Non-EU/UK pensioners can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period visa-free. For longer stays, they must apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which allows for full-time residency, renewable for up to five years before potentially gaining permanent residency. Applicants must show proof of sufficient income (approx. €28,800/year in 2025).
Yes, UK citizens can retire to Spain, but the process has changed since Brexit. Now classified as non-EU nationals, British retirees must obtain a residency visa to live long-term in Spain.
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.
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.
Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa: Everything You Need to Know | Retirement Visa
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.
Both Spain and Portugal are excellent retirement destinations, offering sunshine, safety, and a high quality of life. If you prioritise tax efficiency and affordability, Portugal may be your best choice. If you prefer cultural variety and more real estate options, Spain is a great option.
The new regulation defines and broadens five forms of arraigo: Social arraigo – requires a minimum of 2 years' stay in Spain and a job offer or proof of financial means. Labour arraigo – for those who have worked at least 6 months and resided in Spain for 2 years.
How much does it cost to retire in Spain per month?
The average monthly cost of retirement in Spain ranges from €1,500 to €2,500, depending on location and lifestyle. An EU citizen can live, work, study, and retire in Spain without restrictions. If you are a non-EU or US citizen, you need to have a residence permit, which is a Non-Lucrative retirement visa.
The new residency rules, uncertainty around healthcare, tightening financial situations, and job market difficulties are just a few of the problems they face. These issues have transformed what was once an ideal expat experience into a situation filled with red tape and cultural hurdles.
Has anyone been fined for staying over 90 days in Spain?
The possible consequences for staying in Spain or the Schengen Area for more than 90/180 days include: Fines – Depending on the country and how long you've overstayed, you could be made to pay a fine of anything from 500€ to 10,000€. This penalty may be combined with an entry ban.
How long can you stay in Spain if you own a property?
Owning property in Spain does not automatically grant residency or the right to stay longer than the standard 90 days in any 180-day Schengen period for non-EU citizens; you need a separate residence visa, like the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or an Employment Visa, to live in Spain long-term, as the Golden Visa (property investment route) ended in April 2025. EU citizens need to register for residency after 90 days, while non-EU citizens must apply for a long-term permit or visa to stay beyond the 90/180-day limit, with property ownership being a factor in some visa applications but not a standalone right to residency.
Do I pay tax on my state pension if I live in Spain?
In Spain, pension income is treated like any other income and is subject to progressive income tax rates. Your UK state pension, along with any other income you receive, will be taxed based on the following Personal Income Tax (IRPF) rates: 19% for income up to €12,450. 24% for income from €12,451 to €20,200.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Spain for retirees?
Valencia. Valencia is Spain's third-largest city, albeit one significantly more affordable than its peers, Madrid and Barcelona. Excluding rent, the cost of living is 16.5% cheaper in Valencia than Madrid, and 15% cheaper than Barcelona.
Spain is a popular retirement destination, offering an enviable lifestyle, pleasant climate and lower day-to-day living costs. The Spanish tax regime is complex, however, making it essential to take advice before you move to ensure your finances are structured as tax efficiently as possible.
The reform of the Aliens Act, ratified by the Spanish Council of Ministers, will come into force on 20 May 2025 and promises to simplify the procedures for obtaining residence and work permits.
These guidelines state that foreigners without a residence permit can travel in Spain for up to 90 days (up to three months) every 180-day period visa-free, but if you're staying for longer, you'll need to apply for a visa.
If you're receiving a pension from abroad - like a UK state pension, a US 401(k), or a private scheme - Spain may tax that income depending on your residency status and the tax treaty in place. Many expats are surprised to learn their foreign pensions are fully taxable in Spain, even if taxed in their home country.
Yes, €1000 can be enough to live in Spain, but it requires careful budgeting, prioritizing, and depends heavily on your location and lifestyle, offering survival in cheaper areas (like the South) but being very tight or insufficient in major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, especially for comfort or saving. You'll likely need to share accommodation, cook at home, use local markets, and embrace simple pleasures to make it work.
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.
