

The Spanish lifestyle revolves around socialising with friends and family, often over large meals that can last for hours. This can be a bit of an adjustment for those used to the faster pace of life in the UK. However, once you get used to it, it’s hard not to appreciate the relaxed way of life.

What’s the cost of living in Spain?

Spain is a renowned tourist destination for a plethora of reasons: its stunningly well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks, Mediterranean atmosphere, diverse landscape, tasty food, and passionate culture. But what is the cost of living in Spain really like?

In general, Spain is cheaper than most other Western European countries when it comes to the cost of living.

According to Numbeo’s 2022 Cost of Living Index, Spain ranks as follows;

Summary:

• Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,981.90£ (2,264.47€) without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs are 559.76£ (639.57€) without rent.
• Cost of living in Spain is, on average, 18.42% lower than in United Kingdom.
• Rent in Spain is, on average, 28.73% lower than in United Kingdom.

However, there can be significant variations in costs depending on which city you choose to live in. For example, Madrid and Barcelona are both large metropolises with a higher cost of living than smaller Spanish cities. Additionally, prices also tend to be higher in popular tourist areas such as along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.

What are the Pro’s & Cons of Retiring to Spain from the UK?

Spain has long been a popular destination for retirees from the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The climate is warm and sunny, the cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of activities to keep retirees busy. However, there are also a few things to consider before making the move to Spain.

One potential downside of retiring to Spain is that it can be difficult to make new friends and meet people. This is especially true if you don’t speak Spanish. While there are many communities of English-speakers in Spain, it can still be challenging to find your place in a new country.

Another thing to consider is your medical needs. While most retirees will be covered by their health insurance, it’s important to check into what kind of coverage you’ll have in Spain.

Citation: Some of this article is paraphrased and adapted from https://www.solicitorsinspain.com/videos/moving-spain-after-brexit