Moving to Spain from the UK: a 2027 guide

Yes, you can move to Spain from the UK, but since Brexit you need a visa to live there for more than 90 days in any 180 day period. So the answer to "how to move to Spain from the UK" starts with choosing the right visa, applying through a Spanish consulate before you leave, and then registering as a resident once you arrive.

This guide covers everything you need for moving to Spain from the UK in 2027: visas, residency paperwork, shipping your furniture, customs, healthcare, tax, driving and pets. Pickfords has been moving families for over 400 years, and our removals to Spain service covers the whole country, from Alicante and Malaga to Madrid and Barcelona.

Can I move to Spain from the UK after Brexit?

British citizens are now treated as non-EU nationals in Spain. As a visitor you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180 day period across the Schengen area without a visa. To live, work or retire in Spain you need a long stay visa or residence permit, applied for at the Spanish consulate in London or Edinburgh before you travel.

If you were already living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your rights are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement and you should hold a TIE card that shows this. The rest of this guide is for people making a new move.

How to move to Spain from the UK: the main visa routes

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (exteriores.gob.es) and the consulate websites set out the documents and financial requirements for each visa. Requirements are updated regularly, so always check the latest version before applying.

Non-lucrative visa

This is the most common route for retirees and people with independent income. You must show enough regular income or savings to support yourself (and any family members) without working in Spain, hold private health insurance with a Spanish authorised insurer and provide a criminal record certificate and medical certificate. You cannot work in Spain on this visa.

Digital nomad visa

Spain's international teleworking visa lets you live in Spain while working remotely for employers or clients mainly based outside Spain. You need to show qualifications or experience, a minimum income and an established working relationship with your employer or clients.

Work visas and other options

Other routes include employed work visas (usually with a Spanish employer sponsoring you), self employed visas, student visas and family reunification. Spain closed its investor "golden visa" route in April 2025, so buying property no longer gives you a right to residency on its own.

Residency paperwork when you arrive

Once you arrive in Spain on a long stay visa, there are a few key steps:

• Empadronamiento: register your address on the padrón at your local town hall (ayuntamiento). This is needed for many other services.
• TIE card: apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero at the local foreigners' office or police station, usually within a month of arriving.
• NIE number: your foreigner identification number is used for tax, banking, buying property and signing contracts. It appears on your TIE.
• Social security number: needed if you will work in Spain.

Appointments (citas) can be in high demand in popular areas such as the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, so book as early as you can.

Shipping your belongings to Spain

Spain is close enough to the UK that most household moves go by road, which makes the process quicker and simpler than an intercontinental move.

Part load or direct load

• Direct load: a dedicated vehicle carries only your belongings from your UK home to your Spanish address. It is the fastest option and suits a full house move.
• Part load: your belongings share a vehicle with other customers moving to Spain. It is a cost effective option for a smaller move, with more flexible delivery dates.

Island moves to the Balearics or Canary Islands include a sea crossing, which adds time. Your move manager will give you a realistic timescale for your route.

Choosing between removal companies to Spain

When you compare removal companies to Spain, look for a company that carries out a proper survey, explains customs paperwork, handles difficult access (narrow streets in older towns are common) and offers storage at both ends if your dates do not line up. Ask how your belongings will be protected in transit and who your contact will be during the move. Our guide on choosing a removal company has more questions to ask.

What does it cost to move to Spain from the UK?

The cost depends on the volume of your belongings, your collection and delivery addresses, access at both ends and the services you choose, such as packing and storage. The best way to get an accurate figure is a free survey, either in person or by video. Our packing services can take care of everything if you would rather not pack yourself.

Customs rules for your belongings

Because the UK is outside the EU, belongings moving to Spain are imports. Under EU transfer of residence rules, personal and household goods can usually enter free of import duty and VAT if:

• you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months before the move
• you have owned and used the items for at least six months
• the goods arrive within 12 months of you becoming resident in Spain
• you keep them for your own use and do not sell them soon after arrival

You will need an inventory, your passport, proof of your previous UK address and proof of residence in Spain. Spain's tax agency (Agencia Tributaria) handles the customs side, and your removal company can prepare the paperwork with you. Vehicles have separate registration and tax rules.

Healthcare in Spain

If you receive a UK State Pension, you may be entitled to an S1 form, which registers you for Spanish state healthcare paid for by the UK. The NHS website explains how to apply. Workers who pay into the Spanish social security system are covered through their employment. If neither applies, you will need private health insurance (which is a condition of most visas) and, after a period of residence, you may be able to join the public system through a paid scheme called the convenio especial.

Tax, banking and cost of living

Tax residency

You usually become tax resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days there in a calendar year or your main economic interests are based there. Spanish tax residents pay tax on their worldwide income and must declare overseas assets above set thresholds. The UK and Spain have a double taxation agreement. Tell HMRC you are leaving the UK, and take advice from a qualified adviser on pensions, ISAs and any UK property.

Banking

You can open a Spanish bank account with your NIE and passport. Many people keep a UK account open for pensions and UK payments.

Cost of living

Costs vary a great deal by region. Madrid, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands are the most expensive places to rent, while inland towns in Andalucía, Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha are far cheaper. Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE) publishes official price and housing data that you can use to compare areas.

Driving in Spain with a UK licence

Visitors can drive in Spain on a UK photocard licence. Once you become resident, you can use your UK licence for six months, after which you must exchange it for a Spanish licence through the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico). Under the agreement between the UK and Spain, most UK licence holders can exchange without taking a test. Book your exchange appointment early, as the six months passes quickly.

Moving pets to Spain

Pets travelling from Great Britain to Spain need a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel and an animal health certificate issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before you travel. GOV.UK sets out the current rules for taking pets abroad. Our pet shipping service can help, and our guide on moving house with a cat or dog has tips for settling them in.

Travelling between the UK and Spain

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) now records non-EU travellers' passport details and biometrics at Schengen borders, and the ETIAS travel authorisation is due to follow. Once you hold a TIE, carry it with your passport so your residence status is recognised and visits home do not count towards the 90 day limit.

Storing your belongings in the UK

Many people moving to Spain rent first before buying, or keep some belongings in the UK while they test the lifestyle. Self storage with Pickfords starts from £18, with 24/7 access at selected facilities, and drive-up self storage is a good option for long-term storage. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times. If you plan to let your UK home, read how to rent out your house in the UK.

Moving to Spain checklist

• Choose your visa and apply at the Spanish consulate
• Book a free removal survey around three months before your move
• Decide what to ship, sell or store
• Prepare your customs inventory and supporting documents
• Arrange private health insurance or apply for an S1
• Register on the padrón and apply for your TIE when you arrive
• Exchange your driving licence within six months of residency
• Update HMRC, your bank and everyone you need to notify

Our moving abroad checklist covers the UK side in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I move to Spain from the UK without a job?

Yes, if you have enough income or savings to support yourself. The non-lucrative visa is designed for this, although it does not allow you to work in Spain. Remote workers may qualify for the digital nomad visa instead.

• Can I live in Spain for six months of the year without a visa?

Not without a visa. As a British visitor you can stay up to 90 days in any 180 day period, so a six month stay needs a long stay visa. Overstaying can lead to fines and entry bans.

• Do I pay tax on my furniture when moving to Spain?

Usually not, if you qualify for transfer of residence relief. Your belongings must have been owned and used for at least six months and arrive within 12 months of becoming resident. Keep an inventory and proof of your move.

• Is it better to ship furniture to Spain or buy there?

Good quality furniture, family pieces and items that are expensive to replace are often worth moving, especially by road where costs are lower than shipping overseas. Many people sell bulky or older items and buy locally to suit Spanish homes. A survey helps you compare.

• How long does a removal to Spain take?

A direct load can often be delivered within days of collection, depending on distance. Part loads take longer because the vehicle serves several customers. Moves to the islands include a sea crossing.

• Can I get NHS treatment if I move to Spain?

Once you live in Spain you are no longer entitled to routine NHS care in the UK. UK State Pension recipients can usually use an S1 for Spanish state healthcare, and others need private cover or Spanish social security.

• Do I need to exchange my UK driving licence in Spain?

Yes, once you become resident. You can drive on your UK licence for six months from becoming resident, then you must exchange it through the DGT.

Moving to Spain from the UK is far easier with an experienced team handling the logistics. Request a free quote for your international move, or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice on your move to Spain.