IT’S no secret that since Brexit moving to Spain has become a much more complicated process for British citizens.
Following the Leave camp’s victory at the EU referendum in 2016, the right to live and work in the Schengen Zone was stripped away from more than 60 million people.
Today, another path to residency was taken away as Spain ceased its Golden Visa programme.
The scheme allowed non-EU nationals the right to live in the country if they spent €500,000 on property or certain types of investments.
However, for those in the UK still dreaming of life abroad, there are still various ways to get into Spain.
It goes without saying that before you embark on any of the following processes, it is highly advisable you seek advice from a lawyer or experts at relocation.
There are many companies in Spain that dedicate themselves to helping Brits, Americans and other ‘third nationals’ move to the country.
1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
A non-lucrative visa, aka the NLV, is perfect for Brits looking to retire in Spain (you are not permitted to work in Spain under this scheme).
All you will need is proof that you can support yourself financially, which means having around €28,000 available per year per person.
You must also have private health insurance and ensure the provider is permitted to operate in Spain.
Naturally, you must have no criminal record in any of the countries you have lived in during the last five years, nor be on any criminal watch list.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and evidence of your eligibility, you will need to head to your nearest Spanish Consulate in the UK to formally apply.
The visa will initially give you one year of residency which can then be renewed for two-year periods. Once you reach five you are eligible for permanent residency.
(More information can be found on the Spanish government website here).
2. Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers for foreign companies to live and work in Spain.
The visa is designed to attract young talent from around the world, particularly those in the tech space.
To apply, you will need to have an undergraduate or postgraduate university degree, or three years’ experience in the field you are currently working in.
Your salary must reach at least €31,752 per annum, rising to €43,668 for those with a partner, adding an additional €3,000 for each dependent child.
As with all visas, the applicant must have health insurance, and you will need to apply at your nearest Spanish consulate.
Once approved the visa will last for one year and can be renewed for up to three years. After five years in the country you will be able to apply for permanent residency.
(Find out more on the Spanish govt website here).
3. Traditional Work Visa
A traditional working visa can only be applied to people who have been offered a job by a Spanish company.
The employer must get a work permit for you, which you will take with you to your nearest Spanish consulate in the UK.
As with other visas, there will be a mountain of paperwork to fill out, and you will have to prove no criminal record and that you have enough money to support yourself.
4. Student Visa
Anyone enrolling on a course at a legitimate university or other institutions in Spain can apply for a student visa.
This will grant them the right to live and work part-time in Spain throughout their studies.
While it does not guarantee full-time residency, it is a good stepping stone, depending on the length of the course.
You must accumulate five years of legitimate residency in Spain before you can apply to be a permanent resident.
Once your studies are finished, you could transfer to another visa, such as a work or digital nomad visa, to reach the five years required.
