Brexit has made it far harder for UK nationals to move to Spain, especially if they want to have the right to work. Having the right knowledge about the visas available and advice on how to complete the process can help Brits with their dream move.
The United Kingdom’s official exit from the EU at the end of 2020 means that a move to Spain is now no longer straightforward for Britons since Brexit.
Instead, it’s now usually a move reserved for those with enough savings, job experience or income.
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Gone are the days when Brits of any age could pack up and move to Spain without a job or a plan and figure things out as they settled into their new Spanish life.
As non-EU nationals Brits now have to apply for a visa to live in Spain. British retirees with plenty of savings or passive income usually opt for the non-lucrative visa, whereas people who want to study in Spain will go for the Spanish student visa.
But what about Brits of a working age who want to get a job in Spain? It’s very difficult for them to come here and be hired as English teachers or in any other low to mid-paying job.
Instead they have to qualify for the right to live in Spain via high earnings, a sound business or self-employment plan, or qualifications and experience that entitle them to one of the Spanish work visas.
Difficult yes, but not impossible.
Which work visa options are available to UK nationals?
Under Spain’s immigration framework, there are several types of work permits available to Britons.
Digital nomad visa: Available since 2023, this is now one of the most popular visas for Britons wanting to work while living in Spain. It’s specifically for the self-employed and employed remote workers. In order to qualify, you have meet a certain income threshold (€2,762 a month, or £2,380 a month) as well as other requirements such as having worked for your client/job for at least three months and having the correct qualifications and experience. No more than 20 percent of your income can from clients in Spain.
READ ALSO: The requirements for Spain’s digital nomad visa
Work visa: This is for non-EU citizens who have a job offer from an employer based in Spain (who will sponsor them) and meet the visa requirements. It’s specifically dependent on a contract job offer. Although there are exceptions for highly skilled individuals, generally these types of jobs are on the shortage occupation list, which you can find here. The Spanish government is currently trying to increase this job shortages list to include more standard professions such as waiters and builders.
Self-employed work visa: This is a little different from the digital nomad visa in that it’s more geared towards entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent contractors who want to operate a business in Spain. In order to be accepted you’ll have to apply from your home country, prove you have the correct qualifications and that you can invest in starting your company. You will also need to submit business plan which will be thoroughly looked over by the authorities.
EU Blue Card: This is a specialist residency permit which intends to draw highly qualified professionals and talented foreigners from abroad. It’s for those who have advanced training and studies and typically will perform technical tasks at a company and have over five years’ experience. You must have a job contract in place in order to apply.
Highly-skilled worker visa: This is similar to the EU Blue Card, but has slightly different rules. It’s for qualified professional or members of senior management personnel. For this you don’t have to have a university degree, but for the blue card you do. You must also have three years’ experience rather than five. You will need a job offer to apply for it.
Britons also have the right to work in Spain if they have a Family Member of EU citizen card, a student visa or are a family member of someone on the digital nomad visa.
READ MORE: The pros and cons of Spain’s digital nomad visa
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Which is the easiest Spanish work permit for Brits?
As things stand, the DNV is arguably the easiest option for Britons who want to move to Spain and work from here.
Either you have work already secured in the UK (or elsewhere other than Spain) through a job contract or have sufficient number of international clients and income that you can freelance from Spain. This means it’s potentially the most straightforward visa in terms of proving work and earnings, and therefore getting your Spanish application approved.
Likewise, the EU Blue Card system allows UK nationals to sidestep some of the requirements of the conventional Spanish work visa (proving no EU candidate is available and short skills list).
You still need to have at least five years’ experience in your field, a valid qualification, earn more than the average Spaniard and have a job offer in Spain, but for more senior British workers this is achievable.
Obtaining the new digital nomad visa is arguably the easiest way to live and work in Spain for Brits. Photo: Euan Cameron/UnsplashAdvertisement
Advice for Britons applying for a visa for work while living in Spain
A question of time: Not known for its efficiency, the Spanish civil service can be frustratingly slow at times, so make sure to start your application well in advance in case of any delays or backlogs in the system.
Consider hiring a lawyer: Navigating government websites, dealing with legal documents, and understanding what exactly is required as part of your application can be daunting, especially if you are coming to Spain for the first time. Consider hiring a lawyer (many offer services in English) to help you complete your application and ensure its success.
Make sure you know what documents you need: From qualifications to proof of income, ensure you know exactly what you need to have prepared for the application before starting. Missing documents and other administrative delays could see your application held up in the system longer than necessary.
Be patient: Like with most bureaucracy in Spain, patience is key. If you make your application in good time with all the necessary documentation in order, there is no reason why the application won’t be successful. It might take longer than expected, but with a little patience, you should be granted your permit and can then look forward to starting your life in Spain.
READ ALSO: ‘Frustrating, but don’t give up’ – How easy is it for Brits to move to Spain
