UK Citizens Entering Spain: What You Need to Know in 2025
Since the United Kingdom officially left the European Union, many UK citizens have asked: “Is there a special treaty between Spain and the UK for travel or residency?” The answer is no special bilateral treaty exists giving UK nationals unique entry rights into Spain. But there is a clear set of rules in place, thanks to EU regulations and the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.
In this article, we explain in detail how UK citizens can visit, live, or move to Spain in 2025—and what rights they retain if they moved before Brexit
1. Entering Spain as a UK Citizen in 2025
Since Brexit, the UK is classified as a third country under EU law. That means UK nationals must follow the Schengen Zone’s rules for short stays.
Visa-Free Visits (Tourism or Business)
UK citizens can still visit Spain without a visa for:
- Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period
- For purposes such as tourism, business meetings, short-term studies, or family visits
However:
- The 90-day clock applies across the entire Schengen Zone (not just Spain)
- Border officers may ask for proof of accommodation, return tickets, or financial means
Important: A visitor cannot reset the 90-day period simply by leaving and re-entering Spain or another Schengen country.
Entry Conditions at the Border
As a non-EU citizen, a UK traveler must:
- Have a valid passport issued in the last 10 years, and valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area
- Show purpose of travel and accommodation (hotel or private)
- Be prepared to show proof of funds (e.g. €100/day per person)
2. Living in Spain: Long-Term Options for UK Citizens
If you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, work, retire, or relocate to Spain, you'll need to apply for the correct visa.
Main Residency Options for UK Nationals:
- Non-Lucrative Visa – For retirees or those with passive income
- Work Visa – For employed individuals or self-employed professionals (autónomos)
- Digital Nomad Visa – For remote workers with foreign employers (introduced in 2023)
- Student Visa – For full-time studies
- Family Reunification Visa – If joining a close relative living in Spain
Each visa has specific income requirements, paperwork, and a national visa application must be submitted through the Spanish consulate in the UK.
At Landcross Partners, we guide UK citizens through this process, including visa selection, legal compliance, and property matters.
3. Special Protections for UK Citizens Already Living in Spain Before Brexit
The UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement protects the rights of UK nationals who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020.
These individuals have:
- The right to continue living and working in Spain
- The right to healthcare access (if eligible)
- The right to family reunification
- Recognition of UK driving licenses (with local conversion rules)
They must hold:
- A special TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card, which explicitly mentions Article 50 of the Withdrawal Agreement
- Registration with the Spanish Immigration Office
If you moved after January 2021, you are not protected by this agreement and must follow the new visa rules.
4. Important Notes for UK Property Owners in Spain
UK citizens can still buy property in Spain freely, even post-Brexit. However:
- Buying property does not grant residency or visa rights
- Many second-home owners must manage their visits carefully to stay under the 90/180 rule
- Some UK buyers use property ownership to support non-lucrative visa application
5. What Landcross Partners Can Do for UK Nationals
Whether you're visiting Spain for a few weeks, or planning a full relocation, our team can assist you with:
- Selecting the correct visa or residence permit
- Real estate services in Marbella, Malaga, Costa Blanca, Madrid, and Barcelona
- Handling legal, tax, and immigration formalities
- Managing your residency permit application, including TIE support
- Insurance and tax consultation for expats
Contact Landcross Partners today for a consultation. We provide a seamless experience tailored to UK nationals moving to Spain—whether you're looking to retire, invest, work remotely, or just stay a bit longer.
