Can Brits live permanently in Spain?

When Can I Apply for Permanent Residency in Spain? Once you have lived in Spain for five years, you can apply for permiso de residencia a larga duracion (permission to reside in the country). This means that you will be able to live in Spain indefinitely without any immigration conditions.

Can I move to Spain permanently from the UK?

Yes, you can retire and move to Spain from the UK, but you will need to apply for a specific residency permit as a non-EU citizen. The main options include: Non-Lucrative Visa: Ideal for retirees, this visa allows you to live in Spain without working.

How much money does an UK citizen need to move to Spain?

Spain wants to confirm that you can support yourself. That is why, if you do not come with a job offer, you will have to demonstrate sufficient funds. In 2025, the minimum required amount if you apply for a non-lucrative visa is €2,400/month for the main applicant, plus about €600/month for each dependent.

Is Spain trying to stop the 90 day rule?

However, Spain is now looking to scrap this rule for UK holidaymakers. According to Spain's Tourism Secretary Fernando Valdés, the 90-day restriction goes against Spanish interests. “Unfortunately, [the rule] is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of,” he said to i newspaper.

Can I retire to Spain from the UK after Brexit?

Yes, you can still retire in Spain after Brexit, but you'll need to apply for a visa and meet financial requirements.

How to move to Spain from the UK - Visas and Residencias explained!

What is the downside of retiring in Spain?

High taxes.

Tax residents in Spain pay taxes on both global and local income on a progressive scale of 19 to 47%. The maximum rate is higher than in the USA, Canada, or Malta. Residents pay a 19% income tax for the first €6,000 of taxable income. A 47% tax rate applies to income over €300,000.

Do you get your full UK pension if you live in Spain?

If you're in a personal or workplace pension scheme, moving abroad shouldn't have any effect: your pension should continue to be paid in full. you're normally entitled to any rises regardless of where you live in the world.

How long can you stay in Spain if you own a property?

If you own property in Spain, you can reside in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. This applies whether you use the property as a vacation home or occasional residence. To stay longer than 90 days, apply for a visa or residence permit.

Has anyone been fined for staying over 90 days in Spain?

Fines and Penalties for Overstaying

Overstaying your 90-day limit can lead to serious consequences: Fines ranging from €500 to €2,000. Possible immediate deportation (rare but legally permitted) Bans from re-entering the Schengen Zone for up to 5 years.

How to beat the 90-day rule?

Can an UK citizen buy a house in Spain?

Are there any restrictions for UK-citizens buying property in Spain? No, UK citizens can buy property in Spain without needing to be residents. You'll just need an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) to complete the purchase, and if you plan to stay long-term, you'll need to explore visa options post-Brexit.

Which is the easiest country to emigrate to from the UK?

Why would you be refused residency in Spain?

Incomplete Documentation or Administrative Errors:

Missing, expired, or untranslated documents. Mistakes in forms or inaccurate information provided. Failing to submit required certificates such as criminal records or proof of residency.

How much do I need in the bank to move to Spain?

In calculating the proof of income for non-lucrative residency, you must have an annual income of 400% of IPREM in your bank account. The IPREM for 2025 remains at €600 per month. Therefore, as an individual, you will need to have €2,400 as a regular guaranteed monthly income or a yearly income of €28,800.

Where can British citizens live permanently?

Can I claim UK benefits in Spain?

As a resident in Spain you are not entitled to many UK benefits. Only a few are transferable. You should inform the relevant authorities in the UK that you live in Spain or you may be guilty of benefit fraud. This page lists which UK benefits you can claim as a resident in Spain and which ones you cannot.

Is tax higher in Spain or the UK?

Is income tax higher in the UK or Spain, and do UK residents pay taxes in Spain? Income tax rates in Spain range from 19% to 47%, while in the UK, they range from 20% to 45%. Spain offers several tax benefits to foreign residents, potentially reducing the overall tax burden.

Can British pensioners retire to Spain?

Retiring from the UK to Spain involves several key steps: Obtain a visa: Start by applying for a visa based on your financial situation. Secure accommodation: Research potential areas where you wish to live and the expected costs. Apply for a residency permit or card: You'll need to do this after arriving in Spain.

Can I keep my UK bank account if I move abroad?

Checklist for Keeping Your UK Bank Account Abroad

Notify your bank of your new address (in writing). Keep contact details (phone & email) up to date. Log in regularly and use the account to keep it active. Maintain a UK correspondence address if possible.

Is it cheaper to retire in Spain or the UK?

Housing and living costs are generally far lower in Spain than in Britain, easing the pressure on pension pots that have to last retirees for the rest of their lives. But any would-be expat rushing to make the move without careful planning risks visa headaches, punitive tax rates and pension complications.

What is the disadvantage of living in Spain?

Cons of Living in Spain

English is not commonly spoken, particularly in rural areas, making simple things like grocery shopping or doctor visits more challenging than if you had a basic grasp of Spanish. Bureaucracy: Navigating Spanish bureaucracy can be more hassle than in many developed countries.

Can I retire in Spain and collect social security?

Normally, persons who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Spain regardless of your nationality.

Has Portugal scrapped the 90 Day rule?

No, Portugal has not scrapped the 90-day rule. UK citizens can stay in Portugal and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This rule remains in effect.

Can I stay in Spain for 90 days twice a year?

If you want to keep travelling to Spain on short-term visas, the maximum number of days you can stay in the country in a single year is 180 days out of the whole year, split into 90 day periods within each six month period.

How to stay in Spain for 6 months?

Third-country nationals require a national visa when they are going to stay in Spain for more than 90 days (in any 180-day period) for the purposes of work, study or establishing their residence. They also need a national visa when moving to Spain to work for a period of under 90 days.