Spanish immigration lawyers in London: visas to live in Spain
Quick answer: if you live in London and want to move to Spain, the right visa depends on how you will live there: remote work, passive income, studies or a job with a Spanish company. You apply at the Consulate General of Spain in London (in Scotland, Edinburgh; in the North of England, Wales or the Midlands, Manchester). We prepare your file with you online, from choosing the visa to getting your TIE card in Spain.
Reviewed on 3 November 2026 by Carolina Díaz Calderón, lawyer registered with the Madrid Bar (ICAM no. 97778).
Since Brexit, moving from London to Spain is no longer automatic. We hear from Britons who want to keep working remotely from Spain, professionals hired by a Spanish company and retirees who want to live there all year.
Which visa fits you
| Your situation | Recommended route |
|---|---|
| You work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain | Digital nomad visa |
| You are retiring or live on a pension, savings or rental income | Non-lucrative residence |
| A Spanish company offers you a qualified role | Highly qualified professional |
| You will study in Spain | Student residence |
| You are relocating and want to plan your taxes | Beckham Law or our digital nomad + Beckham Law package |
The most common mistake is assuming you can just spend long stays: under the 90/180-day rule, living in Spain requires a residence permit. Remote workers usually choose the digital nomad visa; retirees, non-lucrative residence.
Looking for the Golden Visa? It was abolished on 3 April 2025: buying property no longer gives residence. See the alternatives for investors.
Documents usually requested from British citizens
- ACRO Police Certificate. A basic DBS check is not accepted for the visa.
- FCDO apostille (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) on the ACRO certificate and civil documents.
- Sworn translation into Spanish of documents in English.
- Private health insurance with full cover in Spain and no co-payments.
Criminal record certificates are usually only valid for a short time (typically 3 months), so we tell you when to request them so they don't expire before your appointment.
Stays, residence and taxes
Since Brexit, British citizens are third-country nationals: you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, but living in Spain requires a residence permit. If you already lived in Spain before 1 January 2021, your rights depend on the Withdrawal Agreement and your TIE card.
Spain and the UK have a double taxation treaty. If you receive a UK pension or income, check where each item is taxed before you move; if you will work, we also assess the Beckham Law.
How we work
- Assessment: we review your profile and tell you which visa fits and what the risks are.
- Document checklist: the exact list for your consulate, including apostilles and translations.
- Application: we prepare the file and support you at the consular appointment, or file in Spain where the law allows it.
- Arrival in Spain: town hall registration, fingerprints and TIE, plus tax planning if you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply if I live in London?
At the Consulate General of Spain in London (in Scotland, Edinburgh; in the North of England, Wales or the Midlands, Manchester). The competent consulate depends on where you legally reside, not on your nationality.Can I apply for the digital nomad visa from Spain?
Yes. If you are in Spain legally (for example, within your visa-free stay), you can apply for the international remote work residence permit directly with the Large Companies Unit, without returning to London.Do I need to travel to Madrid?
No. We work online: we review your documents, prepare the file and only flag the steps that need you in person, such as the consular appointment or TIE fingerprints.Talk to a Spanish immigration lawyer
If you live in London and want to move to Spain, tell us about your case and we will tell you which visa suits you and which documents to prepare first.