Since Brexit, UK nationals need a long-stay visa to live in Spain for more than 90 days. There are five main routes — this page breaks down each one side by side, so you can see exactly which Spanish visa fits your situation.
British citizens are now treated as non-EU nationals, which means a long-stay (national) visa is required to move to Spain. The good news: Spain offers several well-established pathways, and there's almost certainly one that matches your circumstances — whether you work remotely, have retirement income, have a job offer, are studying, or want to run your own business.
The five main Spanish visa types for UK citizens in 2026 are the Digital Nomad Visa, the Non-Lucrative Visa, the Work Permit Visa, the Student Visa, and the Autónomo (self-employed) Visa. Note that Spain's Golden Visa investor route was discontinued in April 2025 and is no longer an option for new applicants.
Use the comparison table below for a quick side-by-side, then read the detailed cards to choose the right route. If you'd rather get a personalised recommendation, the team at agrin.uk offers a free consultation.
All processing times, income thresholds and durations below reflect 2026 guidance. Figures are indicative — your exact requirements depend on your personal circumstances.
| Visa Type | Best For | Min. Income / Funds | Work in Spain? | Processing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad | Remote workers & freelancers | ~€2,800 / month | Yes — remote, non-Spanish clients | 20–45 working days | 1 yr, renewable up to 5 |
| Non-Lucrative | Retirees & passive-income earners | ~€27,800 / year | No local work permitted | 1–3 months | 1 yr, renewable |
| Work Permit | Employees with a Spanish job offer | Salary set by role & region | Yes — for sponsoring employer | 1–3 months | 1 yr, renewable |
| Student | University students & language learners | ~€600 / month | Part-time — up to 30 h/week | 1–2 months | Course length + 90 days |
| Autónomo | Entrepreneurs & sole traders | Varies by business plan | Yes — self-employed | 1–3 months | 1 yr, renewable |
Tap through to the full guide for any route to see eligibility, documents and the step-by-step process.
For remote workers and freelancers who earn from clients or employers outside Spain. A fast, flexible route for location-independent professionals.
Read the Full Guide →For retirees or anyone with sufficient passive income (pensions, savings, investments). Live in Spain without working locally by proving you can support yourself.
Read the Full Guide →For those with a job offer from a Spanish employer. Your employer applies alongside your own application for a streamlined, sponsored process.
Read the Full Guide →For studying at a Spanish university or language school. Many programmes are taught in English, part-time work is allowed, and paths to residency exist after graduating.
Read the Full Guide →Set up your own business or work as a sole trader in Spain. Launch a startup, open a shop or offer professional services — with a clear path to permanent residency.
Read the Full Guide →Start with how you'll earn a living in Spain — that single factor points most people to the right route.
If your income comes from clients or an employer outside Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa is built for you.
Digital Nomad Visa →With a pension, investments or savings and no need to work, the Non-Lucrative Visa is usually the simplest path.
Non-Lucrative Visa →If a Spanish company wants to hire you, the employer-sponsored Work Permit Visa is your route.
Work Permit Visa →Enrolling at a university or language school? The Student Visa covers your stay and allows part-time work.
Student Visa →Freelancing, consulting or starting a company in Spain calls for the Autónomo (self-employed) Visa.
Autónomo Visa →Read the complete relocation guide, or get a free personalised recommendation from a specialist.
Moving to Spain Guide →Get a free, no-obligation consultation and find out exactly which Spanish visa fits your situation — usually within 24 hours.
Talk to an Expert at agrin.uk →The questions we hear most often from UK citizens choosing between Spanish visa routes.