Spain has always been a popular place for Brits to vacation and even own a second home. Now, given the economic problems in the UK caused by Brexit, many Brits are considering relocating to Spain. This article tells you everything you need to know about post Brexit relocation to Europe.
Immigration law post-Brexit
Before Brexit, UK citizens were allowed to live and move in Europe with their UK passports. Brexit changed all of that. Brits that were already living in EU countries were allowed to stay if they got their paperwork in order. But now, one cannot live in the EU with a UK passport. The law clearly states that British citizens can still visit the EU as a tourist for 90 days in any 180 day period without requiring a visa, provided they have at least three months remaining on their passports at the time of their return. However, after the 180 days they must leave the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes 25 of the 27 members of the EU; Spain is part of it. The only EU countries that are not in the Schengen Area are Cyprus and Ireland.
Although the Schengen Area has uniform immigration laws, if you want to live in Europe you must decide on a country and work with the immigration authorities in that country.
Is there are a workaround?
Yes, there is. Until recently, many European countries offered golden visas. These gave EU residency to people purchasing property, and was considered the easiest path to permanent residency. Beginning in 2022 many countries started mothballing these programs. Spain followed suit and on April 3, 2025 terminated its golden visa program. However, there are still a number of other viable options for UK citizens to obtain Spanish residency.
Non-lucrative visa: Best for retirees and those with strong investment portfolios
This is the easiest way for UK residents wanting to relocate to the EU, post Brexit. It’s designed for people that don’t need to work. Interestingly, the investment threshold is much lower than you probably think. If you can demonstrate a passive monthly income of 2,400€ per month, which translates to 28,800€ per year, you are eligible for a non-lucrative visa. If you have dependents, the amount increases an additional 7,200€ per year for each additional dependent. You will need to furnish bank statements to prove you have the required passive income. Here is a handy checklist made by the London consulate for non lucrative visa applicants: Checklist for non lucrative visas
Digital nomad visa: Best for those that have employment contracts
If you meet the minimum income threshold for a non-lucrative visa, but earn your income from a job, rather than assets, a digital nomad visa might be the perfect option. This visa, introduced in 2023, allows one to live in Spain if they work remotely. Many other countries in Europe have also initiated digital nomad visas. Spain’s is arguably the most flexible as it also allows you to work for a Spanish company, as long as it doesn’t represent more than 20% of your income. Here are the instructions for UK citizens: Digital Nomad Visa
Entrepreneur visa: Best for those that want to start a business in Spain
If you want to start a business in Spain, the entrepreneur visa is an excellent choice. To apply, you have to write a business plan, and create projected financial projections. It must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. You also must demonstrate you have enough money to sustain yourself, and any dependents, in Spain in the time it takes to get your company up and running. If you apply for this visa in Spain, the minimum income threshold for this visa is less than the non-lucrative visa and the digital nomad visas; it is only 100% of the Spanish minimum wage (IPREM), which was set at 600€ per month for 2025. Here are the instructions for UK citizens: Entrepreneur Visa
To learn about other requirements needed to apply for the above visas, we invite you to read: How to obtain EU residency in a post golden visa world
Madrid Estate can help with every step of your post Brexit relocation. We have a network of trusted lawyers, immigration experts, private bankers and educational experts. To learn more about Madrid Estate’s relocation services, you can contact our founder directly at fabiana@madrid-estate.com or WhatsApp +34 680 306 337 to discuss your relocation plans.
How to start the immigration process
Once you decide on the best visa for your work/financial situation, you need to get the ball rolling. The truth is, unless you are fluent in Spanish and are very good at paperwork, you will probably need help with your post Brexit relocation. You can apply for the visas at your Spanish consular district in the UK; in London you submit the paperwork at the visa application center, located at 20 St Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AG. Before submitting the application, you will have to fill out the forms, pay an application fee, get all requested documents (proof of health insurance, proof you don’t have a criminal record, etc) translated into Spanish and apostilled. It can be time consuming but there are definitely agencies that help with this. You can also hire an immigration lawyer, but our experience is that the companies focusing on helping people relocate to Spain are actually better and cheaper.
Once you obtain your visa, you will have to deal with the Spanish bureaucracy. It can be slow and intricate, so most people in Spain use something called a gestor to help you navigate the steps.
Steps to take after you are granted your visa
You can actually get started on the first, and most important, step of your relocation process while you are waiting for your visa to be processed: figuring out where you want to live. This will greatly affect your life post your Brexit relocation. Some things to consider:
Do you want to rent or buy?
It may seem like a big step to buy a home right away, but Madrid property is a good investment. Prices have increased in the past couple of years, but there is still room for capital appreciation if you want to purchase in a premium neighborhood. Alternatively, you can look in an up and coming neighborhood like Tetuán where you can still find a deal. Even if you don’t end up staying in Madrid, you will always have the property and can obtain a regular income stream by renting it out in the medium or long term. Madrid has some of the highest rental yields in Europe.
If you want to rent, there are excellent options available. The past few years have seen people investing in older Madrid apartments and fixing them up. Now, there are many luxury options available.
Which neighborhood do you want to live in?
Once you make the decision to rent or buy, you need to figure out where you want to live. Madrid has a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. If you prefer an upscale, international urban environment, Salamanca would probably appeal to you. If you prefer an upscale, but more traditional neighborhood, you should have a look at Chamberí. If you like the nightlife, living in Malasaña will put you right in the middle of the action. Chic Justicia will appeal if you were torn between relocating to Paris vs. Madrid.
If you want a more suburban environment, green La Moraleja with its Michelin guide restaurants and world class golf can be very appealing. This is particularly true if you are relocating with children as it has the best international schools in Madrid. If you want your children to have a British education, both Runnymede and Kings College are located in this neighborhood.
Open a Spanish bank account
You will need to have a Spanish bank account. Many transactions take place via direct wire transfer, and the European SEPA system is not the same as the British system. You can do this at any bank branch, but typically they don’t speak English. Private banks, that cater to HNW individuals, typically have English speaking staff.
Go house hunting
Once you have your paperwork all in order and you know where you want to live, it’s time to start looking for your new home. Unless you speak very good Spanish, it will be much easier to use a specialized relocation agent, like Madrid Estate, to help you in this process. We offer a tailored property search service to international clients. We have a portfolio of exclusive, off-market properties – penthouses, mansions, and villas – in Madrid’s most desirable locations. Once you settle on your dream property, we can help you negotiate the best deal, whether renting or buying.
Get to know your new city
Now it’s time to start exploring. Discover new restaurants, go to events: all the things that make life enjoyable. Madrid Estate offers personalized concierge services to help you find a private chef, get tickets to VIP events or find your new yoga studio or golf club.
To learn more about Madrid Estate’s relocation services and how we can help manage your post Brexit relocation, contact our founder directly at fabiana@madrid-estate.com or WhatsApp +34 680 306 337 to discuss your investment and relocation plans.
