British citizens in Spain after Brexit
Since 1 January 2021, the UK is no longer part of the EU. This has radically changed the immigration situation for British citizens in Spain. The document you need depends on one date: did you arrive before or after 1 January 2021?
Before 1 January 2021: Article 50 TEU TIE
If you were already legally resident in Spain before that date, you are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement (Article 50 TEU). This means you retain your rights as if you were an EU citizen: work, reside, access public healthcare.
You were issued (or should have applied for) a special TIE with the inscription "Article 50 TEU - Withdrawal Agreement". This card:
- Certifies your legal residence with protected rights.
- Is renewed when it expires, but the underlying rights are permanent.
- Is recommended for the new European border requirements (EES/ETIAS).
After 1 January 2021: visa + TIE
If you are British and arrived after that date, you are treated as a non-EU national (third-country citizen). You need to apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate and then obtain the TIE once in Spain.
Non-lucrative residence requirements (the most common route)
Most post-Brexit British citizens wanting to retire in Spain choose non-lucrative residence. The requirements are more demanding than the old EU registration:
- Financial means: 400% IPREM = €2,400/month (€28,800/year). Per family member: +€600/month.
- Private health insurance: no co-payments, no waiting periods, full coverage.
- You cannot work in Spain with this permit.
If you need notarial documentation, contact Notaría Online.