MOVING TO SPAIN AFTER BREXIT
MOVING TO SPAIN AFTER BREXIT - RESIDENCY AND VISAS
Information updated on 05 March 2021.
We have prepared the following article as a question and answer format to assist our clients with the often confusing and dynamic environment around moving to live in Spain for United Kingdom nationals. We hope this information will help to give an idea of these new requirements, but as always we recommend you contact our Client Services department for a more detailed and personalised service.
Are you still planning on moving to Spain post Brexit and with vaccines offering new hope for later in 2021. If the answer is yes then please see information below which you could find helpful. Please note this information could be subject to change and may vary in different communities of Spain so we would always advise that you take full independent advice.
Q. How long can I stay in Spain without a visa? -
Answer. A visa is not required to enter Spain, however, you will need a passport with at least 6 months remaining. Without a visa, British citizens can only stay for 90 days within a 180 day period. After this, they must leave Spain and must not return for 90 days. The 90-days start as soon as you enter the Schengen zone, not just Spain. If you have a residency permit then you can stay as long as your residency allows.
Q. I want to stay longer. What type of residency permit can I apply for? Please see the options below.
Non-lucrative visa/residency permit - the non-lucrative visa is similar to the European residency that we had before Brexit. It is essentially a non-working/retirement visa and you need to prove that you have somewhere to live in Spain (bought or rented) and that you have enough money to support yourself, health insurance and no serious criminal record. For the initial visa, an individual must prove that they have an income of €27,000 per year. If you are living with another family member – for example, your spouse – then you will need to prove an additional €6,000. Your approximate total income will therefore need to be around €33,000.
Golden Visa (residency by investment) - To apply, you must have a property investment of at least €500,000 in Spain without a mortgage. You will need to get a certificate from the Land Registry which shows who has bought the property and the purchase price.You will also have to prove that you have the same funds as with the non-lucrative visa (€27,000 for an individual or €33,000 for a couple), health insurance and no criminal record.
Job Residency permit - This visa allows you to live and work in Spain. You will need a job contract with a company first, or you can establish your own company in Spain and be self-employed.
Residency through marriage - A British citizen can get a residency permit if they are married to somebody who is a European citizen, for example, Irish, French, Italian, or Spanish. This residency permit has the same rights as the old European residency, however, it is subject to the residency of the European citizen (your spouse). You will still need to have proof of funds – although this is much lower than other visas at €6,700 for an individual – as well as have health insurance and somewhere to live (bought or rented).
Q. Where do I apply for a non-working/retirement visa?
Answer. British citizens will have to apply for their first non-lucrative visa via the Spanish embassy or consulate in the UK or at a separate visa processing centre. You will need to book an appointment and make sure you bring all the necessary documentation:
- Completed national visa form
- A copy of your passport and a recent passport photograph
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Valid UK residence permit
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Proof of Spanish health insurance
- Medical certificate
- Proof of funds e.g. bank certificate
Q. Can I freely travel in the Schengen area with Spanish residency?
Answer. The Golden Visa allows you to travel through the Schengen area freely. On the other hand, the non-lucrative visa only allows you to stay longer than the 90 days in Spain. In the rest of the Schengen area, you will still be treated as a tourist and will be subject to the 90-day rule.
Citrine Real Estate can help you with the Sale or Purchase of a Spanish property and we also have a rental department for long term rental requirements. If you need any further assistance with your application to move to Spain, then please contact us for a chat.
Tel: +34 966 877 235
Web: CitrineRealEstate.com
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