Practicalities, healthcare and retirement
Information about the practical side of living in Spain and for British citizens not resident in Spain, about visas to live there.
Visas and the Right to Live or Work in Spain
.British passport holders who are not resident in Spain can stay as a tourist without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. It is advisable to have proof of financial resources for the period of stay, along with proof of accommodation and a return ticket to the UK. A visa is required for longer periods of if intending to live in Spain. If intending to live in Spain without working, the requirements for a non-lucrative visa is detailed on the Minstry for the Exterior's website here
.The current IPREM (2024) is €7,200 and the requirement for one person is four times this for the first year, plus €7,200 for each dependant.
If intending to work or start a business, the non lucrative visa is not the visa to apply for.
It is possible to apply for a teleworker's (Digital Nomad) visa if working remotely for or an organisation outside of Spain. The requirements for this visa are here
The minimum wage (SMI) for 2024 is 15,876 euros. It is necessary to show earnings of twice the minimum wage (plus 75% of minimum wage for any dependants).
For entrepreneurs or start ups which intend to employ people resident in Spain, business plans can be submitted for approval to the Oficina Económica y Comercia - a favourable outcome is required for the visa application. Details about the visa here
Healthcare
Spain has a national health service which is available to the majority of the population. The service is free to all who are in insured in the Spanish or another European social security system and also free in the case of emergencies and for those with limited financial resources. Although described as a "national" health service, provision and regulations can vary, depending on the region of Spain. Except in emergencies, individual health cards need to be presented to GP's and hospitals in Spain. Each region of Spain issues different styles of health cards, but cards should valid in any part of Spain. People living in Spain should apply for their region's individual health card. Application processes vary according to location, but in general, people need proof of being insured in a European social security system, together with proof of residence in Spain, before cards are issued. Cards shouldn't be needed in emergency situations..
Visitors to Spain will need to show a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC. These are valid for publically funded treatment that becomes necessary during a stay in Spain. It is advisable to have travel insurance as well as a EHIC, because a travel insurance policy will usually cover treatment at private hospitals, clinics and at GP surgeries in Spain.
European Portable Documents, Spanish Residents Certificate, NIE
People who last worked in the UK should apply to the UK for an S1 form, now called "portable document". British citizens over State pension age are entitled to an S1, meaning that the UK will pay for State healthcare in Spain. British passport holders who are retiring but not yet of State pension age will need private medical insurance. Remote workers can ask HMRC for a temporary S1 which will last for up to 2 years. This is for posted workers or remote workers who will go to Spain to live and work temporarily.
Individual portable documents should be issued by the UK to applicants and their dependent spouse or partner. Children of the family should also be covered. Once in possession of the document/s, take these (and proof of Spanish residence, marriage certificate if applicable, and NIE) to the nearest Spanish social security office in the place of residence in Spain for stamping. Health cards should be issued subsequently. It is important to buy travel insurance to cover for the period before acquisition of the card and to also be in possession of EHIC or GHIC.
If you need more information or assistance with the formalities, you are very welcome to post a message on Pineapple's forum or contact us forum.