Can you still retire to Spain, or has Brexit made it almost impossible?

Thinking of trading grey skies for Spain’s sunshine? Moving there might be a breeze—or a little trickier, all depending on where you’re from and your specific situation. EU nationals, for instance, can practically waltz right in; it’s simple for them. But here in the UK can you still move to Spain? Like, permanently?

But if you’re not from the EU, ahem, it’s still possible. Spain has flexible visa options like the Retirement Visa Spain and Non-Lucrative Visa that open the door for you, too. Let’s go over the details you need to make this dream a reality.

Visa options and immigration docs

EU citizens, including Swiss folks, are in luck. No visa hassle here; just a residency registration if you’re planning to stay over 90 days. And if you’re a Brit already settled before 1 Jan 2021? You can register with the Servicio de Extranjería without a hitch.

For the rest of us non-EU citizens, here’s what’s on the table for longer-term visas:

• Tourist Visa – Allows you to explore Spain for up to 90 days per year, keeping in mind the strict 90-day rule.
• Job Seeker Visa – Nine months to search for work, provided you show financial proof.
• Seasonal Work Visa – Up to nine months.
• Startup Visa – Got a groundbreaking business idea? This one’s for you.
• Self-Employed Visa – Comes with a €7,200 registration fee.
• Digital Nomad Visa – Two years if you meet income and savings requirements.
• Residency Visa – Covers 1 to 3 years, but you need a sponsor.
• Retirement (D7) Visa – Ideal if you’ve got a steady retirement income.
• Golden Visa – Investing €500,000 gives you indefinite access to the country.

Key documents – what do you need?

If you’re thinking about applying for a longer-term visa, start to think about your documentation:

• A passport valid for six months beyond your planned stay, with photocopies.
• Photos no older than six months, passport-sized.
• Visa application form, fully filled out and signed.
• Proof of outbound travel arrangements.
• Medical insurance with coverage of €30,000.
• Accommodation details sorted out.
• Work offer letter or service contract, if related.
• Criminal record check (some cases only).
• Academic certificates.
• Proof of financial means.
• Marriage and birth certificates for family members on dependent visas.

As part of ongoing changes to travel regulations, UK citizens should also be aware of the upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Set to launch soon, ETIAS will require British travelers to obtain pre-travel authorisation before entering Schengen Zone countries, including Spain. While it’s not a visa, this new system is designed to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures. You can read more about how ETIAS will impact UK travellers here: ETIAS impact on UK travellers.

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Steps to ensure a smooth transition

1. Start looking for housing (3-4 months in advance): Rental demand is high, so it’s wise to search early. Rooming with others can ease both expenses and the social transition. Research different neighbourhoods, public transport links, and local prices to get a feel for what suits your budget.
2. Translate and legalise documents: Important documents like birth and marriage certificates should be translated and apostilled in Spanish.
3. Wrap things up, and book flights: Cancel any ongoing leases or services, close your bank account, and arrange shipping for items you’ll need in Spain.
4. Apply for Residence Authorisation (within 30 days): Once you’re in Spain, get a Tarjeta de Residencia for 3-6 month stays, or a Spanish bank accountis highly recommended if you’re staying longer than that.
5. Register at the Town Hall (Empadronamiento): Anyone staying over 6 months must register their address, a process that simplifies things like getting an NIE number, buying property, and securing health insurance.
6. Obtain an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): Staying over three months? An NIE is a must, and luckily, the process is straightforward.
7. Set up health insurance: Health insurance is non-negotiable in Spain. Workers access public healthcare, students need private coverage, and EU citizens can use their EHIC card temporarily.
8. Open a Spanish bank account: To keep your finances in check, a Spanish bank account is highly recommended.
9. Get a SIM Card: Switching to a Spanish SIM saves on roaming fees and provides affordable data and local calls.
10. Register with the tax office (if necessary): Anyone liable to pay taxes must sign up with Agencia Tributaria and choose from various tax options.
11. Get insured: Make sure you’re covered—car, home, life, liability, and contents insurance are worth considering.
12. Exchange your driver’s license: If you have a non-EU license, check if you can swap it within six months of arrival, or use your EU/EEA license for two years.
13. Bring your pet: bringing a pet to Spain? You’ll need to meet certain requirements, plus have the right documentation ready for a smooth transition.

Spain may seem like a world away, but with a little planning, the transition can feel seamless. You’ll have your feet up in the Mediterranean sun before you know it!