Planning a move to Spain from the UK? Whether you’ve set your sights on moving to Marbella, Sotogrande, the Costa del Sol or further afield, you’re likely to have a lot of questions, and rightly so!
Moving abroad is exciting, but it also comes with plenty to think about. From understanding the cost of living and finding the right area to rent or buy in, to getting to grips with the local culture, language, transport links and job market, there’s a lot to consider before taking the leap. Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for UK movers thanks to its climate, lifestyle and variety of locations, but the reality of day-to-day life can look very different depending on where you choose to settle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to know before moving to Spain from the UK. We’ll cover everything from housing costs, employment opportunities and healthcare to quality of life, schools, travel and what to expect when it comes to settling into Spanish life. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, family or simply a change of pace, this guide will help you make a more informed decision about whether Spain is the right move for you.
Why Move to Spain?
Spain boasts a beautiful climate, especially in the south, making it a tourist hotspot in the summer months. Not only is the country well known for its wonderful weather, but also for its broad culinary scene, offering a wealth of traditional delicacies such as Spanish tapas and sangria. The relaxed pace of life and relatively cheap cost of living are also factors which draw expats into Spain and make it the ideal destination for those who seek a lifestyle which is a little more laid back.
For many years, Spain has held a top spot in popular retirement destinations for Brits who are looking to enjoy some sun in their sunset years. Despite this, the country’s allure is far from being limited to pensioners, and rather ranks as an enticing destination for younger generations. With plenty of entrepreneurial and innovative work opportunities, it comes as no surprise that Britons favour this sun-soaked country.
What’s Required for Moving to Spain from the UK?
Any international move can be a stressful period for an individual or a family unit hoping to make the transfer as seamless as possible. To help, we’ve prepared some practical tips to get started on the process of relocating to Spain from the UK. There are a few things that you’ll have to consider before you embark on the journey, which can make or break your plans.
1. Research Spain and decide whether you could live there comfortably
2. Decide where in Spain you’d like to live
3. Search for local jobs
4. Find appropriate Spanish accommodation
5. Confirm you meet the requirements for the right Spanish visa for you
To help you with your initial research, let’s take a look at everything you need to know before considering Spain as your new home.
Visa Requirements When Moving to Spain
If you are planning to live and work in Spain, you will, of course, need the correct visa. There are different requirements for EU and non-EU nationals looking to work in Spain. We have outlined these differences below:
– EU Nationals – EU nationals are free to work and live in Spain without restrictions.
– Non-EU Nationals – Non-EU nationals will need a work and residence visa to work in the country. There are several requirements to obtain this, including a job contract with a Spanish employer and accompanying documents.
You can find the most up-to-date information about visas for moving to Spain on the UK Government’s website.
Retiring in Spain
Many Brits move to Spain for their retirement years, due to the beautiful sunny climate and relaxed lifestyle. If you are planning to spend more than 90 days in Spain, you will require a visa or Spanish residency. Whilst there aren’t any specific retirement visas for moving to Spain, there are some options available, such as:
Spain has an abundance of beautiful locations to live in. Whether you’re looking to move to a location with excellent schools, a relaxed atmosphere or a city centre, there is a neighbourhood for everyone. Here are some of the top locations in Spain:
– Barcelona
– Seville
– Madrid
Picking your new hometown in Spain is a big decision. Our blog, Best Places to Live in Spain, helps you choose the best region and town for your lifestyle.
Moving to Spain from the UK After Brexit
You can still move to Spain after Brexit, but you will now need to apply for a visa before doing so. This is similar to visiting non-EU countries such as the USA or Australia. You can still live, work and move in Spain as long as your visa has been approved. Make sure you know the terms and lengths of your visa before committing to a move abroad.
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Spain?
The cost of moving to Spain from the UK can vary significantly depending on your circumstances. Factors such as how much you’re taking with you, where in Spain you’re moving to, whether you need storage, and the type of removals service you choose will all affect the overall price.
It is also worth remembering that removals are only one part of the overall relocation budget. Many people moving to Spain will also need to account for additional one-off expenses, such as visa or residency-related costs, temporary accommodation, rental deposits, legal fees, property purchase costs, customs paperwork, insurance, packing services and pet relocation if applicable.
Because every move is different, it is a good idea to think about your relocation as a full financial picture rather than focusing only on transport costs. Building in a buffer for unexpected expenses can also make the process much less stressful.
Practical Aspects of Living in Spain
When living in another country, there are countless factors that you might not even consider prior to moving. You need to ensure you can live the life you want before embarking on your relocation.
Healthcare in Spain
Spain has a well-regarded public healthcare system, and many people who live and work in the country are able to access state healthcare either free at the point of use or at a heavily reduced cost. Once you are a legal resident and correctly registered, you may be entitled to access the Spanish health system in a similar way to Spanish nationals. That said, eligibility can depend on your residency status, employment situation, and whether you are paying into the social security system, so it is important to check exactly what applies to your circumstances before you move.
In practice, public healthcare in Spain is generally considered to be of a high standard, particularly in larger towns and cities where access to hospitals, health centres and specialists is more straightforward. In more rural areas or on some of the islands, however, services may be more limited, and you may need to travel further for certain appointments or treatments. It is also worth bearing in mind that while many core services are covered, some treatments and services can involve contributions from the patient, including areas such as prescriptions, orthopaedic items and other specialist support.
For that reason, most UK movers choose to take out private health insurance alongside or instead of relying solely on the state system, particularly during the early stages of relocation or if they want quicker access to certain services. As with many aspects of moving abroad, it is best to research healthcare arrangements early so you have a clear idea of what you will be entitled to, what paperwork you may need, and whether additional cover would give you extra peace of mind.
Cost of Living in Spain
Spain continues to attract British expats, and one of the biggest reasons is the generally lower cost of living compared to the UK. Although inflation has affected much of Europe, Spain’s price increases over recent years have been less severe than Britain’s, helping everyday expenses such as groceries, transport, and utilities remain relatively affordable. Rent and property prices also tend to be cheaper, particularly outside major cities, which makes it easier for newcomers to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without stretching their budgets.
As well as the intricacies, you’ll also want to know what life is actually like for Britons who move to Spain. Here are a few tips on the culture and everyday life in Spain.
Culture in Spain
Spanish culture is famous for having a strong social dimension, with lots of fiestas and annual celebrations. The culture is warm and welcoming, with Spaniards prioritising time with friends and family, often over food and drinks. Spanish food is well-known for its rich, vibrant flavours, with the heart of Spanish cooking remaining in its rustic, homespun nature. Tapas is a widely enjoyed cuisine in Spain, consisting of small traditional dishes that are often enjoyed in the sun over a lazy afternoon.
Ranking 9th in the Expat Insider Survey 2025, Spain welcomes expats with open arms and is a great place to live for those looking to enjoy a relaxing lifestyle. As with any country, it is important to make an effort to engage with your local community, whether that’s joining a local hobby group or befriending your close neighbours. Whilst the majority of Spaniards speak English, learning the language will be beneficial to you and will be widely appreciated by the locals.
Language in Spain
Spanish is the main language spoken across the country, but it is worth knowing that Spain is home to several regional languages too, including Catalan, Galician and Basque. In many parts of Spain, particularly in popular expat areas, you can get by with English to a certain extent, especially when dealing with restaurants, estate agents, international schools or businesses used to working with overseas residents. However, that does not mean English is spoken everywhere, and everyday tasks such as arranging utilities, visiting a health centre, dealing with paperwork or speaking with local authorities can be much easier if you have at least some Spanish.
For that reason, learning the language, even at a basic level, can make a big difference to how confidently you settle into life in Spain. It can also help socially, making it easier to build relationships, integrate into the local community and feel more at home over time. You do not need to be fluent before moving, but being willing to learn will usually make the experience smoother and more rewarding.
If you are planning to move to Spain for work, it is worth knowing that the working culture can feel a little different to what many people from the UK are used to. While office hours have become more standardised in some sectors and larger cities, Spain is still known for a longer midday break in certain industries and regions. Traditionally, the working day could be split into two parts, with a pause in the afternoon before work resumes later in the day, although this is less common now in multinational companies and more urban professional environments. In practice, your day-to-day schedule will depend a lot on your employer, your industry and where in Spain you are based.
As in the UK, the standard working week for many office-based roles runs from Monday to Friday. However, sectors such as hospitality, tourism, retail and leisure often involve evening and weekend work, particularly in busy coastal areas and popular expat destinations where demand is more seasonal. This can be an important factor to consider if you are moving to places like Marbella, Sotogrande or other parts of the Costa del Sol, where tourism has a strong influence on local employment patterns.
The job market in Spain can look quite different depending on your sector, experience and location. Overall, the picture has improved in recent years, with the European Commission projecting that unemployment would continue to fall, although it remains relatively high compared with some other EU countries. Opportunities are often strongest in tourism, hospitality, retail, logistics, care work and certain technical or specialist professions, while English-speaking roles are usually easier to find in larger cities, international companies and expat-heavy areas.
It is also helpful to understand that workplace culture in Spain can be more relationship-led, with a greater emphasis on personal interaction and flexibility in communication style. Lunch breaks may be longer, meetings can feel less formal, and building good working relationships is often an important part of settling in professionally.
Spain for Families
Moving to Spain with children can be a hugely positive lifestyle change, particularly if you are looking for more outdoor living, a warmer climate and a family-focused pace of life. Many families are drawn to Spain for its mix of practical and lifestyle benefits, from year-round sunshine in some regions to a culture that is often seen as sociable and child-friendly. That said, a family move usually involves more than choosing the right home or area. Things like access to healthcare, local amenities, transport, childcare and schooling can all have a big impact on how smoothly you settle in, so it is worth thinking beyond the holiday appeal and focusing on what everyday life will actually look like.
For some families, the right location will be one with strong local services and an established expat community, while others may prefer a more fully Spanish environment to help children integrate more quickly. The best fit often depends on your children’s ages, whether you are planning a permanent move, and how important language, curriculum and long-term education plans are to you. Taking the time to research schools, commute times and after-school options or wraparound care early on can make the transition far easier for both parents and children.
Schooling and International Schools in Spain
Spain’s education system includes early childhood education, primary education, compulsory secondary education and post-compulsory options such as Bachillerato or vocational training. Early childhood education is non-compulsory, while primary education and secondary education together make up ten years of free compulsory schooling. In practice, families moving to Spain usually need to decide whether their children will attend the local Spanish system or a private or international school.
For UK families, that choice often comes down to language, curriculum and how long they expect to stay. Local Spanish schools can be a good option for younger children, who may adapt more quickly to learning in Spanish and integrating into local life. International schools, on the other hand, are often appealing to families who want continuity with a British or other international curriculum, especially if they may move again later or want a more familiar route towards GCSEs, A-levels or the International Baccalaureate. When researching international schools, it can also be helpful to look at recognised accreditation and membership bodies such as the Council of International Schools, which lists member schools in Spain and explains its accreditation standards for international education.
Because school availability, waiting lists, fees and admissions processes vary by area, schooling is one of the most important considerations of family relocation planning. For many parents, the decision about where to live is shaped as much by school choice as by property or lifestyle. If you are moving with family, it is usually worth shortlisting areas only after looking closely at the education options nearby, rather than treating schools as an afterthought.
Moving to Spain with Bishop’s Move
Once you have decided to move to Spain, it is important to select an experienced company such as Bishop’s Move. As proud members of the British Association of Removers, we have the expertise to provide you with a seamless moving experience from start to finish. With Bishop’s Move Spain based in the heart of Algeciras, as well as branches throughout the UK, we are perfectly placed to support relocations to the Costa del Sol, offering expert guidance on everything from logistics to local life in Spain. Should your plans change later on, we can also help with moving back from Spain to the UK, making your return just as straightforward and stress-free. Discover our removals to Spain or get an online quote today.
Moving to Spain FAQs
Can UK citizens still move to Spain after Brexit?
Yes, UK citizens can still move to Spain after Brexit, but the process is no longer as straightforward as it once was. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days in any 180-day period, you will usually need the appropriate visa or residency route in place before or shortly after moving, depending on your circumstances. The right option will depend on whether you are moving for work, retirement, family reasons or another purpose.
Do I need a visa to move to Spain from the UK?
In most cases, yes. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, British citizens typically need a visa or residence permit if they want to live in Spain long-term. The exact visa you need will depend on your reason for moving, so it is important to research your options carefully before making plans.
Is Spain cheaper to live in than the UK?
For many people, yes, Spain can be more affordable than the UK, particularly when it comes to rent, property prices and some day-to-day expenses. However, the cost of living varies a lot depending on where you choose to live. Major cities and high-demand coastal areas can be significantly more expensive than smaller towns or inland locations, so it is always worth comparing your likely lifestyle costs rather than assuming everywhere in Spain will be cheaper.
How much does it cost to move to Spain from the UK?
The total cost of moving to Spain can vary widely depending on the size of your move, your destination, the removals service you choose and whether you need extras such as packing, storage or insurance. It is also worth factoring in additional relocation costs such as visa fees, temporary accommodation, deposits, legal expenses, customs paperwork and pet relocation where relevant. Looking at the full relocation budget from the outset can help avoid surprises later on.
What is healthcare like in Spain?
Spain has a strong public healthcare system, and many residents who live and work in the country can access state healthcare either free at the point of use or at a reduced cost. Eligibility depends on factors such as residency status and social security contributions, so it is important to check what applies to you. Many people also choose private health insurance, either for quicker access to certain services or to cover themselves during the early stages of their move.
Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Spain?
Not necessarily, especially in larger cities or popular expat areas where English is more widely spoken. However, learning at least some Spanish can make everyday life much easier, from setting up services and attending appointments to making local connections and improving your job prospects. Even a basic grasp of the language is often appreciated and can help you settle in more confidently.
What is the job market like in Spain?
The job market in Spain depends heavily on your sector, location and language skills. Opportunities can be stronger in areas such as tourism, hospitality, retail, logistics, care work and some specialist professions, while English-speaking roles are often easier to find in international companies and expat-heavy areas. If you are moving without a job already lined up, it is a good idea to research your sector carefully before relocating.
Is Spain a good place to live with children?
For many families, yes. Spain is often seen as a family-friendly country with a sociable culture, outdoor lifestyle and good quality of life. That said, the experience will depend on where you live and how easy it is to access the things that matter most to your family, such as schools, healthcare, childcare, transport and local amenities.
What are schools like in Spain for UK families?
Families moving from the UK will usually need to decide between local Spanish schools and private or international schools. Spanish schools can be a good option for children who are likely to integrate quickly and become fluent in the language, while international schools may suit families who want a British or international curriculum and more continuity with the UK system. Because fees, waiting lists and admissions processes vary, it is worth researching school options early in the process.
Do I need a car in Spain?
That depends largely on where you live. In cities and well-connected areas, public transport can be excellent, with access to trains, metros, buses and trams. In smaller towns, rural areas or more spread-out residential locations, having a car may be much more practical for everyday life. It is worth thinking about transport links when choosing where to live, especially if you plan to commute or travel regularly.
Where is the best place to live in Spain?
There is no single best place to live in Spain, as the right location depends on your priorities. Some people want city life, others are looking for beaches, good schools, a strong expat community or a lower cost of living. Places like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Marbella, Sotogrande and the wider Costa del Sol all offer very different lifestyles, so it is worth thinking carefully about what matters most to you before deciding.
Is moving to Spain from the UK worth it?
For many people, yes — but it depends on what you want from the move. Spain offers a warmer climate, a relaxed lifestyle, a strong food culture and, in many cases, a lower cost of living than the UK. At the same time, relocating comes with practical challenges around visas, housing, work, healthcare and administration, so it is worth going into the process with realistic expectations as well as excitement.
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