After Brexit, British citizens must follow the same procedure as any non-EU national to obtain residence in Spain. This means applying for a Spanish residence visa at the Spanish Consulate in the UK before entering Spain with the intention of living there.
Below, we explain the key steps to apply for residency in Spain for UK citizens, including how to coordinate the process before and after your arrival.
1. Choose the Right Type of Residence Visa for Spain
Before starting the process, it is essential to determine which type of Spanish visa for UK citizens you need, as each one requires different documentation.
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Suitable for individuals who do not intend to work in Spain, typically retirees or those with passive income.
Requirements:
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Private health insurance
Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo)
For individuals planning to start a business or work as freelancers in Spain.
Requirements:
- Business plan
- Proof of financial viability
- Compliance with Spanish tax and legal requirements
Work Visa
For individuals who already have a job offer from a Spanish company.
Requirements:
- Employment contract
- Prior work authorisation processed in Spain by the employer
All of these options require applying for a visa in the UK before travelling to Spain. It is not possible to enter Spain as a tourist and apply from within the country.
2. Obtain a Criminal Record Certificate (UK)
A UK police certificate (ACRO) is mandatory for all residence visa applications.
This document must meet the following requirements:
- It must be requested in the UK (cannot be obtained from Spain)
- It must be legalised with the Hague Apostille through the UK Legalisation Office (FCDO)
- It has limited validity (usually 90 days)
It is important to time this correctly and not request it too early.
3. Prepare the Required Documentation
Although requirements vary depending on the visa type, most applications include:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- National visa application form
- Health insurance (for non-lucrative and self-employed visas)
- Proof of financial means
- Criminal record certificate with Apostille
- Medical certificate
Additional documents depending on the visa:
Non-Lucrative Visa
- Bank statements
- Proof of passive income
- Private health insurance without co-payments
Self-Employed Visa
- Business plan
- Professional qualifications
- Investment plan or financial resources
Work Visa
- Signed employment contract
- Work authorisation approved in Spain
4. Apply for the Spanish Visa in the UK
Once all documentation is ready:
- Book an appointment at the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your area
- Submit your application and pay the visa fee
- Wait for processing (typically between 30 and 90 days)
If approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport.
Important:
The visa allows entry into Spain within a 90-day period to complete the residency process.
5. Enter Spain and Apply for the TIE (Residence Card)
After arriving in Spain, you must apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days.
Required documents:
- Appointment confirmation
- EX-17 application form
- Empadronamiento (local registration)
- Fee payment (Form 790/012)
- Passport
- Copy of your visa
- Passport photographs
Recommended coordination:
- Book your TIE appointment as soon as your visa is granted
- Travel to Spain within the validity of your visa
- Register at your local town hall immediately after arrival
- Attend your fingerprint appointment
Your residence card will be issued a few weeks later.
6. Timeline for Residency in Spain
In the UK
- Obtain ACRO certificate
- Apostille the document
- Prepare visa documentation
- Apply for Spanish visa
- Receive visa approval
Travel to Spain
- Enter Spain within the 90-day validity period
In Spain
- Register your address (empadronamiento)
- Pay administrative fees
- Attend TIE appointment
- Submit fingerprints
- Collect your residence card
Professional Assistance with Residency in Spain
Applying for residence in Spain as a British citizen involves multiple steps, strict deadlines and detailed documentation.
Professional guidance ensures that:
- Your application is correctly prepared
- Deadlines are met
- The process is coordinated efficiently
If you need assistance with your Spanish residence visa or TIE application, we can guide you through every step.