How to live and work in Spain from UK

Following Brexit, more and more British citizens are looking to settle in Spain, attracted by its climate, lower cost of living and superior quality of life. However, living and working in Spain now involves new legal and administrative requirements that are essential to know. 

More and more British citizens are choosing to move to Spain in search of a better climate, lower cost of living and a higher quality of life from expat lawyers. According to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics, in 2023 there will be more than 300.000 British citizens living in Spain.

Why move to Spain from the UK?

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Spain has become one of the favorite destinations for Britons who want to start a second life in another country or have a second home away from home. 

Benefits of living and working in Spain

Some Spanish cities have a lower cost of living than some regions in the UK. Rents can be up to 50% cheaper in cities such as Valencia or Alicante compared to London.

In addition, its vibrant culture, gastronomy and festivals are attractive factors for expatriates.

It is a country where sea and mountains come together to offer a relaxed lifestyle. In addition, Spain has access to a quality healthcare system, with a very professional medical team. 

Visa and residency options for UK citizens

After Brexit, British citizens must apply for a visa if they wish to reside in Spain for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.

Spain offers different types of visas. Depending on your needs and objectives, you can find: 

• Non-profit retiree visa: Designed for people with passive income, such as pensions or investments. It is required to demonstrate a minimum income of around €2,400/month.
•  Spanish digital nomad visa for remote workers: In 2023, Spain launched a visa for digital nomads, allowing to work remotely in the country while legally residing.

Finding a job in Spain as a UK Citizen

Sectors such as technology, tourism or health are some of the most sought after by British citizens. Portals such as Infojobs or Indeed facilitate the job search for foreign nationals who want to look for jobs in their sector in Spain. 

Contracts in Spain must comply with labor legislation, including social security and minimum wage (1,134 €/month in 2024).

Setting up a business or working as a freelancer

Moreover, you don’t have to work for a company. In Spain you can become self-employed and work on your own or create your own business. To do so, it is necessary to register with the tax authorities and the Social Security, with a fee of 230 €/month for new self-employed in 2024.

In addition, companies that are created in Spain must comply with corporate tax (25%) and VAT (21%).

Healthcare and Insurance in Spain

The Spanish healthcare system is one of the best in the world, with both public and private options. Insurers such as Sanitas or Mapfre offer private coverage for expatriates. 

To access healthcare in Spain, companies or freelancers must register with the Social Security or take out private insurance.

Education and schools for UK expats

If you are planning to come with the whole family to Spain, you do not have to worry about the education of your children, since this country has some of the most prestigious British schools in Europe, especially in areas such as Madrid, Barcelona or the Costa Blanca. 

In addition, university options for British students, such as the Complutense University of Madrid, also offer programs in English.

Making your move to Spain a success with Pellicer & Heredia

With more than 20 years of experience, the team of lawyers at Pellicer & Heredia has helped thousands of British citizens to move to Spain and start a new life. They take care of visa applications and all the bureaucratic paperwork so that your only worry is to enjoy the process.