December 31, 2021, marked the end of the Brexit transition period. Following this date, British citizens are limited in their ability to move freely within the European Union. The British government requires visas for citizens of EU countries who wish to live there. Spain’s charm stems from its relaxed lifestyle, low cost of living, and 300 days of sunshine per year on its Mediterranean coast. There are approximately 350k British citizens living in Spain, making it the country with the most British ex-pats (though some estimate that as many as a million British citizens live there).
Is it possible to move to Spain without a visa from the UK?
From January 1, 2021, the UK will be considered a ‘third country. Citizens of the United Kingdom who wish to move to Spain (or stay more than three months in Spain) will need to obtain a national (long-term visa) visa. Those with a second home in Spain but without residency are included.
Permits and visas generally fall into one of the following categories:
- Work and residence visas are available. This visa combines residence and employment rights, allowing you to live and work in Spain.
- While studying. A student visa is valid for the duration of an authorized educational or training program.
- Or residence permits. There are also family reunion visas and retirement visas available.
In general, a British citizen can move to Spain by following these routes:
- Working for a Spanish company.
- if you earn at least £2,000 a month as a self-employed individual.
- Students.
- As a family member or dependent of a Spanish national.
- In retirement.
Which Spanish work visas are available?
The Work and Residence Visa category includes several types of work visas. To obtain a work permit in Spain, your employer needs to apply to the Ministry of Labor for the appropriate work permit for the type of job you will be doing. After your application has been submitted, you will receive a copy with a stamp and file number from the office.
Spanish work visa applications are processed over eight months for standard applications. Work permits are issued for a period of one year, and they can be extended. If you have resided in Spain for five years, you can apply for long-term residency.
What is the process of moving to Spain from UK as a self-employed person?
By setting up a limited company or registering as an ‘Autonomo’, self-employed people can move to Spain. More than three million independent contractors live in Spain today. To get your work and residence permits, you must first apply at the Spanish embassy in London. You will need to provide documentation and information when applying for a license.
You may need to provide:
- You must demonstrate that you have the necessary finances to invest in your business or to support yourself.
- Through a business plan (if applicable).
- Proof that you have the necessary skills and experience to do the work is also essential.
- Contracts with companies or commissions from them are also essential.
To become self-employed in Spain, you may also need to apply for a freelance visa.
What are the steps to becoming an Autonomo?
Self-employed workers in Spain must earn at least £24,000 a year to qualify for self-employment status. You can register as a freelancer or self-employed Autonomo when you arrive in Spain. An Autonomo is personally liable for his or her business as a sole proprietor. The individual Spanish tax system is used by Autonomous to pay their income taxes.
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Setting up a Limited Company
In addition, a limited company can be set up. There are several ways to set up a limited company. There are many variations of the limited company, but the most common is the Society Limited. You would not be liable personally as a limited company. You must, however, pay additional taxes and handle other accounting duties.
Are family visas available in Spain?
You may be able to join a family member in Spain under the family reunification rules if they have lived in Spain for at least one year and plan on staying another year. The following circumstances may allow you to join your family member in Spain immediately:
- They have an EU Blue Card.
- Long-term residence permit issued by another EU state.
- They are students or researchers.
The following relatives are eligible for family reunification in Spain:
- Spouses/partners who are not married.
- Spanish family members and their spouses who have unmarried children 18 or younger. Adopted children are also included.
- Dependent children, grandchildren, or any person over 18 who has disabilities and for whom a member of the Spanish family has legal guardianship.
Parents who are over 65 and who are the parents of family members and their spouses. The Spanish embassy in the United Kingdom can assist you with the process of family reunification. A residence permit is the first step in the process. When you arrive in Spain, you should make an appointment at the Foreigners’ Office in your area.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why people from countries outside the EU can apply for permission to reside in Spain under Spanish immigration rules. The transition period has ended, so UK nationals can still stay in Spain for short or extended periods if they comply with the regulations.
It is common for Brits to buy property in Spain to move there or retire there.
Moving to Spain has become more challenging as a result of Brexit.
FAQs
- Is it possible to move to Spain without a job?
Of course, you can move to Spain without a job. Even so, you will need to apply for any residency in which it is not listed as a requirement.
- How can I legally move to Spain?
Short-term Schengen visas are valid for 90 days in 180 days and are required to enter Spain. A long-term permit is necessary if you plan to stay longer than six months.
- How much does it cost to retire in Spain from the UK?
Retiring in Spain is also relatively inexpensive. On about $25,000-27,000 a year, you can retire comfortably on $2,000-2,200 a month.
