Immigrate To Spain With Ease With This Practical Guide
Spain continues to be one of the top choices for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle, exciting work opportunities and the chance to enjoy a relaxed, carefree way of life. We're talking about Mediterranean weather, a warm and welcoming population and high standards of living.
So, how easy is it to move to Spain?
While the country is notorious for its stringent bureaucracy, moving to Spain can be a smooth experience — if you research, strategise, and execute your move well.
In this expat guide for UK citizens, we list the requirements, logistics, and changes you’ll face — and ensure you're prepared for your new life in sunny Spain.
Let's start with all the reasons you should immigrate to Spain.
The People and Their Culture
It’s easy to feel right at home in Spain.
Spanish people are naturally friendly and open, and forming strong bonds is an essential part of their culture. Expats will find the atmosphere quite welcoming.
The people are generally as pleasingly warm as the weather, so you won’t feel isolated if you take the time to connect with the locals. Spaniards also love their festivals and events throughout the year, and their cuisine is always a delicious treat.
The Stunning Scenery
Spain offers a wide variety of stunning scenery. From an endless coastline stretching from north to south, dotted with charming fishing villages, to lush green mountains, gardens, pilgrimage routes, palaces, castle ruins, museums, skyscrapers and other architectural gems.
Nature and culture are seamlessly intertwined in the landscape, made even more appealing by the warm climate that sees sunshine for much of the year.
The High Quality of Life
Spain is an excellent place for those seeking a well-balanced life where work and wellness don’t have to be mutually exclusive. While Spain has a strong economy, driven by multiple sectors, it also offers a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, especially in its suburbs and countryside.
Another positive thing about Spain is its warm weather. This lifts the mood and encourages outdoor activities like walking and hiking. Combined with a very social atmosphere, a healthy Mediterranean diet and a robust healthcare system, it’s easy to see why living in Spain could be the lifestyle change that boosts both your mental and physical health.
Moving to Spain from the UK in 2025? Reasons Why it’s Easier Than You Think
“I want to live in Spain but I'm not sure if it’s easy enough to do.”
If this sounds like you, then let’s dive right into why moving to Spain can be easy for anyone—provided you have the right knowledge and tools. So, just how easy is it to move to Spain?
Here are the top reasons it isn't that difficult!
Professional Moving Companies
Perhaps just the thought of moving your stuff from the UK to Spain overwhelms you. If you're being held back by how much time, money, and energy you'll need to pack your stuff and transition, rest easy.
You can avail of the services of companies that specialise in packing, shipping and storing stuff for UK citizens — whether they are moving locally or to an EU country. Gentlevan Removals is one such company that can do all the heavy lifting for you with meticulous care.
Our highly trained crew, packing materials, and process, along with customs compliance expertise, make the moving process easier for you.
Large Expat Communities
Spain’s large expat community will also make the transition easier for you. In fact, there are around 300,000 Brits living in Spain.
You can connect with expat communities even before moving by joining online forums like Britishexpats.com and Facebook groups. Expat-dedicated sites like Expatica, InterNations and Expat Network also offer practical tips and guides, job postings, directories and more to help you navigate your new environment.
When you've settled in, stay connected with your new community and expand your network for more support, practical advice, and a sense of home.
Availability of Various Housing Options and Assistance
There are several online platforms for finding rental properties in Spain that can save you time and effort. If nothing catches your eye at first, you can opt for a short-term rental to explore housing options in your preferred area.
Ideal housing choices include flats and serviced apartments. Spanish cities and towns are well-connected by various transportation systems, so you can choose a place further from the city center to save on costs while still being conveniently close to your daily commute.
Language Accessibility
Many regions in Spain, such as Málaga and Alicante, as well as cosmopolitan cities like Madrid and Barcelona, have significant expat populations. These areas also feature sizable English-speaking communities, making it easy for UK expats to settle in and participate in daily activities. There are also plenty of jobs for English speakers you could apply for with the proper visa.
Many of the younger Spanish locals also speak English fluently, as do some older residents. Still, learning the local language is a great way to show that you appreciate your host country. Locals will also appreciate it more.
There are local in-person language schools where you can enrol, as well as online platforms like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone.
Various Visa and Residency Options
Post-Brexit, UK nationals no longer have access to certain visa privileges, but there are still visa options for easy entry. It's important to apply for a visa at one of the Spanish consulates in the UK before your visit.
Visiting Spain for 90 days or less is still visa-free as long as it's not for paid work. Note that Spain is part of the Schengen zone, and the 90-day period is part of the 180-day maximum allowable period for visiting Schengen countries.
For a long-term stay, you may opt for any of the following based on what suits you best:
Work Visa
If you’re coming to Spain for paid work, the best way to jump through fewer hoops is to secure a job from a Spanish company before coming to Spain. If hired, your employer will be the one to apply for your work and residency visa.
You will need to submit documents such as your passport, a job contract with compensation details, bank statements, health insurance and proof of no criminal record in the UK as part of the basic requirements.
Student Visa
If you plan to study in Spain, you will need to apply for a student visa, also known as a Visado de Estudios. This is a relatively simple process, where you only need to provide the basic documents mentioned above, as well as an acceptance letter from the school you will attend.
Non-Lucrative Visa
If you meet its financial requirements, you can also stay in Spain without working or studying via a non-lucrative visa. This requires you to submit proof that you have a monthly income of at least €2,400 or an annual income of €28,000. This amount represents 400% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), or the amount required to be eligible for subsidies and benefits in Spain.
This visa is easier to acquire because it has fewer requirements and is applicable to retirees, dependents as well as those who earn passive incomes and do not need to work in Spain.
Golden Visa
This visa is designed for investors who can contribute to Spain's economy by purchasing property worth at least €500,000 or by investing in Spanish public debt, company shares, or bank deposits that meet certain minimum thresholds.
Digital Nomad Visa
"How can I live in Spain as a freelancer?" is a common question, especially in today’s digital gig economy, where remote work is more accessible than ever.
If this is something you've been wondering about, you can consider applying for a digital nomad visa. This visa requires you to provide proof that you work exclusively using computer telematics and telecommunication media and systems. You will also be required to furnish an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a reputable university, among other requirements
Tips for a Trouble-Free Transition
How easy is it to move to Spain?
Seamless — if you follow our top tips below.
Start Planning Early
Get your paperwork in order and book your movers well in advance to avoid rush time and lapses. Create a checklist of your relocation needs before, during, and after your move.
Declutter Before You Pack
Get rid of unnecessary stuff so you can pack and ship only what you need and value. This will save you time and moving costs.
Avoid Peak Seasons
Don’t join the rush of holidays and summer vacations. Pick a less busy time to avoid long queues and large crowds.
Research Local Requirements
Do your homework and know the basics of getting your NIE when in Spain, opening a bank account, registering for health insurance and other essentials of moving.
Be Ready for Challenges and Embrace the Change!
Still wondering how easy is it to move to Spain?
Well, the answer to that will largely depend on setting your expectations right and dealing with challenges the right way.
Post-Brexit Changes
Yes, visa privileges have changed, but with the right knowledge of your visa options, you can apply for what suits your situation and long-term plan.
Dealing with Bureaucracy
Spanish paperwork can be overwhelming for foreigners, but preparing for it beforehand and having some patience should be able to get you through the process.
Settling In
Familiarise yourself with the location you're considering, whether it's your workplace or school, and the local expat communities. Also, understand the processes for setting up utilities, opening a bank account, and navigating transportation routes to markets, hospitals, pharmacies, and other essential services.
Final Thoughts
With the right strategy and support, moving to Spain can be not only easy but also enjoyable. Let the experience be an opportunity to explore a new country, its people and its culture. It’s also a chance to uncover new strengths and dreams within yourself, waiting to shine in a new and exciting environment.
For your packing, shipping and storing needs, contact Gentlevan Removals and let professional handlers help you move with ease to Spain or other EU countries.