Can I retire to Tenerife from the UK?

Yes, you can retire to Tenerife from the UK, but post-Brexit, you must apply for a visa (typically the Non-Lucrative Visa) to live there for more than 90 days. You will need to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency (approx. €27,115-€30,000+ per year), obtain private health insurance, and pass background checks.

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.

Is Tenerife a good place to retire?

There are many reasons why you may want to retire to Tenerife, one will almost certainly be the good weather. It is said that Tenerife has one of the best climates in the world; in fact some people call it the island of Eternal Spring, which is a very good description for it.

Can you retire to Tenerife from the UK?

Apply for your Spain residence visa

While applying for legal residence in Spain now involves stricter requirements and more paperwork, UK nationals can generally still move to Spain if they can support themselves without working. Retirees can apply for a Spanish non-lucrative visa and residency permit.

How can an UK citizen move to Tenerife?

If you are moving to the Canary islands from another EU or EEA country, you won't need a visa to enter the islands. 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.

Good News, Bad News & a Billionaire Bully | Flying to Spain in 2026

Can Brits still retire to Spain after Brexit?

Yes, you can still retire in Spain after Brexit, but you'll need to apply for a visa and meet financial requirements. As a British retiree, you're now considered a non-EU national, meaning you must secure a residency permit and follow specific legal obligations for long-term stays in Spain.

What happens to my UK state pension if I move to Spain?

You must tell your provider you're moving overseas, but your pension will continue to be managed in the UK. When you're ready to take your pension, it's usually paid in pounds and taxed as UK income.

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. 

What are the downsides of living in Tenerife?

Climate Extremes

Although Tenerife has a pleasant climate year-round, there can be extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or sandstorms (kalima) bringing sand from Africa. These climatic phenomena can make life uncomfortable, especially for allergy sufferers.

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.

Can I live in Spain and claim UK benefits?

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 healthcare covered with a Spain retirement visa?

Healthcare options for retirees in Spain

Unfortunately, holders of the non-lucrative visa must typically hold private insurance (unless they become permanent residents at a later date).

How much money do you need in the bank to emigrate to Spain?

Therefore, as an individual, you will need to have €2,400 as a regular guaranteed monthly income or a yearly income of €28,800. If you have dependants that will move with you to live in Spain, 100% of the IPREM is required for each; this amounts to €600 monthly or its equivalent in foreign currency.

How much money do I need in the bank to retire to Spain?

To qualify for the Spain Retirement Visa, you must prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself: €28,800 annually for a single applicant (400% of the IPREM). €7,200 annually for each dependent or family member.

Where are Britons moving to avoid tax bills?

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 I 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. 

Do I pay tax on my UK pension if I live abroad?

Overseas residents

You may be taxed on your State Pension by the UK and the country where you live. If you pay tax twice, you can usually claim tax relief to get all or some of it back. If the country you live in has a 'double taxation agreement' with the UK, you'll only pay tax on your pension once.

Does a woman who has never worked get a State Pension?

A woman who has never worked might get a UK State Pension if she has at least 10 "qualifying years" on her National Insurance (NI) record, often built up through NI credits from claiming benefits like Carer's Allowance or for being a parent, or by paying voluntary contributions, but generally, no work means no NI contributions, so eligibility depends on these credits or voluntary payments to reach 10 years for some pension or 35 for the full amount.

What countries freeze UK pensions?

UK State Pensions are frozen in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and many Commonwealth nations. However, pensions continue to increase in the EU, EEA countries, and nations with a reciprocal social security agreement (e.g. the Philippines, Turkey and the USA).

Where are Brits emigrating to in 2025?

Top 10 Countries Brits Moved to from the UK in 2025

• Australia – The UK's Favourite Destination. ...
• United Arab Emirates – Career Rewards and Luxury Living. ...
• United States – The Land of Opportunity. ...
• Canada – A Warm Welcome and Balanced Lifestyle. ...
• New Zealand – Quality of Life Meets Natural Beauty.

How long can I live in Tenerife?

No residency or visa application is required to enjoy the said 90 day window(s). You simply need a valid UK passport with more than 6 months validity remaining. However, to stay for longer in Tenerife/Spain, you currently need to apply for a VISA (detailed above).

What country pays you to move there from the UK?

Several countries, especially in Europe like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia, offer cash incentives or grants to attract new residents, often targeting remote workers or those willing to renovate properties in depopulated areas, with examples including Italy's regional grants or Croatia's low-cost housing. Ireland also has programs for its remote islands, while some Swiss towns like Albinen have incentives, though often with residency requirements like under 45 and a 10-year commitment.