🇪🇸 Moving to Spain – What UK Citizens Should Know
Many people in the UK dream of moving to Spain – whether to Mallorca, the Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, or the Costa Dorada. Sunshine, beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and Mediterranean cuisine attract thousands each year.
However, moving to Spain post-Brexit requires careful preparation and knowledge of the rules.
🏛 1. Residency & Registration
UK citizens no longer have automatic EU freedom of movement. To live in Spain long-term:
- Residence permit: Apply for the Spanish residency card (Tarjeta de Residencia) at the local Oficina de Extranjería.
- NIE number: The Número de Identificación de Extranjero is needed for bank accounts, rental contracts, and taxes.
- Empadronamiento: Register at your local town hall. This Padrón Municipal registration is necessary for healthcare, voting, and utility services.
👉 Popular destinations like Empuriabrava on the Costa Brava or Moraira on the Costa Blanca require the NIE for most local procedures.
💰 2. Finances, Taxes & Social Security
- Taxes: As a Spanish tax resident (more than 183 days/year), you must declare worldwide income. Spain and the UK have a double taxation agreement.
- Bank account: Needed for rent, bills, and salaries.
- Social security: Working in Spain enrolls you in the Seguridad Social. UK contributions can count toward Spanish pensions via agreements.
💡 Areas like Mallorca or the Costa Blanca have UK-friendly advisors for taxes and translation.
🏡 3. Housing & Daily Life
- Popular areas include Mallorca, Lloret de Mar, Moraira, Empuriabrava. Rentals may require 1–2 months’ deposit.
- Utilities and internet require your NIE and proof of address.
🏖 In summer, prices rise in tourist regions like the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. Long-term rentals are easier to secure in winter.
🏥 4. Healthcare
UK citizens can access Spanish healthcare with the S1 form or private insurance. In areas like Mallorca and the Costa Blanca, many doctors speak English.
🚗 5. Driving & Vehicles
UK licenses are valid temporarily, but long-term residents may need to exchange them. Vehicle registration is required if moving a car from the UK.
💬 6. Language & Integration
Spanish is essential. In regions like Catalonia (Lloret de Mar, Empuriabrava) and Balearic Islands (Mallorca), Catalan is an official language. Local UK expat communities can help integration.
📑 7. Important Documents
- Passport and birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- UK healthcare or insurance proof
- Rental contract or property purchase agreement
- Education or professional certificates
💡 Conclusion
Moving to Spain – whether to Mallorca, Empuriabrava, Moraira, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, or Costa Dorada – requires planning post-Brexit. With proper preparation, documents, and understanding of Spanish procedures, life in the sun can become reality.
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