Moving to Spain after Brexit: complete guide for British citizens in 2025

The new post-Brexit landscape for Britons in Spain

Since 1 January 2021, UK citizens are considered third-country nationals for free movement purposes in the European Union. This has radically changed the options for moving to Spain. However, Spain remains the favourite European destination for Britons, and Galicia — with its spectacular coastline, affordable prices and quality of life — offers unique opportunities on the Costa da Morte.

Before Brexit, any British citizen could arrive in Spain with their passport and reside indefinitely. Today, there are three main routes to settle: the non-lucrative residence visa, the work visa and family reunification. Those already living in Spain before 31 December 2020 are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement.

Important note: If you were already living in Spain before 31 December 2020 and have your residence document as a rights holder under the Withdrawal Agreement, your rights remain intact. This guide focuses on new arrivals.

The 90/180 day rule

As a British citizen without a residence visa, you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you cannot simply come and go every three months to live in Spain de facto.

If you plan to buy a house in Corcubión or Cee as a second home, you must carefully plan your stays. Many Britons alternate 90 days in Spain with 90 days in the UK, but this does not constitute legal residence.

The TIE card: your key document

The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is the physical document proving your legal residence in Spain. To obtain it, you first need a residence visa granted by the Spanish consulate in the UK.

Most common TIE types for Britons:

• Non-lucrative residence TIE: for those with sufficient income without needing to work in Spain. Requires proving income of at least €28,800 annually (400% of IPREM) or sufficient savings.
• Employee work TIE: linked to an employment contract with a Spanish company.
• Self-employed TIE (autónomo): for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in Galicia.
• Family reunification TIE: if you have a family member residing in Spain.

The process at the Foreigners Office in A Coruña or Santiago de Compostela typically takes 1 to 3 months. The card is initially valid for 1 year, renewable to 2 and then 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence.

Tax implications: Spanish tax residency

Living in Spain for more than 183 days per year automatically makes you a Spanish tax resident. This has significant consequences:

The UK-Spain double taxation treaty prevents you from paying tax twice on the same income. However, you must declare in both countries and claim the corresponding exemption. In Galicia, the regional IRPF rate is slightly below the Spanish average.

Exchanging your UK driving licence

Since Brexit, you can no longer drive indefinitely in Spain with your UK licence. Current rules:

1. First 6 months: you can drive with your UK licence accompanied by an official translation or international permit.
2. After 6 months: you must exchange your licence for a Spanish one or obtain a new one.

The exchange process involves:

• Psychophysical fitness certificate (medical check at authorised centres, around €30)
• Theoretical test available in English at the DGT
• DGT fee: approximately €28

On the Costa da Morte, the nearest medical check centres are in Cee and A Coruña. The exchange can be done at the Traffic Headquarters in A Coruña.

Access to Spanish healthcare

Access to Spanish public healthcare depends on your situation:

If you plan to reside in Fisterra or Camariñas on a non-lucrative visa, you will need private health insurance without waiting periods or co-payments, accepted by the Foreigners Office. Companies like Sanitas, Adeslas or Mapfre offer specific policies for foreigners from around €60-150 per month.

The Cee Health Centre and Muxía Health Centre are the main public healthcare points on the Costa da Morte. For specialist care, the reference hospital is the University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (CHUAC).

Transferring UK pensions

UK state pensions can continue to be received in Spain without issue. The pension is transferred to your Spanish bank account and updated annually with the triple lock system (the best of: inflation, 2.5% or earnings growth).

For private pensions (defined contribution), you have several options:

• Leave the pension in the UK: it will continue growing according to chosen funds. You can withdraw from age 55 (57 from 2028) by transferring to Spain.
• QROPS: transfer to a recognised overseas pension scheme. Watch out for transfer charges (can be 2-5%).
• International SIPP: consolidate several UK pensions into a single international plan accessible from Spain.

Tax warning: UK pension withdrawals may be taxable in both the UK and Spain. Tax treatment depends on the type of pension and the double taxation treaty. Always consult a specialist tax adviser in UK-Spain double taxation.

Property ownership: post-Brexit changes

British citizens can still buy property in Spain without restrictions. However, there are important changes:

On the Costa da Morte, prices remain very attractive for British buyers. A renovated stone house in Corcubión can cost between €120,000 and €250,000, a fraction of what a similar property would cost in southern England. In Fisterra, a sea-view apartment ranges between €80,000 and €180,000.

The UK-Spain double taxation treaty

The convention between Spain and the UK to avoid double taxation remains in force and is fundamental for Britons with interests in both countries. Key points:

• Employment income: taxed where the work is performed, unless seconded
• Pension income: taxed in the country of tax residence (except public sector pensions)
• Capital gains: taxed in the country of tax residence
• Property income: always taxed where the property is located
• Dividends and interest: maximum 15% withholding in the country of origin

Post-Brexit wills: what you need to know

After Brexit, it is more important than ever to have a properly drafted will for your Spanish assets. The European Succession Regulation is no longer directly applicable to the UK, but Spain applies it so you can choose the law of your nationality.

Recommendations:

1. Make a Spanish notarial will for your real estate assets in Galicia. Cost: €50-100 at any notary.
2. Keep your UK will updated for your UK assets.
3. Specify applicable law: in your Spanish will, state that you wish British law to apply to your succession, if that is your intention.
4. Consider inheritance tax: Galicia offers a 99% reduction for Group I and II heirs, which is hugely advantageous.

Remember: without a Spanish will, your heirs face a more complex and expensive process. A notarial will in Spain costs less than €100 and saves months of paperwork and thousands in expenses.

Non-lucrative residence visa: the most popular option

The non-lucrative residence visa (VNL) is the most common route for Britons wanting to live in Spain without working. Requirements for 2025:

Application is submitted at the Spanish Consulate in London or Edinburgh. The process takes 1 to 3 months. Once granted, you have 90 days to enter Spain and apply for the TIE.

Checklist: steps to move to Galicia post-Brexit

1. Research areas: visit Corcubión, Cee, Fisterra, Camariñas and Muxía before deciding
2. Open a Spanish bank account: with your passport and proof of income
3. Get your NIE: at the Spanish consulate in the UK or at A Coruña police station
4. Apply for the visa: gather all documentation and submit at the consulate
5. Find a property: work with a local agent who knows the Costa da Morte market
6. Exchange your driving licence: within the first 6 months
7. Register on the padrón: at your Galician municipal town hall
8. Apply for the TIE: at the Foreigners Office after arriving
9. Arrange health insurance: if your visa requires it
10. Make a Spanish will: protect your Galician real estate assets
11. Register with Spanish tax authority: get your digital certificate and file the IRPF return