Spain Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

This article is the most up‑to‑date guide for British citizens planning to travel to or stay in Spain both now and beyond. Let’s get started.

Spain Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Short-Term Visits (Tourism, Business, Family: up to 90 days in a 180‑day period)

Visa-free travel
- British passport holders can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the entire Schengen Area—including Spain—without a visa.
- You must enter via an authorized crossing point and follow Schengen Borders Code rules
Passport requirements
- Passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, and remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area
- Border control officers may stamp passports manually despite automated gates; this stamp shows your entry and exit to track the 90‑day limit
Proof of purpose, funds & accommodation
- Be ready to present hotel booking, return/ onward ticket, or a letter of invitation if staying privately
- Must have sufficient funds: approximately £100 per day, with a minimum of roughly £905 total
Health insurance requirement
- Private travel insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation is now mandatory, even if you hold a GHIC (EHIC replacement). Failure to provide it may lead to fines up to €6,900.
New data‑collection rules (from Dec 2024)
- For stays in hotels, campsites, Airbnb or car rentals, providers are required to collect enhanced personal data (name, passport, address, email, payment details) and send it to Spanish authorities—non‑compliance may trigger fines up to €30,000.
Entry/Exit System (EES) – coming soon
- From approximately October 2025 onwards, third‑country nationals (including UK citizens) will need to submit biometric data (photo and fingerprints) upon border crossing. Manual passport stamping will be phased out between late 2025 and early 2026.
ETIAS travel authorization (starting 2026)
- Starting around late‑2026, British citizens will need a ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) waiver – an online pre‑registration costing €7 (free for under‑18s and over‑70s), valid for 3 years or until passport expiry

Long‑Stay Visas (Over 90 Days)

If you’re planning to work, study, retire, or live long‑term in Spain, you’ll need a specific visa:

Non‑Lucrative Visa: For retirees or remote workers with sufficient passive income. Note that 2025 requirements are roughly €32,000 annual income + around €8,000 per dependent, plus private health insurance, clean criminal record, and medical certificate
Work Visa, Student Visa, Digital Nomad Visa (introduced in 2023), Family Reunification Visa: each has specific application procedures and income/documentary requirements to be submitted via the Spanish consulate in the UK.

UK nationals who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 retain certain rights under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and do not need to follow the new ETIAS/EES regime—they hold a special TIE (residence) card confirming their status

Quick Reference Table

Requirement	Short‑Stay (≤ 90 days)	Long‑Stay (> 90 days)
Visa	👉 Visa-free with valid ETIAS (from 2026)	✅ Specific visa needed
Passport	Issued ≤ 10 years ago; valid ≥ 3 months beyond departure	Same requirements, plus document checks
Funds	≈ £100/day, ≥ £905 total	Higher thresholds (e.g. NLV: €32,000)
Accommodation/Profile	Must show booking or invitation	Full documentation required
Health insurance	Mandatory (private policy, GHIC not enough)	Strongly required
EES biometric border control	From ~Oct 2025	Applies upon entry
ETIAS waiver	Mandatory from ~late‑2026	Not applicable (visa replaces it)

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Spain?

You may enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days within any rolling 180‑day period for tourism, business, short courses, or visiting family

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Spain Visa?

For a British citizen, the time it takes to get a Spain visa depends on the type of visa being applied for. Here’s a breakdown:

Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa – up to 90 days)

Note: British citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) for tourism, business, or family visits in Spain or any Schengen country.

So if you’re staying for less than 90 days, no visa is required.

Long-Stay Visa (Stay Over 90 Days)

If you’re planning to live, work, study, retire, or stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa (Visado Nacional) through the Spanish consulate.

Processing Time:

Standard time: 15 to 45 working days
In some cases: It may take up to 3 months, especially for work or residence visas that require additional approvals from Spain.

Where to Apply:

You must apply in person at the Spanish Consulate in the UK (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh), depending on your location

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Spain

Moving to Spain as a British citizen is an exciting step that offers a rich blend of culture, history, sunshine, and relaxed Mediterranean living. Whether you’re seeking a slower pace of life, career opportunities, or a place to retire, Spain offers diverse regions and lifestyles to suit different needs. From the beaches of Costa del Sol to the vibrant cities of Madrid and Barcelona, each part of Spain has its own personality. While the post-Brexit world has changed some aspects of relocation, many Britons continue to make the move successfully and happily.

Spain offers a variety of living environments. If you love the bustle of a major city, Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia could be ideal. These urban areas are known for their arts, culture, and nightlife. If you’re after a more relaxed lifestyle, coastal areas like Alicante, Málaga, or the Balearic Islands may be more appealing. Many British citizens are also drawn to the countryside, where traditional villages offer quiet living and beautiful scenery.

When choosing where to live, consider your lifestyle priorities. Do you want proximity to the sea? Are you looking for international schools for your children? Do you need strong transport links for work or travel? Each region offers something unique, so it’s worth visiting a few places before deciding.

Although English is widely spoken in tourist-heavy areas, learning Spanish (or even regional languages like Catalan or Basque, depending on where you move) will make your life much easier and more fulfilling. Being able to communicate with neighbours, local service providers, or even understand signs and menus opens doors to deeper integration.

Language classes are widely available, and many towns have language exchange groups that help newcomers practice with native speakers. Understanding the language also helps you connect better with the culture and make local friends, which can greatly improve your overall experience.

Spain is famous for its relaxed pace of life. The rhythm of the day is different compared to the UK — lunch is later, and dinner often doesn’t happen until 9 p.m. or later. Siestas are still practiced in some areas, with shops closing in the afternoon and reopening in the evening.

Social life in Spain often revolves around food and community. Tapas bars, open-air cafés, and local festivals provide a sense of belonging. Spaniards are typically family-oriented and warm, so once you get to know your neighbours, expect to be invited to community events or family gatherings.

Spain is generally more affordable than the UK, although this depends on the region. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, especially in terms of housing. However, small towns and rural areas can offer great value for money. Day-to-day expenses such as food, public transportation, and utilities are often cheaper than in Britain.

Markets selling fresh produce are common and inexpensive. Dining out is also very affordable compared to UK prices, making it easier to enjoy the local food scene regularly without overspending.

Spain has both public and private schools, and many British families opt for international schools, especially if they’re not fluent in Spanish. These schools often follow British or international curricula and offer an easier transition for children.

Healthcare in Spain is highly regarded. The public healthcare system is comprehensive and accessible, while private healthcare options are also widely available. Many expats opt for a combination of both. Pharmacies are well stocked, and medical professionals are well trained, so you’ll be in good hands health-wise.

Many British citizens move to Spain either for work, to run their own business, or to retire. If you’re planning to work, large cities offer more opportunities, particularly in tourism, education (e.g., teaching English), real estate, or digital services. Working remotely is also becoming increasingly popular, and Spain has adapted well to this digital trend, especially in urban areas with strong internet infrastructure.

If retirement is your goal, Spain has long been a top destination. The warm weather, affordable lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and slower pace of life make it especially attractive for retirees.

One of the benefits of moving to Spain is the large expat community. In popular areas like the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and Mallorca, it’s easy to meet fellow British citizens and other internationals. Many towns have clubs, meet-ups, or social groups that can help you settle in quickly and feel at home.

However, engaging with the local Spanish community adds richness to the experience. Attending local events, festivals, and joining neighbourhood activities can help you forge friendships outside the expat bubble.

Everyday Living

From navigating local supermarkets to learning the quirks of Spanish bureaucracy, daily life in Spain can be both charming and occasionally challenging. But with time and patience, most people find that they adapt smoothly. Shopping habits may change — for example, many people buy bread fresh daily or visit multiple shops for different products rather than doing a weekly shop at a big supermarket.

Public transport is efficient, especially in cities, while driving is more practical in rural areas. Trains and buses are generally punctual and clean, making travel around the country easy and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Moving to Spain as a British citizen can be a life-changing and deeply rewarding experience. The country offers natural beauty, rich culture, friendly communities, and a more relaxed way of life. While there may be initial adjustments — culturally, socially, and practically — many British citizens find Spain to be a second home that matches their values and dreams. With openness, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the differences, life in Spain can be a fulfilling and joyful adventure