Spanish visas for British citizens: an overview

Since Brexit, British citizens need a visa to live in Spain for more than 90 days in any 180-day period — there is no way around this requirement, whatever the purpose of your stay. Which visa applies depends entirely on your circumstances: retiring, working, studying, or joining family already living there. This guide gives a current overview of the main routes; for working specifically, working in Spain from the UK goes into far more depth, and the full technical reference on Spanish work visas covers every visa type and nationality in detail.

The Non-Lucrative Visa: the main route for retirees and non-workers

This is the most common route for British retirees and anyone planning to live in Spain without working — the NLV allows residence without employment, provided you can show sufficient income or savings to support yourself. As of 2026, that means at least €28,800 a year for a single applicant, plus €7,200 for each dependant. Full detail on how this is calculated, including for couples and families, is set out in income requirements for moving to Spain from the UK.

Private health insurance with no co-payments is required for the application, and the visa does not permit any form of employment or self-employment in Spain — it is strictly for those who can support themselves independently.

Work visas for British citizens in Spain 

If you plan to work in Spain, a sponsored job offer, self-employment, or the Digital Nomad Visa are the main routes, each with very different requirements. This section covers the basics of each; the article linked at the top of this guide sets out current income thresholds and processing times in full.

The Digital Nomad Visa

Introduced in 2023, this is now a well-established and increasingly popular route for anyone working remotely for a non-Spanish employer, or freelancing with the majority of clients outside Spain. Its validity depends on where you apply: one year if applying through a Spanish consulate in the UK, or three years if applying from within Spain as a visitor. Either way, it is renewable in two-year increments up to five years total, after which holders become eligible for permanent residency. Income requirements are reviewed annually and tied to Spain's minimum wage — roughly €2,850 a month for a single applicant as of 2026.

Sponsored jobs and self-employment visas 

A standard work visa requires a confirmed job offer from a Spanish employer willing to sponsor the application, and is generally only granted where the role fills a recognised skills gap. The Self-Employed (Autónomo) Visa is the relevant route for anyone setting up a business or working primarily with Spanish clients, with a lower personal income threshold than many expect, alongside proof of viable start-up funds.

Student visas for UK citizens in Spain 

British students enrolling at a Spanish university or on a recognised course lasting more than 90 days need a student visa, which requires proof of enrolment, sufficient funds for the duration of the course, and private health insurance. Unlike EU students, who can study in Spain without a visa, this applies regardless of course length once it exceeds the 90-day threshold.

Family reunification visas 

If you have a spouse, registered partner, dependent child, or in some cases a dependent parent already legally resident in Spain for at least a year, a family reunification visa may allow you to join them without needing a separate work permit. This route has its own income and documentation requirements for the sponsoring family member, and is worth discussing with an immigration lawyer given how much it depends on individual circumstances.

A route that no longer exists: the Golden Visa

Anyone researching Spanish visas may come across references to the Golden Visa, which previously granted residency to non-EU nationals investing at least €500,000 in Spanish property. This route was abolished in April 2025 and is no longer available to British citizens or any other nationality — property investment alone no longer provides a path to Spanish residency.

What visa applications cost

Fees are separate from any income requirement, and vary by visa type and, in some cases, nationality. As a rough guide: a standard employed work visa typically costs €60 to €160, the Self-Employed Visa €120 to €1,450 depending on the specific application, and the Digital Nomad Visa around €75 to €80. The Non-Lucrative Visa and student visas are generally towards the lower end of this range. Fees are non-refundable even if an application is unsuccessful, so it is worth confirming the exact current cost with your consulate before applying.

How to apply for a Spanish visa from the UK 

All visa applications are made through the Spanish Consulate covering your part of the UK — London, Edinburgh, and Manchester are the main application centres. Processing times vary considerably by visa type and consulate workload, so it is worth applying several months ahead of any planned move, and gathering documentation early rather than close to your intended travel date.

Once your visa is approved and you arrive in Spain, two more steps complete the process: registering for an NIE, Spain's basic tax identification number, and — within 30 days — applying for a TIE, the biometric residence card itself.