UK citizens

Moving to Spain from the UK — the DNV guide for British citizens post-Brexit

Since Brexit, UK citizens are no longer EU citizens and must apply for a visa to live and work in Spain. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is now the most practical route for British remote workers — and the UGE route means you can have a decision in approximately 20 working days.

Start my application → UGE vs BLS — which route?

€2,849

per month income minimum (200% SMI 2026)

Post-Brexit

UK citizens need DNV — EU freedom of movement no longer applies

~20

working days typical via UGE route (recommended)

BLS

International processes UK consulate applications on behalf of Spain

The post-Brexit situation

What Brexit changed for British people in Spain

Before 31 December 2020, UK citizens had the same freedom of movement across EU member states as any other EU national. That ended with Brexit. British nationals are now treated as third-country nationals for the purposes of immigration across all EU and EEA countries — including Spain.

Pre-Brexit Brits in Spain

Already in Spain before the deadline

UK nationals who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 retain their rights under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. Many are already registered under the TIE (green card) regime and their status is protected. If you hold pre-Brexit residency, you do not need the DNV.

S1 and healthcare cover

UK state pensioners and S1 holders

Some UK pensioners in Spain have healthcare cover via an S1 certificate (NHS cover abroad). This is a separate issue from immigration status — having an S1 does not give you the right to live in Spain as a new mover. New arrivals still need the DNV or another visa category.

New movers from the UK

Moving to Spain now

If you are moving to Spain for the first time since Brexit and plan to work remotely, Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is the right route. It is designed for non-EU workers employed by or freelancing for companies outside Spain, and grants an initial 3-year residence permit via the UGE route.

Why Spain works for UK citizens

The practical case for British applicants

Spain is particularly well-suited for UK citizens looking to move abroad. The combination of GBP income, proximity, and an established British expat community makes the logistics more manageable than many other international moves.

Income threshold

GBP income clears the bar comfortably

The DNV income minimum is €2,849 per month. At current exchange rates, approximately £2,500/month typically exceeds this figure. UK tech, finance, and creative sector salaries frequently clear the threshold with headroom to spare.

Proximity

Easier to reach than almost anywhere

Spain is two to three hours by air from most UK airports. Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Alicante, Seville, and Bilbao are all well-served from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and beyond — making the initial move straightforward and return visits manageable.

Community

Spain's largest expat community is British

Spain has over 300,000 registered UK nationals, with large concentrations on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, the Canary Islands, and in Barcelona and Madrid. Well-established English-language networks, schools, healthcare, and services are already in place.

Application routes

UGE from Spain, or BLS in the UK?

UK citizens have two options: fly to Spain and apply via the UGE (our recommendation), or apply from the UK through BLS International, which handles Spain visa processing on behalf of the Spanish consulates.

Route 1 — Recommended

UGE (from within Spain)

Enter Spain visa-free, apply via UGE — decision in ~20 working days

~20

working days typical

3 yr

initial permit

✓ UK citizens enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days
✓ Fastest processing — specialist UGE unit
✓ No in-person consulate appointment required
✓ Government tasas included in our package
✓ We manage the full submission on your behalf

Route 2 — BLS UK centres

BLS International (from the UK)

London (Kensington), Manchester, or Edinburgh

4–8

weeks typical processing

1 yr

initial entry visa

✓ Apply from the UK without travelling to Spain
✓ Three convenient BLS centre locations
– Slower than UGE — 4 to 8 weeks
– In-person appointment required at BLS
– BLS service fee payable on top of tasas

BLS Centre

London (BLS Kensington)

For applicants residing in England and Wales. Handles Spain DNV applications for the Spanish Consulate General in London.

Full guide →

BLS Centre

Manchester (BLS North)

For applicants in the North of England. Direct flights to Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga make the UGE route particularly appealing from Manchester.

Full guide →

Criminal record certificate

ACRO and the apostille — what UK applicants need

All DNV applicants must provide a criminal record certificate covering the last five years, apostilled for international use. For UK citizens, this comes from the ACRO Criminal Records Office or, for Scottish residents, from Disclosure Scotland.

England & Wales

ACRO Criminal Records Office

Apply online at acro.police.uk for an overseas police certificate. Select "police certificate for overseas purposes". Allow 2–6 weeks for processing. The certificate must then be apostilled by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) — this is a separate step that adds further time.

Scotland

Disclosure Scotland

Scottish residents may use Disclosure Scotland for their criminal record certificate. As with the ACRO route, the resulting certificate must be apostilled. Allow similar timescales. Your case manager will confirm the exact document type required for the Spanish authorities.

FCDO Apostille

Legalisation via the FCDO

Once you have your ACRO or Disclosure Scotland certificate, it must be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Applications are made online at gov.uk/get-document-legalised. Postal processing times vary — allow additional time on top of the ACRO wait.

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Start your ACRO application early

Criminal record certificates and apostilles are often the longest lead-time item in a DNV application. We recommend applying for your ACRO certificate as early as possible — ideally before or at the same time as opening your case with us. Your case manager will advise on exact timing.

Income and tax

GBP income, UK tax exit, and Spanish tax residency

Moving to Spain has real tax implications for UK nationals. Understanding the Statutory Residence Test and the Spain-UK double taxation treaty is important before you make the move.

Income evidence

Payslips and bank statements in GBP

UK income documents in GBP are fully accepted. You will need 3–6 months of payslips and/or bank statements showing a monthly income equivalent to at least €2,849. For UK Ltd company directors: personal income (salary plus dividends) must demonstrate the threshold — company turnover alone is not sufficient.

UK tax exit

Statutory Residence Test and P85

Leaving the UK to become Spanish tax resident means applying the UK's Statutory Residence Test (SRT). If you spend fewer than 16 days in the UK in a tax year after leaving, you will generally not be UK tax resident for that year. Submit a P85 form to HMRC to notify HMRC of your departure and update your tax position.

Spanish tax residency

IRPF and the Spain-UK tax treaty

After spending 183 or more days in Spain in a calendar year, you become a Spanish tax resident and must file an annual IRPF (income tax) return. The Spain-UK double taxation treaty prevents you being taxed twice on the same income — but you will need cross-border tax advice in your transition year.

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Beckham Law for employed UK workers

Employed remote workers arriving from the UK on a UK employment contract may qualify for Spain's Beckham Law (Régimen de Impatriados), which taxes qualifying income at a flat 24% rate rather than standard progressive IRPF rates (up to 47%). You must apply within 6 months of registering with Social Security in Spain. Beckham Law registration is not included in our DNV service — speak to a Spanish tax adviser about eligibility.

Where British DNV holders settle

Popular Spanish cities for British expats on the DNV

Spain has over 300,000 registered British nationals, with well-established communities in many cities. The DNV is a national permit — your choice of Spanish city does not affect your application. Here are the most popular destinations for UK applicants.

Mediterranean coast

Málaga — Spain's fastest-growing DNV hub

Málaga has become the most popular city for UK digital nomads on the DNV. Lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona, excellent British expat infrastructure, direct flights from London, Manchester, and other UK airports, and a growing international tech community centred around Málaga Tech Park and Soho. Warm winters (average 17°C in January) make it particularly attractive for those escaping UK weather.

Capital

Madrid — for those who need European connectivity

Madrid suits UK professionals who travel frequently for work within Europe. Barajas airport has excellent EU and UK connections. The city has a large English-speaking international community, good international schools, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Cost of living is higher than southern Spain but significantly lower than London. Finance, legal, and consulting professionals often prefer Madrid.

Coast & culture

Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville

Barcelona attracts British tech and creative professionals — direct flights from Heathrow and Gatwick, a vibrant startup scene, and strong English-language networks. Valencia offers a lower cost of living than Barcelona with excellent quality of life and direct UK flights. Seville is increasingly popular with UK remote workers seeking authentic Spanish culture at lower cost — though UK flight options are more limited than from Málaga or Barcelona.

Questions & answers

Spain DNV for UK citizens — FAQ

Do UK citizens need a visa to live and work in Spain after Brexit?

Yes. UK citizens lost the right to live and work freely in EU countries when Brexit took effect. To live and work remotely in Spain, British nationals now need Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). The DNV grants a 3-year residence permit (via UGE) renewable for a further 2 years.

What is the income requirement for the Spain DNV in 2026?

The minimum income requirement is €2,849 per month (200% of Spain's SMI for 2026). UK applicants earning in GBP can demonstrate this with payslips and bank statements — a monthly income of approximately £2,500 typically exceeds the threshold at current exchange rates, though you should verify using the current EUR/GBP rate at the time of your application.

Do I need an ACRO criminal record check for Spain's DNV?

Yes. UK applicants need a criminal record certificate for overseas purposes from the ACRO Criminal Records Office (acro.police.uk). This must be apostilled by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). Allow 2–6 weeks for the ACRO certificate and additional time for the FCDO apostille. Scottish residents may use Disclosure Scotland instead. The difference between ACRO and Disclosure Scotland is purely geographical — both produce an apostillable criminal record certificate suitable for Spanish immigration purposes.

Should I apply via BLS in the UK or via UGE from within Spain?

For most UK applicants, the UGE route (apply from within Spain) is faster and our recommendation. UK citizens can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days. Fly to Spain, apply via UGE, and receive a decision in approximately 20 working days. The BLS route in the UK takes 4–8 weeks and involves a separate in-person appointment at a BLS centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.

Can UK company directors apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, but you must demonstrate personal income of at least €2,849 per month — company turnover alone is not sufficient. For UK Ltd company directors, this typically means salary plus dividends drawn from the company. Your case manager will advise on the most effective way to document your personal income from the business.

What is the UK Statutory Residence Test and does leaving for Spain affect it?

The UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT) determines whether you are UK tax resident in a given tax year. If you leave the UK and spend fewer than 16 days in the UK in a tax year (having been UK resident in at least one of the previous three years), you will generally not be UK tax resident for that year — this is the "automatic overseas test". Once you pass the SRT and become Spanish tax resident (183+ days in Spain in a calendar year), you pay Spanish tax on your income rather than UK income tax. Getting the SRT correct in your departure year is important — cross-border tax advice is strongly recommended.

What is a P85 form and do I need to complete one when moving to Spain?

The P85 (Leaving the UK — getting your tax right) is a form you submit to HMRC when you stop being a UK tax resident. It notifies HMRC that you have left the UK, stops PAYE from applying to any continuing UK income, and triggers any overpaid income tax refund. You should complete a P85 once you have left the UK and it is clear you are no longer UK tax resident under the SRT. It is available on gov.uk. Your UK employer or accountant can assist — it is a straightforward form but an important administrative step.

What happens to my NHS entitlement when I leave the UK for Spain?

Once you leave the UK and are no longer ordinarily resident, your entitlement to free NHS treatment ends — though you retain access if you return to the UK and are treated during a visit. In Spain, you will need to rely on Spanish public healthcare (once registered as a resident and contributing to the Spanish social security system, or as an autónomo) or private health insurance. For the DNV itself, if you are applying as an employee, private health insurance with no excess and minimum €30,000 cover is required. Our partner 247 Expat Insurance can provide qualifying policies. UK state pensioners with an S1 form may retain some healthcare entitlement in Spain — check with HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions.

What are the UK pension implications of moving to Spain permanently?

Moving to Spain does not affect your entitlement to a UK State Pension — you continue to accrue qualifying years if you are paying UK National Insurance (including voluntary contributions from abroad). Your UK State Pension, once in payment, can be paid to a Spanish bank account. It is subject to Spanish income tax once you are Spanish tax resident. If you have a UK workplace or private pension, the tax treatment in Spain depends on the Spain-UK double taxation treaty — in most cases pensions are taxable in the country of residence (Spain), but the rules depend on the type of pension. Seek specialist cross-border pension advice before and after your move.

Can I keep my UK bank accounts after moving to Spain?

Yes, in most cases. You can generally keep UK bank accounts after moving to Spain — there is no UK law preventing this. However, some UK banks may close accounts for non-UK residents, depending on their terms. It is worth checking your bank's policy before you leave. Once you are Spanish tax resident, you must declare UK financial accounts exceeding €50,000 in total value on Spain's Modelo 720 annual declaration. A Spanish account is also useful for local expenses, direct debits, and rental contracts. Many British expats in Spain maintain both UK and Spanish accounts.

What happens to my UK property when I move to Spain?

You can keep your UK property and rent it out — there is no requirement to sell before moving to Spain. Rental income from UK property is subject to UK income tax (you remain a UK income tax payer on UK-source income even as a non-resident). However, as a Spanish tax resident, you must also declare worldwide income to Spain, including UK rental income — the Spain-UK double taxation treaty will determine how credit is given to avoid being taxed twice. If you sell your UK property after becoming Spanish tax resident, UK Capital Gains Tax may apply as a non-resident landlord; Spain may also tax the gain. This area requires specialist cross-border tax advice.

What is the cost of living comparison between the UK and Spain?

Spain is generally cheaper than the UK, particularly outside Madrid and Barcelona. Average rent in Valencia, Seville, or Málaga is typically 40–60% lower than equivalent accommodation in London. Groceries, eating out, and utilities are also meaningfully cheaper. In Barcelona and Madrid, the gap narrows but Spain remains more affordable than London for most categories. Fuel, transport, and healthcare costs in Spain are typically lower than the UK. UK earners on GBP income moving to Spain often find their purchasing power increases significantly — the €2,849/month DNV threshold equates to roughly £30,000/year, which is the minimum bar, not a target.