Do I need a visa to move to Spain
Moving from the UK to Spain – Entry Requirements & What You Need to KnowSince Brexit, UK citizens can still move to Spain, but the process now includes additional requirements for stays longer than 90 days.
If you are planning to buy property or relocate to Spain—especially regions like Murcia and Costa Cálida—it’s important to understand the current entry and residency rules.
✈️ 1. Short Stays (Up to 90 Days)UK citizens can still visit Spain without a visa for:
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Tourism, property viewing trips, and short stays
Requirements:
Valid UK passport (issued within the last 10 years)
At least 3 months validity beyond planned departure
Proof of return travel (may be requested)
Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds (occasionally checked)
👉 This is ideal for viewing property for sale in Spain before purchasing.
🏡 2. Longer Stays (Over 90 Days)If you plan to live in Spain, you must apply for residency or a visa.
Common options include:
📍 Non-Lucrative Visa (Most Popular for Retirees)For those not working in Spain
Requires proof of income/savings
Private health insurance required
Allows residency in Spain
📍 Self-Employed / Digital Nomad VisaFor remote workers or freelancers
Requires proof of income and work activity
Increasingly popular with younger buyers
🧾 3. NIE Number (Essential for Property Buyers)The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is required for:
Buying property in Spain
Opening a bank account
Paying taxes and utilities
You can apply:
In Spain
At a Spanish consulate in the UK
Through a legal representative
👉 Without an NIE, you cannot complete a property purchase.
🏦 4. Financial RequirementsFor residency visas, you may need:
Proof of sufficient income or savings
Private health insurance (no public healthcare access initially)
Spanish bank account
🏥 5. Healthcare in SpainUK citizens moving to Spain will need:
Private health insurance initially (for visa approval)
Later access to public healthcare depending on residency status
Spain offers a high-quality healthcare system, especially in regions like Murcia.
🏠 6. Buying Property in Spain as a UK CitizenThere are no restrictions on UK citizens buying property in Spain.
However, you will need:
NIE number
Spanish bank account
Legal representation (strongly recommended)
Buying property is often the first step towards relocating to Spain permanently.
🌞 Why UK Buyers Choose Murcia & Costa CálidaMurcia is especially popular with UK buyers because:
Affordable property prices
Over 300 days of sunshine
Easy access to UK flights (Alicante & Murcia airports)
Large established expat communities
Low cost of living compared to the UK
Popular areas include:
Camposol
Mazarrón
Mazarrón Country Club
Coastal areas near Puerto de Mazarrón
📌 Summary – Key RequirementsTo move from the UK to Spain you typically need:
Valid passport
NIE number
Proof of financial means (for residency)
Health insurance (for long stays)
Visa (if staying over 90 days long-term)
👉 Thinking of Moving to Spain?If you are planning to relocate or buy property in Spain, Villaquest can help you find the right home in Murcia and Costa Cálida and guide you through the buying process step by step.
Mon 20th Apr 2026
