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Moving to Spain from the UK usually costs between £1,500 and £8,500, depending on the size of your move and the services included. Spain is also 23.4% cheaper than the UK on average, making it a popular choice for British expats looking for a better climate and lower day-to-day costs.
This guide covers visas, moving costs, living expenses, healthcare, jobs, and the main steps to plan your move.
Moving to Spain from the UK involves three key steps: securing the right visa, planning your budget, and organising your removal.
For most people, moving to Spain from the UK takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the visa process, the documents required, and how quickly accommodation and removals are arranged.
The checklist below summarises the main steps for moving to Spain from the UK:
Depending on your situation, the main requirements to move to Spain from the UK are:
Yes, UK citizens now need a visa to live in Spain for more than 90 days.
Here are the different types of visas to live in Spain:
For more information, read the official UK Government website.
Yes, it is possible to move to Spain after Brexit, but UK citizens now need more than a British passport alone if they want to live in Spain beyond the normal 90-day Schengen limit.
Depending on the size of your move, urgency, and budget for your removal to Spain, your furniture may be shipped as:
To learn more about sea freight options, read our full guide on container shipping.
| Property Size | Average Cost (GBP) |
| 1-Bedroom Home | £1,500 – £2,800 |
| 2-Bedroom Home | £2,000 – £4,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Home | £3,500 – £6,500 |
| 4-Bedroom Home | £5,000 – £8,500 |
Updated in April 2026. These numbers are estimates.
Spain is popular with expats for its warmer climate, slower pace of life, and generally lower living costs compared with the UK.
| Cities | Highlights |
| Madrid | The capital offers the strongest job market, international schools, excellent transport, and a large expat population. |
| Barcelona | A global city known for its international lifestyle, strong business and tech scene, and wide range of English-speaking services. |
| Valencia | Popular for its balance of lower living costs, beach access, good quality of life, and a growing expat community. |
| Málaga | A sunny coastal city with a relaxed lifestyle, strong British expat presence, and good options for remote workers and retirees. |
| Alicante | Known for its affordable lifestyle, seaside setting, and well-established British expat community. |
| Marbella | A high-end coastal destination offering international schools, upscale amenities, and a strong English-speaking network. |
British expat communities in Spain usually connect through local groups, online communities, and networking events.
| Community Type | What You’ll Find |
| Facebook groups | Local advice, housing tips, and expat recommendations |
| WhatsApp groups | Meetups, day-to-day help, and social connections |
| Coworking spaces | Networking opportunities for remote workers and freelancers |
| Professional events | Business networking and international contacts |
Living costs in Madrid and Barcelona tend to be higher than in smaller Spanish cities.
| Expense | Average Cost in Spain (GBP) | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) |
| Meal at a Restaurant | £13.06 | £15.00 |
| Draft Beer | £2.61 | £5.00 |
| Cappuccino | £1.80 | £3.53 |
| Milk (1 Litre) | £0.92 | £1.25 |
| 12 Eggs | £2.50 | £3.00 |
| Public Transport (Monthly) | £26.13 | £75.00 |
Updated in April 2026. These numbers are estimates. Source Numbeo.
Expats in Spain usually rely on private health insurance at the start of their move, especially for visa applications or before gaining access to the public system. If you work in Spain or register under the right status, you may later qualify for public healthcare.
Health insurance in Spain for expats usually costs between £40 and £170 per month, depending on age, benefits, and medical history.
| Type of Cover | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Basic Plan | £40 – £85 |
| Standard Plan | £85 – £170 |
| Premium Plan | £170 + |
Updated in April 2026. These numbers are estimates.
If you move to Spain and stay there for more than 183 days a year, you will usually become a tax resident in Spain. In that case, Spain generally taxes your worldwide income, while the UK-Spain double taxation agreement helps prevent the same income from being taxed twice.
Working in Spain as a British citizen usually requires the right work visa or permit. For most job seekers, the easiest roles to access are jobs in Spain for English speakers in tourism, customer service, sales, teaching, and international companies.
Jobs in Spain for English speakers are most common in sectors where international communication matters or where employers regularly hire foreign staff.
Here are some of the most common job options in Spain for British expats:
Yes, moving to Spain with pets is possible, but your dog or cat must meet the entry requirements before travel.
You can check the latest Spain pet travel rules on the UK Government website.
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