The 2026 reality
Post-Brexit, UK citizens are non-EU and need a visa to live in Spain. The good news: four practical routes work in 2026.
1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
For retirees and the passively wealthy. Requires ~€30,000/year passive income for a single applicant, +€7,500 per dependant. No work allowed in Spain.
2. Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers with non-Spanish employers. €31,752/year minimum income. Lets you spend up to 20% on Spanish clients. Lowest practical bar.
3. Self-Employed (Autónomo) Visa
Set up as a freelancer or consultant in Spain. Real business plan required. Pairs well with low-rate Beckham Law treatment in year one.
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Start matching4. Investor Visa (replacement post-Golden Visa)
The Golden Visa closed in April 2025. The remaining capital routes are bank-deposit and business-investment, both €1M+.
What everyone needs
- NIE number (Spanish tax ID for foreigners) — apply at the consulate before you move
- Padrón (town hall registration) within 90 days of arrival
- TIE card (physical residence card) after visa approval
- Spanish bank account
- Private health insurance for the first 5 years
Schools
British curriculum: EIC, Laude, Swans, BISM, Mayfair. IB: Sotogrande International, Aloha College. Free Spanish state schools are excellent and bilingual in Marbella, Estepona and Mijas.
Healthcare
Private family policy with Sanitas or Adeslas: €380–€520/month for four. State healthcare available once you've contributed to social security or after 5 years of legal residence.
The actual order of operations
- Decide visa route → 2. Apply at consulate → 3. Get NIE → 4. Find rental in Spain → 5. Fly out → 6. Register padrón → 7. Apply for TIE → 8. Open bank account → 9. Enrol kids → 10. Buy property after you've lived 12 months.
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Areas in this article
- Marbella guide6,800 €/sqm · +9.2% YoY
- Estepona guide4,900 €/sqm · +11.7% YoY
- Mijas guide3,700 €/sqm · +7.4% YoY
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