Updated for 2025: Our Guide to Moving from the UK to Spain: Visas, Healthcare, Banking, and More

2nd May 2025

Moving from the UK to Spain is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, retirement, or lifestyle, understanding the processes around visas, healthcare, banking, and driving in Spain is key to a smooth transition.

Visa options for moving to Spain from England Long-Term Spanish Visas

 

If you plan to stay in Spain for more than 180 days, you will need a long-term visa. Applications should be submitted at least three months before your travel date. Visa fees can vary by type and length of stay, with an average cost of around £100. These visas are typically renewed every two years until you qualify for permanent residency after five years.

Lifestyle and Educational Visas

• Au Pair Visa: Ideal for young individuals seeking cultural exchange in return for help with childcare or light household duties.
• Student Visa: Required if you plan to study in Spain for more than three months.
• Family Reunification Visa: For those joining family members already residing in Spain. This visa also permits travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Spanish Work Visas

• Entrepreneur Visa: Designed for individuals starting a business in Spain, valid for three years.
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals looking to live and work in Spain.
• Highly Qualified Work Permit: For individuals with exceptional professional expertise.

Once in Spain, apply for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), a biometric residency card granting access to services like education. This £110 biometric residency card legitimises your stay, enabling access to education and other essential services. You will also need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE), essential for tax registration, employment, and everyday transactions. This letter costs between £10-£20, and can also be applied for at the local immigration office.

Before you move, it’s a good idea to consult with an immigration advisor to ensure you have the correct documents based on your circumstances.

Spanish healthcare system

Understanding Spain’s healthcare system is crucial for a healthy transition.

Before You Arrive:  Secure appropriate health insurance, as it is often required for visa approval and resident registration.

After Arrival: Register at your local health centre using your social security number to access basic state services. While many services are free, some, like prescriptions, may require a co-payment.

Employed and Self-Employed Individuals: If working, healthcare access is linked to contributions through Spain’s social security system. A UK-issued S1 form can be registered at the Social Security office to transfer healthcare rights.

Permanent Residents: After five years in Spain, you automatically gain access to public healthcare.

Non-Working Individuals: Non-working residents can join the Convenio Especial, a monthly-fee public health scheme, until they qualify for permanent residency.

Spanish Banking Options for UK Citizens

Setting up a bank account in Spain makes financial management much easier and ensures smoother transactions.

Why do you need a Spanish bank account?

Opening a local account helps avoid foreign transaction fees and is necessary for setting up services like utilities. You’ll also need a Spanish IBAN to make payments and manage household bills.

Required documents for opening a Spanish bank account

• Valid ID or passport
• NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number)
• Proof of address in Spain
• Proof of income or employment

Though UK bank accounts remain accessible, having a Spanish account provides better access and reduced fees for local transactions.

Driving in Spain with a UK licence

If you plan to drive in Spain, your UK licence is only valid for a limited time. British citizens residing in Spain must exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one within six months of arrival. As of March 2023, no retesting is required under the updated UK-Spain agreement.

Requirements for the exchange of a UK licence to a Spanish licence

• The UK licence must have been obtained while not a legal resident in Spain.
• Licences acquired while legally residing in Spain are not exchangeable.
• Expired UK licences may still be exchanged.

Steps to exchange

1. Take the required “psicotécnico” medical exam.
2. Book an appointment online or by phone with your local Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico, which is the Spanish equivalent of the DVLA. 

Estimated costs of moving to Spain as a British resident

Costs can vary depending on your destination, lifestyle, and family size, so flexibility is key. Typical expenses include:

• Visa and legal application fees
• Flights and initial accommodation
• Shipping or storage of belongings
• Health insurance and NIE/TIE application costs
• Housing deposits and utility setups

Understanding these potential costs will help you prepare a realistic relocation budget.

Shipping personal belongings to Spain from the UK

Most people choose to ship some personal items when relocating. Air freight is faster, while sea freight is more economical for larger shipments. Work with a reliable international removals company to manage logistics and customs requirements.

Moving pets to Spain from England

Bringing your pet to Spain is possible with the right paperwork. Requirements typically include:

• Microchipping
• Up-to-date vaccinations (especially rabies)
• An animal health certificate issued shortly before travel

Make sure you check with your airline or pet travel specialist to ensure a smooth transition from the UK to your new home in Spain. 

Should you ship your car from the UK to Spain?

Bringing your own car from the UK to Spain can be a great option, especially if you’re already comfortable with your vehicle. For many, shipping a car offers familiarity, convenience, and continuity, particularly if you’re relocating to a rural area or plan to travel frequently within Europe.

It’s important to note that Spanish regulations around emissions and registration may differ from those in the UK. You’ll likely need to register your vehicle locally and ensure it meets Spanish standards, which may involve paying certain taxes or making minor modifications. However, with the right preparation and expert guidance, the process is entirely achievable.

If your car is relatively new, fuel-efficient, or holds sentimental or financial value, shipping it can be a worthwhile part of your relocation. Working with an experienced shipping company can simplify the logistics and ensure your car arrives safely and legally compliant.

 

If you’re planning a move to Spain and need help with visas, removals, or getting settled, contact our team today or book a virtual consultation to start your journey. At Eurogoroup, we offer a full removal service, taking you from A to B and covering everything in between.