Spanish visa and residency requirements for UK citizens (2026)

Spanish visa requirements for UK citizens in 2026

Since Brexit, UK citizens can still live in Spain, but must apply for a visa if they want to stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period.

For longer stays, they need a long-stay visa such as a non-lucrative visa, work visa, digital nomad visa, or student visa.

After five years of living in the country, UK citizens may be eligible for permanent residency in Spain.

If you're planning a full relocation rather than just researching visa requirements, see our guide on moving to Spain from the UK.

How long can UK citizens stay in Spain without a visa?

Following Brexit, UK nationals can only stay in Spain – or any other EU country – for 90 days in any 180-day period. If you’re planning on staying in Spain any longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a visa.

Overstaying the 90-day limit can lead to fines, entry bans, or difficulties returning to Spain or other Schengen countries, so it’s important to plan ahead and apply for the right visa if you intend to stay longer.

Spanish visa options for UK citizens (what visas can you apply for?)

UK citizens who want to live in Spain long-term can apply for several types of long-stay visa, depending on their circumstances. The main options include the non-lucrative visa, work visa, digital nomad visa, and student visa. After five years of legal residence in Spain, you may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

The table below compares the main visa and residency options available to UK citizens, which we explore in more detail later in the article.

Common requirements for Spanish visa applications

For most long-stay visa applications you’ll need to provide proof of financial means, health insurance and accommodation in Spain, alongside a criminal record check. If you’re not eligible for Spanish public healthcare, you’ll need private health insurance that meets Spanish legal requirements.

Applications are usually submitted to the Spanish Consulate in the UK. Processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply well in advance. Once in Spain, visa renewals are typically handled through a local immigration office or the Spanish government’s online portal.

Non-lucrative visa (NLV)

The non-lucrative visa allows you to live in Spain without working. It’s commonly used by retirees or people who can support themselves through savings or passive income.

• Who it’s for: UK citizens who want to live in Spain without working, such as retirees or those living from savings or investments.

• Income requirement: You’ll need to show you have enough income to meet 400% of Spain’s IPREM index. In 2026, this means roughly €28,800 per year for a single applicant, plus €7,200 per year for each dependent.

• Duration: The visa is initially issued for one year.

• Renewal: It can usually be renewed for two-year periods, provided you continue to meet the financial and residency requirements.

You must also provide proof of accommodation in Spain, such as a rental agreement or property ownership. To maintain residency under the non-lucrative visa, you need to continue living primarily in Spain and avoid long absences, as this can affect renewals.

Application fees are typically around €80 to €100, although additional administrative, translation, and service fees can increase the total cost. Find out more about retiring to Spain from the UK.

Spanish work visa

The Spanish work visa allows you to live and work in Spain if you have employment with a Spanish company or plan to work as self-employed. There are several categories depending on the type of work, including highly skilled worker visas and seasonal employment permits.

• Who it’s for: UK citizens with a job offer from a Spanish employer or those planning to work as self-employed in Spain.

• Income requirement: Income requirements vary depending on the job and region. In many cases, salaries must meet or exceed the Spanish minimum wage (currently around €1,424.50 per month), although higher thresholds may apply for certain roles.

• Duration: Initial duration depends on the permit type, but many work visas are issued for one year.

• Renewal: Renewals are typically granted for longer periods (often up to four years), provided you continue to meet the visa conditions. Because the visa is tied to your employment, losing your job may affect your right to stay in Spain.

Applicants usually need to provide a confirmed job offer from a Spanish company or a viable business plan if applying as self-employed. You may also need to show proof of relevant qualifications or professional licences, depending on the role.

Visa fees and renewal fees vary significantly depending on the type of work visa and where the application is processed, but UK citizens can generally expect to pay between €80 and €150. You may also need to pay additional consular fees and service charges.

Spain’s digital nomad visa

Spain’s digital nomad visa allows you to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients based outside the country.

• Who it’s for: Remote employees working for non-Spanish companies or freelancers with international clients. Limited freelance work for Spanish companies is allowed, provided it does not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.

• Income requirement: You must earn at least twice the Spanish minimum wage. Based on current figures, this is roughly €2,849 per month or €34,188 per year, although the exact amount may change as the minimum wage is updated.

• Duration: The visa is initially valid for up to one year.

• Renewal: It can usually be renewed for up to three additional years, and after five years of legal residence you may be eligible for permanent residency.

When applying, you’ll need to provide proof of remote employment or freelance work outside Spain. You normally need a university degree or at least three years of professional experience in your field.

Application fees are typically around €73.26 to €74.65, while consular fees can bring the total closer to €160.

Spanish student visa

The Spanish student visa allows you to live in Spain while studying at a recognised educational institution, such as a university, language school, or training programme.

• Who it’s for: UK citizens who’ve been accepted onto a course at a recognised Spanish educational institution.

• Income requirement: You’ll need to show you have enough income or savings to meet 100% of Spain’s IPREM index. This is currently about €600 per month or €7,200 per year, although the exact amount can vary depending on your circumstances.

• Duration: The visa is usually valid for the length of your study programme.

• Renewal: It can typically be renewed if you continue your studies or enrol in another eligible course.

Be prepared to provide proof of enrolment from a recognised institution, such as an acceptance letter, as well as evidence of accommodation in Spain for the duration of your studies.

Application fees for UK citizens are typically €60 to €80, depending on the consulate and application method.

Spanish residency for UK citizens

Permanent residency allows you to live in Spain indefinitely after you’ve legally resided in the country for several years. It provides many of the same rights as EU citizens, including the ability to work and access public services and healthcare, although permanent residents can’t vote in Spanish national elections unless they become Spanish citizens.

• Who it’s for: UK citizens who’ve legally lived in Spain for five consecutive years under a qualifying residency visa.

• Income requirement: There’s no fixed income threshold, but you must show financial stability, such as employment, pension income, or sufficient savings.

• Duration: Permanent residency allows you to live in Spain indefinitely.

• Renewal: The residency card needs to be renewed periodically. The first renewal is after five years, then typically every five years (or longer depending on age).

To qualify for Spanish residency, you’ll usually need to have lived in Spain continuously for five years. Short absences are allowed (typically up to six months per year), and longer absences may be permitted in certain circumstances, such as military service or serious illness.

Time spent in Spain on a student visa is usually treated as temporary, so it doesn’t fully count towards the five years needed for permanent residency. In some cases, part of this time may still be taken into account, depending on your situation.

When you’re ready to apply, you can do this through your local immigration office in Spain or online via the government’s immigration portal. You’ll need to show you’ve been living in Spain, along with proof of income or savings, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

Application fees are relatively small, usually around €20 to €40 depending on the region.

Applying for Spanish citizenship

After ten years of legal residence in Spain, you may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. Applicants usually need to meet additional requirements, including passing Spanish language and cultural knowledge tests such as the DELE A2 and CCSE exams.

What documents are needed for a Spanish visa?

Most long-stay visa applications for Spain require a similar set of documents, regardless of the visa type.

• Proof of financial means: Bank statements, pension records, or proof of income to show you can support yourself.

• Health insurance: Private health insurance, eligibility for Spanish public healthcare, or coverage through employment or study.

• Medical certificate: Often required for long-stay visa applications, especially for stays over six months.

• Criminal record check: A background check from the UK (and sometimes Spain) confirming you have no serious criminal record.

• Proof of accommodation: A rental agreement, property ownership, or confirmation of where you’ll stay in Spain.

• Valid passport: With sufficient validity for the duration of your visa.

• Additional documents: Depending on the visa, such as a job offer, university acceptance letter, or business plan.

Requirements can vary slightly depending on the visa type and consulate, so it’s important to check the exact criteria before applying.

Staying informed

Since immigration rules can change, it’s important to stay updated by regularly checking official government websites. Consulting an immigration lawyer or visa expert can also help ensure your application process goes smoothly.

FAQs about visas and residency in Spain

Do UK citizens need a visa to live in Spain?

Yes. UK citizens can visit Spain for up to 90 days without a visa, but need a long-stay visa if they want to live in Spain for longer.

Can UK citizens stay in Spain longer than 90 days?

Yes, but only with a visa. To stay in Spain for more than 90 days in any 180-day period, UK citizens must apply for a long-stay visa or residency permit.

Can UK citizens retire to Spain?

Yes, UK citizens can retire to Spain, but they’ll need to apply for a non-lucrative visa (NLV). To qualify, you’ll need to meet the income requirements and show you can support yourself without working. Read our guide to retiring in Spain.

How much income do you need for a Spanish visa?

The amount depends on the visa type. For example, the non-lucrative visa currently requires around €28,800 per year, while the digital nomad visa currently requires at least €34,188 per year, although this may change as it is linked to Spain’s minimum wage. Other visas may have different thresholds.

Can UK citizens work remotely from Spain?

Yes, but only with the correct visa. The digital nomad visa allows UK citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients based outside the country.

Can buying property in Spain give you residency?

No. Buying property in Spain does not automatically grant residency. UK citizens still need to apply for a visa or residency permit. If you're considering purchasing a home, see our guide to buying property in Spain from the UK.

Is Spain’s Golden Visa still available for UK citizens?

Spain ended its Golden Visa programme in 2025, which previously allowed non-EU nationals to gain residency by investing at least €500,000 in Spanish property. New applications are no longer accepted, although people who already hold a Golden Visa can usually renew their residency under the existing rules.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Spain?

UK citizens can usually apply for permanent residency after five years of legal residence in Spain, provided they meet the requirements and have not been absent for extended periods.

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