Yes, British citizens can retire to Lanzarote, but post-Brexit rules require obtaining a visa for stays longer than 90 days. The most common route is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which necessitates proving sufficient financial means (approx. €29,000–€30,000 annually) and private health insurance.
HAVING SUFFICIENT ECONOMIC FUNDS. This is the main and most important requirement. You will need to demonstrate the possession of over 27.000€ in a bank account (income from a pension can also count towards this capital criteria) in order to accredit that you can sustain yourself in Lanzarote. PRIVATE HEALTH CONTRACT.
If you are staying permanently, you'll need to obtain a residence permit and an NIE card which will be issued by the immigration service and is needed to file taxes, open a bank account, etc.
How much income do I need to retire to Spain from the UK?
If you are a non-EU or US citizen, you need to have a residence permit, which is a Non-Lucrative retirement visa. Spain's retirement visa requires a minimum of €2,400 monthly income, €28,800 annual income.
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.
How to move abroad to Spain & the Canary Islands | What you need to know after Brexit.
How long can you stay in Lanzarote 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.
More than 80% of the archipelago's residents live on these two islands. Grazi says that Gran Canaria and Tenerife “are the most common retirement places for expats, because they are quite beautiful and laid-back,” and though they are popular with tourists, they have proper cities where locals live and work.
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.
What is the easiest country for Brits to retire to?
The easiest countries for UK retirees often include Portugal, Spain, and Greece due to their warm climates, lower cost of living, established expat communities, and straightforward residency options like Portugal's D7 Visa or Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa, offering good healthcare access and simple driving license exchange, with Portugal frequently cited as a top choice for its affordability and lifestyle. Other strong contenders are Malta, with favourable tax, and Costa Rica, offering low costs and no foreign pension tax.
Do you get your full UK pension if you live in Spain?
You can keep claiming your UK State Pension overseas. But it might not increase every year as it would in the UK. You'll only get any annual increases if you live in either: any European Economic Area country, Gibraltar or Switzerland.
If you're a European passport holder, or a family member of one, and you're planning on starting a new life in Lanzarote, there's some paperwork to complete to live here on a permanent basis. The main part of this is registering as a foreigner on the island, commonly known as a residencia.
What is the easiest country to move to as a British citizen?
Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand are among the most popular visa-free destinations for UK citizens—all except the USA are members of the Commonwealth Nations. But in light of political instability, British citizens seek options in the EU more often.
Raising a glass of bone-dry – and thoroughly unique – Lanzarote Malvasia Volcanica in toast Joshua beamed: “There will always be naysayers anywhere, but Lanzarote remains an island where everyone is very much welcome.
Below, you'll find five reasons we know you'll love your first taste of retired life. The local pace of life is gloriously, meanderingly slow – the service in the beachside restaurants often gives you plenty of time to just sit and take in the view, basking in the glorious Lanzarote weather.
You are still entitled to your UK state pension if you retire in Spain, provided you have made sufficient national insurance contributions and are of retirement age. As the country is in the European Economic Area (EEA), it will increase in line with any rises in the UK.
How much money do I need in the bank to retire to Spain?
Below, we'll go over some of the nitty-gritty of retiring in Spain, including visa options, healthcare quality, tax obligations, and more. Let's get started! The retirement visa income requirement remains €28,800 (~$31,050) annually, with an extra €7,200 (~$7,763) per dependent.
Brits are moving to tax-efficient locations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (especially Dubai) for zero income tax, while Malta attracts many with EU access and favorable remittance-based tax schemes. Other popular spots include Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus, offering tax incentives and lifestyle benefits, with some also considering the Bahamas, BVI, and Jersey for nil/low-tax environments, according to migration advisors.
Where can you live permanently with a British passport?
British citizens can live permanently in many places by obtaining residency or citizenship, with popular options including Commonwealth nations like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand (often via skilled/retirement visas) and EU countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy (through specific visas like Non-Lucrative or long-term permits after 5 years). Other destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and the UAE also offer pathways, but securing permanent residency or citizenship depends on meeting specific criteria, points systems, or visa requirements.
If you are retired and want to live in Spain, you should know that your tax obligations will depend on your residence status and the type of income you receive. Even if you are not working, you may be required to file a tax return or pay taxes based on your pensions, capital gains or property.
For over-60s, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura are top choices for their year-round warmth, accessible infrastructure, and diverse, relaxing activities, with Tenerife offering botanical gardens and volcanic scenery, Gran Canaria providing laid-back expat areas, and Fuerteventura boasting peaceful beaches and aloe vera farms; La Gomera is great for nature lovers seeking quiet, lush landscapes.
