RELOCATION · BRITISH CITIZENS
Relocation to Madrid for British citizens.
Post-Brexit the process changed. Here is what you need, in what order, and what is different from before 2021.
Tell us about your caseUntil 2021, moving from the UK to Madrid was as straightforward as moving from Germany or France. Brexit changed that. British citizens no longer have free movement in the EU and need a visa to stay in Spain for more than ninety days. The process is manageable, but it requires planning and a specific order.
Aedara has managed the arrival of British families and professionals in Madrid. We know the available visas, the administrative steps and the tax specifics for those arriving from the UK.
Which visa do you need
The most common options are the non-lucrative visa (for those with passive income or sufficient financial means) and the digital nomad visa (for those working remotely for employers outside Spain). The process is identical to that of American citizens: both are treated as non-EU citizens by the Spanish consulate. It starts at the Spanish consulate in London or Edinburgh before you travel.
Taxation: what changes when you arrive
Establishing tax residency in Spain has immediate consequences. If you meet the requirements, the Beckham Law can reduce your tax burden significantly during the first six years. The interaction between the Spanish and British tax systems has specific features that are best analysed before the move, not after.
Healthcare and daily life
British citizens no longer have automatic access to the Spanish public health system. For non-resident visas, private health insurance is a requirement of the visa itself. English-language options are available, with English-speaking doctors concentrated mainly in Salamanca and Chamberí.
Housing
Buying in Madrid as a non-resident British citizen is possible. Mortgage requirements are the same as for any non-EU citizen: a 30-40% deposit and documentation equivalent to that of an American citizen. If you prefer to rent while you settle, there are areas of Madrid with an established international community.
The full process guide
For a complete overview from before you leave the UK to your first months settled in Madrid:
Have questions about your situation? Tell us.