Moving to UK from Spain – A 2026 Returning Guide

Moving to UK from Spain is a major life decision,  whether you’re returning after work, retirement, study, or simply because it’s time to come home.

Life in Spain often means sunshine, a slower pace, and a very different cost of living, but things change, and when that time comes to repatriate to the UK, you want a relocation plan that actually works.

In today’s post-Brexit world, moving from Spain to the UK isn’t as simple as packing up and hopping on a plane anymore; you need to think about visas, healthcare, customs, pets, jobs, and getting your life set up again in Britain.

But don’t worry because this guide covers everything you need to know to get it right, with real-world advice that goes beyond just the basics.

Why People Are Returning from Spain to the UK

Post-Brexit rules and changing family priorities are driving many expats to return to the UK in 2026.

Over the past few decades, Spain has been one of the top destinations for British expats, retirees chasing sunshine, remote workers seeking a lower cost of living, and families setting down roots.

But things change, and so do hearts.

A combination of economic shifts in Spain, evolving personal priorities, family commitments, and the complexities of living abroad post-Brexit have prompted thousands to rethink the dream of long-term expat life.

Many are now heading back home, but doing so with more planning and foresight than ever before.

Cost of Living & Property: UK vs Spain

UK property prices may be higher, but average wages often offset the difference. Renting first can be a smart strategy.

One of the first shocks many returners face is the difference in costs between the UK and Spain, particularly if you have lived in the UK for many years.

Property tends to be significantly more expensive in the UK, especially in London and the Southeast, and the overall cost of living, from groceries to utilities, is often higher than in many parts of Spain.

For example, everyday goods and services can cost notably more in the UK than in Spain, and rents or mortgages often consume a larger share of the household budget.

But keep in mind, wages in the UK are typically higher too, and the earning potential can offset those higher costs if you’re working.

Because of this, many returners find it useful to rent first when they arrive,  giving them breathing room to assess neighbourhoods, schools, transport, and lifestyle before they fully commit to buying a home.

The good news for returners is that, according to Rightmove’s latest figures, property prices are dropping, with the average new seller asking price in December 2025: £358,138 (-1.8% month-on-month, -0.6% year-on-year).

Visit the Rightmove housing market update for 2025 here. The site is also an excellent tool for checking property prices in the areas you plan to return to.

UK Entry & Visas After Brexit Returning with a UK Passport

Returning with a British passport? You have automatic residency rights—no visa required.

As you will already know, since January 2021, freedom of movement between the UK and the EU ended.

If you have kept your British citizenship, returning to the UK is extremely straightforward.

You have an automatic right to live, work, study, and access healthcare in the UK.

There is no visa, no immigration application, and no income requirement. You simply enter the UK using a valid British passport.

Once back, you may need to re-register with public services, GP, National Insurance, council tax, banks, HMRC, especially if you have been abroad for a long time, but your right to reside is automatic.

Key point:
If you’re a British citizen, you cannot lose the right to live in the UK, no matter how long you’ve been away.

Understanding UK Entry & Visas if You Gave Up Your UK Passport

For those returning to the UK after relinquishing their British citizenship and becoming Spanish citizens, the process is slightly more complex.

You are now treated as an EU national moving to the UK post-Brexit, which means you do NOT have automatic residence rights.

To live in the UK long-term, they must apply for a UK visa under the current immigration system. Common routes include:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Requires a UK employer with a sponsorship licence, a qualifying job offer, minimum salary levels, and English-language requirements.
• Family Visa
• If they have a British spouse, partner, parent, or child in the UK. Some income and relationship requirements apply.
• Student Visa
• If they choose to study in the UK.
• Other specialist routes
• Such as business, investor, or graduate visas, though these are far less common.

After securing a visa and living in the UK for the required period (typically 5 years), you could then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually reapply for your British citizenship if you wish.

GOV.UK has all the information you need to know about UK visa requirements.

Healthcare, Registration & Public Services

Register with a GP immediately upon return to ensure you and your family have access to the NHS.

Getting healthcare sorted early is critical.

Once you’re back in the UK, you should register with a local GP surgery as soon as possible to access the NHS.

If you’ve been abroad for over a year, the NHS may ask you to complete specific forms to re-establish your coverage.

And if your medical records are still in Spanish, you might need official translations to ensure continuity of care.

Meanwhile, you’ll also want to re-register for things like council tax, national insurance, and any benefits or services you’re eligible for and tie up your Spanish affairs, such as deregistering from local healthcare and town hall records before you depart.

Bringing Your Belongings Home — Customs & Transport

Transporting goods from Spain requires specific customs paperwork. Professional movers can help you avoid unnecessary taxes.

Getting your personal belongings back from Spain requires planning; you can’t just ship a container without considering customs paperwork and timing.

If you’ve owned and used your belongings in Spain for six months or more, you may be able to import them into the UK without paying taxes or duties, but that depends on having the right documentation and meeting current rules.

Customs regulations can change quickly, so it’s essential to check what you need before you move things.

Using a reputable international removals company (such as White & Company) that understands UK–Spain moves is a game-changer.

They’ll take care of surveys, volume estimates, packing, export paperwork, transport, and import clearance — so you’re not left navigating red tape on arrival.

The UK Job Market

Refresh your CV for the UK market. Opportunities in tech, healthcare, and finance remain strong for returning expats.

For many returners, the job market sits right at the top of the to-do list.

The UK employment landscape is broad and fast-moving, with strong opportunities across technology, healthcare, education, finance, logistics, and the creative industries.

If you’ve been away for a while, start by refreshing your CV to UK standards, updating your LinkedIn profile, and gathering any recent references from Spain as well as older UK ones.

It’s worth researching current salary trends and regional job hotspots, as wages and demand vary across the UK.

Major job platforms such as Indeed and Reed give a good feel for what employers are looking for, while the official careers portal National Careers Service offers guidance on skills, training, and career planning for returners.

Getting Children Re-Settled

Moving with kids? Research school catchment areas and admissions early to help them settle into their new routine.

If you’re returning to the UK with children, getting them settled into school life is usually one of the top priorities and often one of the most unsettling aspects.

It takes time for children to re-settle no matter where you have moved to. Making new friends, a new home and possibly learning English for those who had young ones in Spain, are huge hurdles.

There is a surprising amount of helpful information available for concerned parents. The Expat Arrivals website has a 10-tip article about helping children adapt upon their return home to the UK.

The UK still operates a catchment-based admissions system for most state schools, so it’s important to research local options early and understand how oversubscription criteria work.

Applications are handled by your local council, and you can find the right one via the government portal: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

To compare schools, check Ofsted reports and performance data via Ofsted.

If your child has been educated in Spain, it can help to gather school records and a brief summary of their curriculum so teachers can support their transition.

Starting the process early, ideally well before you move, gives your family the smoothest possible landing.

Returning with Pets in Tow

Don’t leave them behind. Ensure your pets have valid rabies vaccinations and health certificates to enter the UK.

Bringing your four-legged family members back also requires a great deal of care and consideration.

Pets typically need a valid microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccinations, and the correct health certificates to enter the UK without quarantine.

Here again, the GOV.UK website has all the information you need to ensure that all runs smoothly.

Getting this sorted well before your travel date means they come home with you comfortably and legally.

Is It Time to Get Moving?

Moving back to the UK from Spain in 2025 isn’t something to treat lightly; on the contrary.

However, with proper planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

You have already navigated life abroad, and now it’s about making your return work for you.

Whether it’s ensuring you have the correct visa, organising your belongings, or understanding the financial side of repatriation, being methodical, informed, and proactive will pay dividends.

How White & Company Can Help with Moving to UK from Spain

White & Company has relocated thousands of people worldwide since its founding in 1871.

Relocating, especially internationally, is so much easier with experienced support.

White & Company has decades of experience handling moves between Spain and the UK.

That includes packing and preparing furniture and valuables, arranging transport, managing customs paperwork, and giving you peace of mind every step of the way.

If you want to make your return as stress-free as possible, speak to a professional removals team who does this regularly; it’s the difference between a move you survive and one you actually enjoy.

We are here to help, just get in touch and we can assist you with your homeward trip from Spain.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.