Spain Retirement Visa – How to Apply & Relocate

Looking for the best advice to obtain a Spain retirement visa? You’ve come to the right place!

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about retiring somewhere warmer, slower, and a little more life-affirming?

If Spain has crossed your mind, you’re in very good company. Hundreds of thousands of retirees have already made the move, and, moreover, many would tell you they wish they’d done it sooner.

Spain’s appeal is easy to understand. Long sunny days, a lower cost of living than much of the UK, excellent healthcare, and a culture that values food, family, and time well spent all combine to make it one of Europe’s most desirable retirement destinations.

Add to that its proximity to the UK, and it’s close enough for family and friends to visit regularly, without you ever feeling cut off from home.

That said, retiring to Spain today isn’t quite as simple as it once was. Since Brexit, British citizens now need to plan more carefully, particularly regarding visas and residency.

With the right preparation, however, retiring to Spain remains not only possible but deeply rewarding.

This guide walks you through the current visa options, what’s involved in the application process, and what life can look like once you arrive, helping you approach your Spanish retirement with clarity and confidence.

Do You Need a Spain Retirement Visa?

UK citizens now require a long-stay visa to retire in Spain. We explain the essential routes for pensioners.

First things first: sorting out your visa options.

If you’re a UK citizen planning to retire in Spain, the short answer is yes, you will need a visa.

British passport holders can stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

Anything longer requires formal permission, so plan ahead before you move. Importantly, all long-stay visa applications must be started from your country of residence, not after you arrive in Spain.

While there isn’t a single visa labelled “retirement visa”, there are a couple of established routes that retirees commonly use, depending on their financial circumstances and long-term plans.

The Non-Lucrative Visa: The Most Popular Route for Retirees

For most retirees, the Non-Lucrative Visa is the natural starting point. It allows you to live in Spain long-term without working, provided you can support yourself financially.

This visa is designed for people who live off pensions, savings or investments and have no intention of taking up employment in Spain.

It’s granted initially for one year and can then be renewed for two-year periods.

After five years of continuous legal residence, many retirees become eligible to apply for permanent residency, a major milestone that offers additional security and flexibility.

What You’ll Need to Qualify for a Non-Lucrative Visa

To be approved, applicants must demonstrate that they can live comfortably in Spain without working and without relying on the Spanish state.

This typically includes:

• Proof of sufficient financial resources, such as bank statements, pension income, or investment documentation
• A clean criminal record in Spain and in any country where you’ve lived during the previous five years.
• Confirmation that you have not previously been refused entry to the Schengen area.
• Private health insurance from a provider authorised to operate in Spain, offering full coverage with no co-payments.
• A valid passport with at least one year remaining and a minimum of two blank pages.
• Evidence of accommodation in Spain for the initial period, such as a rental contract or property ownership

There is a more detailed explanation of these requirements available via MS Residency, which many applicants find helpful when preparing their documentation.

The Golden Visa: A High-Investment Alternative

Some retirees choose to explore Spain’s Golden Visa, particularly if they plan to invest significantly in the country.

Since April 2025, the conditions for this visa have changed.

This route has traditionally required a minimum property investment of €500,000 (around £434,000) and offers a faster residency process, with fewer physical stay requirements.

The Golden Visa offers greater flexibility, including the ability to work if desired, and allows family members to be included under a single application.

It has been particularly popular with those purchasing higher-value property or planning to divide their time between Spain and another country.

As rules around investment visas can change, it’s always wise to check current eligibility requirements before committing to this route.

Documents Commonly Required for a Golden Visa Application

The application process is broadly similar to that of the non-lucrative route and is handled through your local Spanish consulate or embassy.

Applicants are usually asked to provide:

• A valid passport
• A completed visa application form
• Recent passport-style photographs
• Proof of the qualifying investment (such as property deeds and land registry certification)
• Evidence of sufficient financial means
• Spanish-approved health insurance
• A criminal record certificate translated and apostilled.
• A medical certificate confirming good health.
• Proof of accommodation in Spain
• Documentation confirming family relationships, if applicable
• Evidence of payment of the relevant application fees

Submitting Your Application and Arriving in Spain

From visiting the Spanish consulate in the UK to collecting your TIE card upon arrival, knowing the steps prevents delays.

Visa applications must be submitted in person at the Spanish consulate in London, Scotland and Wales.

Appointments should be booked well in advance.

Spain remains a hugely popular destination, and delays are common during busy periods.

Biometric data is collected at your appointment. Once approved, you’ll receive a visa valid for 90 days, during which time you must enter Spain and apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). This step is essential and must be completed within the first month of arrival.

Further information on how to apply for a TIE and the required documents can be found on the websites of the relevant Spanish authorities.

The card is initially valid for one year and can be renewed, provided financial and insurance requirements continue to be met.

Will You Pay Tax When Retiring to Spain?

If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, you become a tax resident. Early financial planning is essential.

Tax is one area where advance planning really pays off.

You are considered a Spanish tax resident if you spend 183 days or more in the country each year.

This means your worldwide income, including UK pensions, may become taxable in Spain. Even non-residents who own property can be liable for certain Spanish taxes.

Because international tax rules are complex, most retirees benefit from speaking to a specialist adviser who understands both the UK and Spanish systems.

Resources such as Experts for Expats Spain provide useful guidance, but professional advice can help you avoid unexpected liabilities and make the most of your retirement income.

Choosing Where to Spend Your Retirement in Spain

Take some time to choose the best location for your needs.

Deciding where to live is the most personal and important part of your Spanish journey. Getting it wrong is not an option.

You may already have friends and family living in a particular place in Spain, so you will be familiar with it.

For those who are unsure where would be best for them, the best advice is to narrow it down and spend time visiting these locations.

Some retirees want to be near family; others are drawn to the coast; and many prefer the peace and authenticity of inland Spain.

Beach lovers often gravitate towards areas such as the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, where sunshine, established expat communities and excellent amenities make settling in easier.

Inland regions offer a slower pace of life, stunning scenery, and lower living costs, while Spain’s cities provide culture, healthcare infrastructure, and year-round activity.

Spain truly does offer something for every retirement style.

Popular Retirement Locations to Consider

From the expat-friendly beaches of Fuengirola to the cultural hub of Valencia, finding the right region is key to a happy retirement.

Once you’ve chosen a region, narrowing it down to a specific town or city makes everything feel more real.

Here are some of the popular spots for UK expats.

• Fuengirola – A long-standing favourite with British retirees, known for its beaches, transport links and lively social scene.
• Benidorm – Famous for its climate, coastal setting, and easy-going lifestyle
• Valencia – A cultural city offering history, modern living, and excellent healthcare.
• Palma de Mallorca – A cosmopolitan island living with beaches, mountains, and strong infrastructure.
• Marbella – Luxury living, golf courses and a polished international feel.
• Alicante – Mild climate, friendly expat community, and strong transport links
• Granada – Rich in history, culture and character, set beneath the Sierra Nevada

Each offers a different rhythm of life, so spending time in an area before committing is the key.

Settling In, Making Friends and Feeling at Home

Learning a few words of Spanish and adjusting to local mealtimes helps you transition from “visitor” to “local” quickly.

Moving country is as much an emotional transition as a practical one. It’s about building a life that feels comfortable, connected and genuinely enjoyable.

One of the best ways to settle in quickly is to embrace local customs and everyday rhythms, from later mealtimes to the importance of socialising around food and family.

Making an effort to learn some Spanish, even at a basic conversational level, can make a huge difference. Locals genuinely appreciate it, and it opens doors to friendships, services, and everyday confidence.

There are some great apps out there to help you start basic Spanish. Some are free, and more advanced ones cost money.

Though it’s nice to converse with Spanish people in English, it’s very rewarding when you can exchange a few words in Spanish!

Spain’s established expat communities can also be a valuable source of support, offering advice on everything from healthcare to local bureaucracy.

At the same time, getting involved in local activities, clubs, or classes helps you feel part of the community rather than just living alongside it. Most retirees say that once they find their routine and their people, Spain quickly feels like home, and the move becomes one of the most rewarding decisions they’ve ever made.

Time to Make the Move with White & Company

Retiring to Spain is an exciting new chapter, and careful preparation is what turns that excitement into a smooth, stress-free reality.

If you’re ready to take the next step, White & Company can support you throughout your move.

We provide comprehensive removals services to mainland Spain and its islands, including full-load and part-load consignments, European-accredited storage solutions, and expert packing services from start to finish.

From your UK doorstep to your new Spanish home, our experienced teams handle every detail, allowing you to focus on settling in and enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard for.

As we are long-time members of the BAR – British Association of Removers, you have double assurance that you are in safe hands.

To discuss your move, call 01489 663018, or complete our quick quote form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Get in touch and let White & Company help you begin your Spanish retirement with confidence, clarity and peace of mind.

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.