If nothing sounds better to you than spending your golden years soaking up the Spanish sun, enjoying fresh paella and tapas on a balmy evening, and starting your mornings with a swim in the sea, the idea of retiring in Spain probably seems like heaven.
It’s easy to see why so many Brits choose to retire in Spain, with its sunnier, more relaxed lifestyle. But since Brexit, the process of becoming a legal citizen in any country in Europe has become quite a bit more complex. The good news is that retirement in Spain is still possible, even if there are a few more hoops to jump through.
In this guide, we’re sharing all the essential information you need to know if you’re thinking about retiring to Spain, including how to obtain residency in Spain, your different visa options, how to apply for a Spanish passport, and the steps you’ll take to become a Spanish resident.
Can I Retire to Spain From the UK?
Yes, you can still retire to Spain from the UK, even though Brexit has made things more difficult. You’ll need to put a bit more work into the process than Brits once had to, which stems from the fact that British citizens are now considered non-EU nationals.
If you’re considering retirement in Spain, that means you’re probably intending to live in Spain long-term. For this, you’ll need to apply for a Spain residence permit, and there are a few different options here. The most common route that UK retirees take is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which lets you live in Spain without working, as long as you can prove that you can financially support yourself.
What Are Spain’s Residency Requirements?
You’ll need to meet specific financial and documentation criteria in order to obtain a Spain residency card, including:
- Proving an annual income of at least €28,800 (since you’re planning to retire to Spain, you’ll instead need to prove this income through pensions, savings, rental income, or investments rather than from a salary)
- Having comprehensive health insurance
- Providing a clean criminal record
Once your application is approved, you’ll become a resident in Spain and will receive a Spanish Residency Card, or a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).
How to Retire in Spain from UK: Step-by-Step Guide
The three main steps involved in the retirement in Spain process are:
1. Apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa
Your first step is to submit your application at the Spanish Consulate in the UK. Here, you’ll need to provide all the necessary documents that the application requests, including your proof of income (or assets/pensions/investments if you’re a retiree), health insurance, and a medical certificate.
2. Obtain a Residence Permit Spain
Once you arrive in Spain, you’ll need to apply for your residence permit within 30 days. Note: while this would be much more convenient to do in advance, you can only do it once you actually step foot on Spanish land.
3. Register as a Resident in Spain
Finally, you can complete your registration as a Spanish resident, usually by visiting the local town hall or police station (depending on where you’re living) to obtain your Spanish Residency Card.
This is the standard process that you’ll need to follow to meet the Spanish residency requirements, so you can legally live in Spain as a British expat.
Keep in mind that becoming a Spanish resident isn’t the same as being granted Spanish citizenship. This is something you can only apply for when you’ve legally lived in Spain for ten years, and there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet, including showing that you’ve integrated into Spanish society. If you’re successful in your application, you’ll be able to get a Spanish passport.
Can I Live in Spain with a British Passport?
Yes, you can live in Spain with a British passport, but that passport itself doesn’t automatically entitle you to live there.
Having a UK passport means you can enter Spain for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and without registering as a resident, you won’t be granted the right to live in Spain permanently.
The only way to live in Spain long-term is to get yourself a Spain residence permit following the steps outlined above and become an official resident in Spain.
What to Know About Healthcare and Taxes For British Retirees in Spain
You’ll need to have comprehensive health insurance if you want to retire in Spain, which means you’ll need to get private health coverage in the short term until you’ve registered and contributed to the Spanish social security system. Once you’ve shown proof of contributions for at least 12 months, you’ll be able to access public healthcare services.
In terms of your taxes, you’ll become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Spain within a calendar year (this likely applies to you if you’re retiring in Spain). That means you’ll be subject to Spanish taxation on your worldwide income.
Final Word
Hopefully, if you were wondering, “Can you retire to Spain from the UK?” this article has reassured you that retirement in Spain is still very much achievable for UK citizens post-Brexit.
If you’re unsure about the visa application process and the path to citizenship, we strongly recommend reaching out to a financial advisor who works with UK expats in Spain and can help you make the best decisions for your future.