Moving to the UK from Spain: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Free movement ended. New Spanish arrivals need a visa.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •Spanish police certificate is free and available online.
- •Dual citizenship with the UK is complex under Spanish law — seek advice.
- •Budget EUR 5,000 to 10,000 for visa and IHS costs.
Spain has a large expatriate community in the UK. Brexit changed the rules for new Spanish arrivals. Spanish nationality law creates important considerations around dual citizenship.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
The Spanish Community in the UK
The Spanish community in the UK is estimated at 150,000 to 200,000, with a significant increase in arrivals during the 2010s economic crisis in Spain. Spanish communities are concentrated in London (particularly south and west London), Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bristol. Many young Spanish professionals work in hospitality, finance, and healthcare.
Visa Routes After Brexit
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Student visa. See the student visa guide.
- Graduate route. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Spanish passport. DNI no longer accepted.
- No TB test required.
- English language test. Required. Tests available in Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities.
- Certificado de antecedentes penales. Free, available online from the Ministerio de Justicia.
Costs in Euros
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately EUR 850 to 1,780)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately EUR 1,230)
- English test: approximately EUR 200 to 250
See our UK visa fees guide.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
- Review UK visa fees
Path to Settlement
After 5 years, apply for ILR. Before applying for British citizenship, seek advice about the impact on your Spanish nationality.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.