Brexit and your life and property in Spain

After Brexit, there will be some changes for British people moving to Spain. Buying property will be unaffected, but if you’re moving permanently, some new rules may apply. Here are your need-to-knows.

Why Brexit is not the end of your overseas property dreams

With the UK having left the European Union, some new rules will apply to British people moving to Spain and other EU countries.

The good news is that property buyers will be completely unaffected by Brexit. It is only if you are moving permanently that new rules will apply.

Here are your essential need-to-knows.

1. The right to buy and own property

You will continue to be able to buy and own property in Spain after Brexit, just as before, even after the transition period. Property ownership comes under Spanish, not EU control. You will also be able to rent it out, just the same as an EU citizen.

2. Access to health services

Holiday home buyers

Your EHIC will no longer be valid, and most people will opt to take out travel health insurance. If you don’t take out insurance you will be treated in an emergency by the Spanish health services but may face a large bill afterwards.

Retirees/relocation

If you are resident by 31 December, you will have ‘life-long healthcare rights’, as long as you remain resident. It is likely that there will be further healthcare cooperation, but it remains to be announced.

Therefore, in the meantime you should take out comprehensive health insurance.

3. Right to residence

Staying less than 90 days

You will not need a visa. Most non-EU citizens are allowed free access without a visa for 90 days.

Staying more than 90 days

You will probably need a visa. There are many variations of this, for whether you are working, investing or retiring.

The current “non-lucrative” visa for non-EU citizens requires you to prove your income is over a certain level, and you cannot work in Spain. This is the option that most retirees are likely to take. However, procedures for applying from the UK have not yet been announced.

There are also ‘golden visas’ for those buying properties over €500,000, and there will be working visas too.

4. Pensions

You can receive your pension in Spain if you are retired, whether you moved before or after the Brexit transition period. You may also be able to claim certain Spanish benefits, if you qualify.

You will still receive your UK pension in Spain. However, whether it will be up-rated each hear has not yet been settled. The latest from the UK government is that it will be uprated until March 2023 at least.

If moving to Spain, ensure your money is transferred into euro safely. Read The Currency Guide to Emigration, free to download.

5. Driving

If you are a resident in Spain, you can change your UK driving licence for a Spanish permit up till the end of the transition period.

After the transition period, British travellers wanting to drive in Europe may need an international driving permit (IDP). These are available at any British Post Office over the counter for just £5.50.

“What about me?” Your questions answered

I’m buying a holiday home

No problem. Nothing will change.

I’m moving to the EU to retire/work/study, BEFORE 31 December 2020

No problem. You will not need a visa, but remember to register as resident at your local immigration office (oficina de extranjeros) or designated police station within three months of arrival.

I’m moving to the EU to retire/work/study, AFTER 31 December 2020

You will probably need a visa. A ‘temporary residence (non-lucrative)’ visa will let you live in Spain as long as you have sufficient funds and full private health cover. You can also work on a ‘temporary residence (lucrative)’ visa.

If you buy a property worth €500,000 or more, you may qualify for a golden visa, giving you and your family fast-track residency, renewable for five years.