Spain now has more than five million foreign residents registered, and the appeal hasn’t faded. The climate, the food, the slower evenings outdoors, the sense of community — it’s all very real.
But moving to Spain in 2026 takes more preparation than it once did, especially if you’re coming from the UK.
- You can’t just move to Spain anymore (if you’re British)
- You will need more paperwork than you think
- Salaries are lower than many newcomers expect
- Renting isn’t always straightforward
- Buying property comes with extra taxes
- Your visa may depend on private health insurance
- August really does change the rhythm
- Daily life runs later than in other countries
- Spain isn’t culturally uniform
- Social life revolves around food and community
You can’t just move to Spain anymore (if you’re British)
If you’re an EU citizen, freedom of movement still applies. If you’re British, you’re limited to 90 days in any 180-day period unless you apply for a visa in advance. That means organising things properly through a Spanish consulate before arrival.
- Popular routes include the non-lucrative visa and the digital nomad visa, both of which come with minimum income requirements and paperwork set by the Spanish government.
It’s perfectly doable to move, but it’s no longer something you sort out once you’re here, and unsurprisingly, money helps a great deal.
You will need more paperwork than you think
Spain runs on documents. Once you arrive, you’ll likely need a NIE (foreigner identification number), to register on the padrón (local town hall register), and, if you’re non‑EU, apply for a TIE residence card.
Because Spain is highly decentralised, procedures can vary slightly between autonomous communities.
Salaries are lower than many newcomers expect
The cost of living in Spain can be lower than in the UK and the US, but wages reflect the local economy. Spain’s labour market has improved over the past decade, yet average salaries remain below those in northern Europe.
If you’re working remotely on a foreign salary, you may feel comfortable. If you’re entering the Spanish job market, especially outside major cities, income levels can be modest compared to what you might be used to.
Renting isn’t always straightforward
When renting a flat in Spain, in competitive cities, landlords tend to ask for more than just a passport and a smile.
- It’s common to provide proof of employment in Spain, recent payslips, and a deposit of one or two months’ rent.
Housing regulations differ across regions. In practical terms, that means rental rules in Barcelona won’t necessarily mirror those in Sevilla.
Buying property comes with extra taxes
If you decide to buy property, remember that the purchase price isn’t the final figure. On resale properties, buyers pay property transfer tax and other hidden costs.
There’s also an annual IBI (local property tax), plus non‑resident income tax if you own a home but don’t live in Spain full-time.
Your visa may depend on private health insurance
Spain’s public healthcare system is widely respected, but newcomers don’t automatically qualify.
Some visas, including the non‑lucrative visa, require comprehensive private health insurance with no co‑payments as part of the application process. Once you’re working and paying into the social security system, you can normally access public healthcare. Until then, private cover is often essential.
August really does change the rhythm
The idea that the whole country shuts down in August is exaggerated, and it’s important not to lean on clichés about work culture. Still, summer holidays are taken seriously.
In smaller towns, especially, you’ll notice reduced hours, delayed appointments and family‑run businesses closing for a few weeks. In Madrid or Barcelona, life continues, just slightly lighter and a bit emptier.
Daily life runs later than in other countries
Mealtimes and social schedules shift noticeably later in Spain.
- Many restaurants won’t open their doors for lunch until 1 pm, and dinner service often starts at 8.30 pm or even 9 pm.
- Reserving a table for 7 pm in a traditional Spanish restaurant can feel unusually early, and in some places you may be gently steered towards a later sitting.
The old stereotype of the nationwide daily siesta is largely outdated, though shorter afternoon breaks still exist in smaller towns. Overall, the daily rhythm simply stretches further into the night, particularly once the warmer months arrive.
Spain isn’t culturally uniform
Spain is made up of autonomous communities with strong regional identities.
- In places like Catalunya, the Basque Country or Galicia, you’ll encounter co‑official languages alongside Castilian Spanish, such as Catalan, Basque (Euskara) and Galician.
- Climate, cuisine and even administrative procedures can differ noticeably between regions.
Understanding that diversity helps you settle more respectfully and realistically.
Social life revolves around food and community
Spanish culture places enormous importance on eating together and spending time outdoors. Long lunches, evening paseos (strolls) and neighbourhood bars form part of everyday life.
Conversation can be direct, and bars can be louder than you’re used to, but it’s usually warmth rather than hostility. Integration tends to work best when you make the effort to learn the language and step outside the expat bubble.
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