Cross-border relocation guide
Moving from the UK to Spain: Complete Guide
— In short
Climate, lifestyle, lower cost, EU access lost after Brexit but accessible via dedicated visa routes.
Why people make this move
Climate, lifestyle, lower cost, EU access lost after Brexit but accessible via dedicated visa routes.
Key visa routes from the UK
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa (Beckham regime)
- Golden Visa
See our visa & immigration support →
What changes for the UK citizens specifically
Post-Brexit, UK citizens are now third-country nationals in Spain. Plan a visa route well before moving — the 90/180-day Schengen rule applies otherwise.
Cost of living comparison
| Item | the UK | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed city centre rent | £1,400 | €900–€1,500 |
| Monthly groceries (single) | £300 | €220 |
| Eating out (mid-range) | £60 | €35 |
| Utilities | £200 | €130 |
Typical timeline for this move
- Months 6–4: Research, country shortlist, visa selection
- Months 4–3: Document gathering, apostilles, translations
- Months 3–2: Visa application submitted, housing shortlist
- Months 2–1: Approval, flights, shipping booked
- Month 1: Notice given, utilities cancelled, banking arranged
- Arrival week: Local registration, accommodation, SIM, banking
- First 30 days: Tax ID, doctor, school enrollment, integration
Frequently asked questions
Last reviewed: April 2026 — Relocation Assist Editorial Team