Updated on 9. October 2026 · 3 min read
Moving to Spain from the UK after Brexit: visas, NIE, TIE & checklist
Since Brexit, UK citizens need a visa to live in Spain. Here's which visa fits you, how NIE and TIE work, and a step-by-step checklist for your move.
Spain is still one of the most popular destinations for Britons. Since Brexit, however, UK citizens are non-EU nationals – which means more paperwork. This guide shows you the right order of steps.
Do I need a visa?
As a UK passport holder you can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area without a visa. If you want to live in Spain, you need a visa or residence permit. The most common options:
| Visa | For whom | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Non-lucrative visa | Retirees and people living off savings or passive income | Sufficient income or savings, private health insurance; no work in Spain |
| Digital nomad visa | Remote workers for non-Spanish employers or clients | Proof of remote work and income |
| Work visa / highly qualified professional | Employees of Spanish companies | Job offer and sponsorship |
| Family visa | Relatives of residents | Family relationship and means |
Spain abolished the property-based “golden visa” in 2025, so buying a home no longer gives you residency by itself.
Visas are applied for at the Spanish consulate in the UK before you move. Requirements change regularly, so always check the current rules.
NIE and TIE explained
- NIE: your identification and tax number. You need it early – for renting, a bank account and utility contracts. You can get it before you move. Apply for your NIE online.
- TIE: the physical residence card for non-EU nationals. After arriving with your visa, you book an appointment for fingerprints and receive the TIE showing your NIE.
Checklist before you move
- Choose and apply for the right visa
- Get your NIE (possible from the UK)
- Arrange health insurance; UK state pensioners may be covered via the S1 form
- Gather documents: birth and marriage certificates with apostille, driving licence
- Inform HMRC and the DWP, and check how your pension will be paid
The first weeks in Spain
- Open a bank account – you'll need your NIE
- Empadronamiento: register at the town hall (padrón)
- TIE appointment for fingerprints within the deadline
- Social security if you work or are self-employed (as an autónomo)
- Health card at your local health centre
- Digital certificate to handle paperwork online – apply here
Taxes
If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, you are usually tax resident there and file a Spanish tax return. The UK–Spain double taxation agreement prevents most income from being taxed twice. Speak to a cross-border tax adviser before you move.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a house in Spain without residency?
Yes. You only need a NIE and usually a Spanish bank account. See our guide to buying property in Spain.
I lived in Spain before Brexit – what applies to me?
If you were legally resident before 1 January 2021, you are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement and should hold a TIE stating this.
How long does the whole process take?
Plan several months for the visa and two to three months for the main steps after arrival. Getting your NIE before you move saves a lot of time.
Need a NIE?
We apply for it for you – fully online, without travelling to Spain and without a consulate appointment.
Apply for a NIE number