Living in Spain After Brexit – What British Residents Need to Know
Since the UK’s departure from the EU, many British nationals living in Spain have wondered what this means for them. At HomeCare Property Management, we’ve received many questions from our long-term rental tenants, so we wanted to share some helpful information originally provided by the British Embassy in Spain.
Here’s a summary of what British residents needed to do following Brexit and what’s important to know if you’re still adjusting to post-Brexit life in Spain.
What Happened After Brexit?
When the UK officially left the EU, there was a transition period that lasted until 31 December 2020.
During this time, British citizens were allowed to live and work in Spain under the same conditions as before. The purpose of the transition period was to allow both governments — and UK nationals in Europe — to get everything in place before the new rules began in 2021.
Residency for British Citizens in Spain
If you were already living in Spain before the end of 2020 and registered as a resident, your rights remain protected under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To maintain those rights, British citizens were required to complete official residency paperwork. That process is still essential for anyone planning to live long-term in Spain after Brexit.
How to Register Your Residency
The British Embassy in Spain provided detailed guidance on how to become a resident. In general, you need to:
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Book an appointment at your nearest Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreign Residents Office) or Police Station.
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Bring required documents, including:
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Proof of address in Spain.
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Evidence of healthcare cover.
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Proof of sufficient income.
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To be fully registered, you need three key documents:
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Your NIE number (Foreigner Identification Number).
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Your Residency Certificate or TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
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Your Padrón Certificate, showing registration with your local town hall.
💡 Tip: The British Embassy in Madrid has a helpful video explaining the residency process and what documents you’ll need.
Exchanging Your UK Driving Licence
During the transition period, UK nationals were able to exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one without retesting.
While those rules have since evolved, the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) continues to provide updated guidance for UK licence holders. You can book an appointment via www.dgt.es and check current requirements.
Healthcare for UK Pensioners (S1 Form Holders)
One of the biggest concerns for British pensioners was healthcare.
According to the British Embassy in Madrid, S1 form holders who moved to Spain before 31 December 2020 continue to have life-long healthcare rights, provided they remain registered residents.
This means:
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You can still access public healthcare in Spain.
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You retain access to NHS services when visiting the UK temporarily.
In other words, your healthcare rights remain unchanged if you registered before the deadline and continue living legally in Spain.
Renewing Your UK Passport
Even after Brexit, British nationals can renew passports from Spain as before. You can also continue travelling within the EU using your UK passport, though standard passport validity rules now apply.
Help from HomeCare Property Management
At HomeCarePM, we help our clients find the right long-term rental properties on the Costa del Sol and offer practical advice about living in Spain as a British citizen.
Our team has lived and worked here for many years. We understand how to navigate everything from healthcare and education to bringing pets and integrating into the Spanish lifestyle.
If you’re planning to move, rent long-term, or have questions about living in Spain after Brexit, contact our friendly team today.
More information
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain
https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain/
