Living in Spain
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Spain – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Spain
Help from the Spanish government
For any questions on moving to or living in Spain, you may be able to get help from the:
- Spanish consulates in Edinburgh, London or Manchester
- Embassy of Spain in the United Kingdom
- Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (in Spanish)
The UK government, including the British Embassy and Consulates in Spain, cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Spain.
Professional help in Spain
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Spain, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
You can also get help from a ‘gestor’. A gestor is a private professional agent who can help with administrative tasks and processes. You can find a qualified gestor in your area using the National Register of Accredited Gestores (in Spanish).
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Spain to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Spain. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Spain before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Spain.
Read guidance on:
- the different residence permits available to you (in Spanish)
- applying for a visa from the Spanish consulate in London
- applying for a visa from the Spanish consulate in Edinburgh
- applying for a visa from the Spanish consulate Manchester
You can get a visa to:
- study
- retire
- work – including as a digital nomad
- carry out an internship
- receive medical treatment
- live with family in Spain
- perform missionary work or other religious activities
- volunteer
- do research
For more information, read the Spanish government’s guidance on living in Spain (in Spanish).
You can also contact the Spanish consulates in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Registering as a resident and getting a TIE
Once you arrive, you need to register:
- as a resident
- on the municipal register (‘padrón municipal’) at your local town hall
Children must also be registered with their own residency documents.
Read our guidance on registering as a resident and getting a TIE.
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact the Spanish police for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residency permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residency permit
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Spain.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the Spanish government’s guidance on permanent residence.
Citizenship
Spain does not recognise dual citizenship with the UK.
To find out if you’re eligible for Spanish citizenship:
- read the Spanish government’s guidance on getting Spanish nationality
- contact the Spanish Ministry of Justice (in Spanish)
- contact the Spanish consulates in Edinburgh, London or Manchester
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy and Consulates in Spain cannot help with Spanish visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- your local foreigners’ office (extranjería) or police station (in Spanish)
- the Spanish consulates in London, Manchester or Edinburgh
- an English-speaking lawyer in Spain
Residency if you moved to Spain before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Spain before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Residence documents if you moved to Spain before 1 January 2021
There are 2 types of residence document that you may have if you moved to Spain before 1 January 2021. These are the:
- foreigner’s identity card (‘TIE’ or ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero’)
- ‘green’ certificate (‘Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea’)
If you have a green certificate, the Spanish authorities and the British Embassy and Consulates in Spain strongly recommend that you exchange it for a TIE.
The TIE is the only valid residency document listed in the Withdrawal Agreement. As a result, you cannot use a green certificate as proof that you do not need to register with the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
For more information, including how to make the exchange, read our guidance on registering as a resident and getting a TIE.
If you do not have a residence document
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence document, you must register as a resident and get a TIE now.
Read our guidance on registering as a resident and getting a TIE. This covers how to apply for a TIE and make an appeal if your application is unsuccessful.
Renewing your residence document if you moved to Spain before 1 January 2021
You’ll need to renew your residence document when it expires.
Read our guidance on registering as a resident and getting a TIE for information on how to renew.
Bringing family members to Spain if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Spanish government’s frequently asked questions about Brexit (PDF, 1,520KB) explains:
- which family members can join you in Spain
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
- fees and processing times
If you want to bring a spouse or civil partner to live with you in Spain, read guidance on foreign marriage recognition certificates for British nationals.
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Always carry your passport and residence document (TIE) when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship of an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Spain using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Read our guidance on notarial and document services in Spain. This covers letters of authority for resident children travelling from Spain without a parent or legal guardian.
EU entry/exit system (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Spain, and who have a biometric residence card (‘TIE’ or ‘Tarjeta de Identitdad de Extranjero’), do not need to register with the EES.
If you have a ‘green’ certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea), you will need to register with the EES.
If you’re legally resident in Spain but do not have a TIE, read our guidance on registering as a resident and getting a TIE.
For more information about how the EES works, read:
Healthcare in Spain
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on healthcare in Spain and health in Spain
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Spain
Working in Spain
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Spain, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Spain for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Spain legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
- UK police certificate
- Spanish criminal records certificate (in Spanish)
- certificate from the Spanish sex offenders registry (in Spanish), to work with children
- record of your employment history in Spain
If you live in Spain and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in a regulated profession in Spain, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised. Read about recognition of foreign degrees in Spain.
You may also need to get your qualification legalised before it can be recognised. Read about legalising UK documents in our guidance on documents for British people abroad.
Driving in Spain
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Spanish Directorate General for Traffic (in Spanish) provides information on driving in Spain, including how to:
- apply for, renew or replace a Spanish driving licence
- exchange your driving license
- register a foreign vehicle in Spain
For more information, read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Spain, in safety and security in the travel advice for Spain
- the UK and Spain’s agreement on the recognition and exchange of driving licences
Driving in Spain using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Spain for up to 6 months using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Spain.
Exchanging a UK or Gibraltar driving licence
To continue driving after 6 months, you must exchange your driving licence if it was issued in the UK or Gibraltar.
You’ll need to:
- get a check code from the DVLA – for English, Welsh and Scottish driving licences
- get a check code from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) – for Northern Irish driving licences
You should apply for the exchange before the 6 months is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your Spanish licence to drive legally.
Applying for a Spanish driving licence
If your driving licence was issued in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you cannot exchange it. You must apply for a Spanish licence as a non-EU national.
You will need to pass a theory test and practical driving test.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for:
- an EU parking card for people with disabilities
- a Spanish disabled parking card – contact your local town hall or social services department
If you have a UK blue badge and live in Spain, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Spain so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Spanish Tax Agency for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Spain. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Spain.
You can also instruct a ‘gestor’. A gestor is a private professional agent who can deal with your tax and accountancy for you. You can find a qualified gestor in your area using the National Register of Accredited Gestores (in Spanish).
Declaring your assets
If you’re resident in Spain, you:
- must declare all assets you hold outside Spain
- may need to file an annual tax return
There are penalties if you do not file, or give incorrect or incomplete information.
Contact a tax adviser in Spain for more information.
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Spanish pension
You may be able to claim a Spanish pension (in Spanish).
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- contact your local social security office (‘Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social’ or ‘INSS’)
- read the Spanish government’s guidance for pensioners
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Spanish benefits
You may be eligible for some Spanish benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- speak to a social worker (‘trabajador social’) at your local town hall
- read the guidance from the Institute for Senior Citizens and Social Services (IMSERSO) (in Spanish)
- read the Spanish government’s guidance on social security benefits for workers (in Spanish)
Buying and renting property
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
You can also read about buying and renting property in Spain.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Spain if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Spain
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Spanish elections
You cannot vote in general or regional elections in Spain unless you hold Spanish citizenship.
You also cannot vote in European Parliamentary elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.
You can vote in local elections in Spain if you have been resident for 3 years and are on the electoral register.
Studying in Spain
If you plan to study in Spain, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Spain legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For more information read guidance on:
You can also contact:
- your education provider in the UK or Spain
- the Spanish consulates in London, Manchester or Edinburgh
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
You can also read the Spanish government’s guidance on family benefits.
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Spain.
All children aged 6 to 16 must attend school in Spain.
For information on schooling in each autonomous community, read the Spanish government’s guidance on how the education system is organised in Spain.
Childcare
The autonomous communities are responsible for state nurseries and preschools in Spain.
Read the Spanish government’s guidance on early childhood education and care in Spain.
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Spain, register the birth with the Spanish authorities as soon as possible.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If a British person dies in Spain, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
You can also read guidance on:
The Spanish government provides information on how to:
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Spanish government offers guidance on how to get a divorce or separation in Spain.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Spain.
Documents for British people in Spain
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
You can also read our guidance on notarial and document services in Spain. This covers:
- the documents you need to get married in Spain
- marital status certificates for cohabitation agreements (‘pareja de hecho’) and other reasons
- certificates of foreign marriage recognition
- services the British Embassy and Consulates in Spain do not provide, including letters to support a transfer of address (‘baja consular’)
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Spain, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Spain, read:
- the Spanish government’s guidance on travelling with pets
- guidance on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU country
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Spain through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Before you leave Spain, deregister from the municipal register (‘padrón municipal’) at your local town hall. You should also tell your local foreigners’ office (‘Oficina de Extranjería’) and health centre that you’re leaving.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Spanish authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
-
Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).
-
Visas and residency section reviewed and updated with information on the forthcoming EU Entry and Exit scheme (EES) and how UK nationals can register as residents in Spain.
-
Information added on the estimated launch date of the European Entry Exit System (EES).
-
Information added to the 'Emergencies' section about the mobile app ALERT COPS.
-
Information added on the need for British residents in Spain to have a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) to be exempt from the European Entry Exit System (EES). Green Certificates will not be recognised.
-
Added information about getting a marital status certificate for a cohabitation arrangement. Added information about an administrative letter known as a 'baja consular'.
-
New link to the European Union's page of frequently asked questions about the 'Entry Exit System' (EES).
-
New guidance on the EU's Entry Exit System and registration exemptions.
-
New information for British residents in Spain on the introduction of the EU’s Entry Exit Scheme (EES) in Autumn 2024 and the documentation required to be exempt from registration.
-
New information on the removal of the 15-year limit on voting rights for British citizens living overseas. See 'Voting' section for full details.
-
Updated guidance published on the recognition of the certificate of registration 'green' residency certificate in Spain; removal of information on voting and standing in the May 2023 local elections.
-
Updated guidance on UK driving licence exchange in Spain
-
The UK and Spanish governments have agreed new temporary arrangements for exchanging UK and Gibraltar driving licences in Spain (from 16 March 2023).
-
Voting section updated with information for UK nationals who wish to vote in local Spanish elections in May 2023
-
Driving section updated: from 1 May 2022 UK driving licences will no longer be valid for driving in Spain if you have been resident for more than 6 months.
-
Important information in the Working in Spain, and National insurance sections if you work in Spain, even if it is for an employer based in the UK.
-
Voting section updated with information about participating in local elections including standing as a candidate.
-
Updated 'Driving in Spain' section: extension to the grace period for residents to drive in Spain using a valid UK licence.
-
Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency section.
-
The grace period when UK driving licences will be recognised for driving for residents in Spain has been extended to 28 February 2022.
-
Driving in Spain section updated: your valid UK driving licence will be recognised for driving in Spain until 31 December 2021.
-
Visas and residency section updated: the additional support provided by the UK Nationals Support Fund to UK nationals making their residency application, will end on 31 December 2021. Contact the relevant implementing partner before this date if you need this additional support.
-
Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Spain, Studying in Spain, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections
-
Guidance reviewed for Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, and Useful information sections.
-
New guidance on professional and academic qualifications.
-
Working in Spain section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
-
Driving section: the deadline has been extended so you can now use your UK licence to drive in Spain until 31 October 2021, if you were resident in Spain before January 2021.
-
Additional support section updated with link to guidance on UK Nationals Support Fund; healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Spain section updated with links to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services and DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
-
Driving section updated on how to exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one.
-
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
-
Visas and residency section updated with information on accepted residency documentation for UK nationals.
-
Updated as the transition period ends with new information on driving, pet travel and moving to Spain.
-
Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
-
UK Nationals Support Fund section updated with expanded geographical coverage for Spain
-
Updated with latest information on exchanging UK driving licences.
-
Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
-
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
-
Addition to the UK Nationals Support Fund section regarding the provision of assistance with residency applications in Valencia and Castellon regions (Babelia Association).
-
Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency application.
-
Driving section updated with additional guidance on how to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one.
-
Visas and residency section updated with information about the new residency document - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)
-
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
-
Updated information on children travelling from Spain.
-
Brexit update: Driving section updated to include latest information on the process of exchanging driving licences.
-
Updated information on children travelling from Spain.
-
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement.
-
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
-
Information on new requirements for minors travelling from Spain from the 1 September in the passports and travel section
-
EU Exit update - additional information added to the passports and travel section.
-
Information on voting in the European Parliament elections.
-
EU Exit update: Added in new information on EU Exit in pensions, passports, healthcare and returning to the UK section.
-
EU Exit update: updated information added to the visas and residency section.
-
We have updated this guidance with what you should do to prepare for EU Exit and what the Royal Decree means for UK nationals.
-
We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
-
EU Exit update: links added to Spanish governments' brexit website and Spain's no-deal contingency measures as published in the Royal Decree
-
Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
-
EU Exit update: updated information on double taxation
-
EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
-
EU Exit update: New information on voting in local elections in Spain added to the voting section
-
EU exit update - updated information on pensions and driving
-
We have added the latest information with the new website of the Spanish Government for UK Nationals in Spain
-
EU Exit update: Added information about the Spanish government announcement on EU Exit in the Visas and Residency section.
-
EU Exit update: New information on voting in local elections in Spain.
-
EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in Pets section.
-
Brexit update: Added in information about citizens outreach meetings across Spain
-
June 2018
-
Updated March 2018
-
Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
-
Updated hyperlinks and corrected a grammar error.
-
Taxation information updated.
-
Updated the information on UK benefits abroad
-
Information added on returning to the UK
-
Updated Life Certificate information
-
Updated to include details of the double taxation treaties between Spain and the UK
-
updated arrangements for signing of life certificates in Spain
-
guide and category changed.
-
First published.