What are the new rules for Brits in Spain?

According to reports, Spain's President Pedro Sánchez said Spain and the Balearics now required proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test from UK visitors. He said: “We are going to apply the same requirements to British tourists as to European tourists.”

What are the new rules for British tourists in Spain?

You don't need a visa for short visits to Spain. British passport holders are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 out of 180 days. So you could stay in Spain for up to 90 days or visit several countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days.

How much money do you need in the bank to get residency in 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.

Is Spain going to change the 90 day rule for the UK?

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 a Brit still retire in Spain?

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.

Spain’s New Immigration Law 2025: What Expats Must Know!

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.

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.

Why are Brits moving out of Spain?

Spain has faced financial challenges, including a prolonged recession, high unemployment rates, and stringent austerity measures. These factors have made it difficult for expats to find stable employment and maintain their standard of living.

When in 2025 will ETIAS start?

On March 5, 2025, the European Council announced that the ETIAS is likely to be launched in the 'last quarter of 2026'.

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.

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.

What is the minimum income to retire in Spain?

The retirement visa income requirement remains €28,800 (~$31,050) annually, with an extra €7,200 (~$7,763) per dependent. Spain's tax rates for 2025 range from 19% to 47% for ordinary income and 19% to 30% for savings income.

How to prove you have enough money for your stay in Spain?

Availability may be proven by any legally admissible means of proof, including the presentation of title deeds, certified cheques or credit cards, which must be accompanied by a bank certificate attesting to the amount available as a credit on the credit card(s).

How will EES work at airports?

When EES is introduced, you may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country.

What are the new entry requirements for Spain?

If you're planning to travel to Spain after 2026 and you're from a visa-exempt country, you'll need to apply for an ETIAS. This travel authorization will soon be a mandatory entry requirement for short stays in many European countries, including Spain, under a new European Union (EU)-wide system.

Will Brits have to give fingerprints to a holiday in Europe?

Under the new system, non-EU citizens, including people from the UK, will need to register their biometric data along with their passport details to enter an EU country. Anyone who refuses to provide the biometric data will be denied entry into the EU.

Do I need ETIAS for Spain in 2025?

Do I Need ETIAS to Travel to Spain? Yes. From 2025, as a UK citizen you will be asked to apply for ETIAS authorisation to enter Spain. By Launching ETIAS System, the European Union intends to enhance the safety and security of the EU's external borders and reduce the risks of illegal migration.

Will over 70s need an ETIAS?

Applicants who are under 18 or over 70 years of age are exempt from this payment. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens and family members of non-EU nationals who have right to move freely throughout the European Union.

Is ETIAS delayed again?

Implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been delayed again. Initially expected to be operational in 2022, ETIAS is now scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026.

Can Brits still retire to Spain after Brexit?

Can a UK citizen retire to Spain after Brexit? The answer is simple: yes. It is still possible to retire to Spain after Brexit, even though the path has now changed (things are not that simple now that Brits are subject to the same immigration rules as non-EU citizens).

Why are Brits not going to Spain?

British holidaymakers are snubbing flights to Majorca and vowing they won't visit destinations where they feel unwelcome and "not wanted." As anti-tourism demonstrations and overtourism anger escalates across the Balearic Island hotspot in Spain, Brits have issued stark warnings they're being deterred.

Which country are most Brits moving to?

Where do the majority of Brits emigrate to? Some of the most popular countries for British expats include Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. When it comes to the EU, Brits usually choose Spain, Portugal and Ireland. It's estimated that around 1.3 million UK citizens reside in the EU.

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

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. You can also add your dependents with an additional fee of €600 per person.

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.