News: Post-Brexit Stay in Spain for Brits - What are the Options?
After Brexit, British citizens no longer have the automatic right to live and work in Spain. However, they can still visit and stay in Spain, but with new rules and options. Here are the details:
Short-Term Stay (Tourist Visits)
- **Duration**: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- **Requirements**: No visa is needed for short-term tourist visits. However, you must have:
- - A valid passport.
- - Proof of return or onward travel.
- - Sufficient funds for your stay.
- - Travel insurance is recommended.
Long-Term Stay Options
1. **Non-Lucrative Visa**
- **Duration**: Initially 1 year, renewable for 2 years, then another 2 years. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
- **Requirements**:
- - Proof of sufficient financial means (€28,800 for the main applicant and €7,200 for each family member in 2024).
- - No employment or economic activity.
- - Clean criminal record.
- - Comprehensive health insurance.
- - Medical certificate proving good health.
2. **Golden Visa**
- **Duration**: Initially 1 year, then renewable every 2 years. Permanent residency after 5 years.
- **Requirements**:
- - Investment of at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate, or other significant investments like €1 million in Spanish companies or bank deposits.
- - Proof of the investment.
- - Clean criminal record.
- - Health insurance.
3. **Student Visa**
- **Duration**: Duration of the study program.
- **Requirements**:
- - Acceptance letter from a Spanish educational institution.
- - Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay.
- - Health insurance.
- - Proof of accommodation.
- - Clean criminal record.
4. **Work Visa**
- **Duration**: Varies with the employment contract, usually 1-2 years, renewable.
- **Requirements**:
- - Job offer from a Spanish employer.
- - Employer must obtain a work permit.
- - Proof of qualifications and experience.
- - Clean criminal record.
- - Health insurance.
5. **Retirement Visa**
- **Duration**: Similar to the Non-Lucrative Visa (initially 1 year, then renewable).
- **Requirements**:
- - Proof of sufficient pension income or savings.
- - No employment.
- - Clean criminal record.
- - Comprehensive health insurance.
- - Medical certificate proving good health.
Summary
- **Short-Term Stay**: Up to 90 days without a visa.
- **Non-Lucrative Visa**: 1 year initially, then 2-year renewals; €28,800 proof of funds.
- **Golden Visa**: 1 year initially, then 2-year renewals; €500,000 investment.
- **Student Visa**: Duration of study program; acceptance letter and financial proof required.
- **Work Visa**: Duration varies; job offer and work permit needed.
- **Retirement Visa**: Similar to Non-Lucrative; proof of pension income.
Each option has specific requirements and benefits, allowing British citizens to choose the best fit for their long-term stay in Spain.