Living in Spain
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-14)

Information for British citizens moving to or living in Spain, including guidance on residency, healthcare and passports.

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Spain.

Read about the services our consulates in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-madrid) can provide.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Spanish authorities. Read the general guidance on moving to and living in Spain (https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/brexit/howtoprepare/Paginas/citizens.aspx) from the Spanish government. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad).

To stay up to date:
- sign up for email alerts (https://www.gov.uk/email-signup/?topic=/world/living-in-spain) to this guidance
- follow the British Embassy Madrid on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/ukinspain)
Visas and residency

Entering Spain

Check the entry requirements for Spain (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements).

Before you move to Spain you must apply for the appropriate visa. See the Spanish Consulates in London (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx), Edinburgh (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/edimburgo/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx) or Manchester (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Manchester/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Home.aspx) for information on how to apply. Application processing times vary and you should only make travel arrangements once your visa has been issued.

You must apply for your residence document - a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE’)- (#first-time-residents) as soon as you arrive in Spain. Your children must also be registered with their own residency documents.

You will need a TIE to be exempt from registering with the EU Entry Exit System (EES) (#EES).

You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad)

New Schengen entry requirements (EU Entry Exit System - EES)

From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system) will begin. It will require third country nationals, including UK nationals, visiting the EU to create a digital record and provide their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at the border when they enter the EU’s Schengen Zone.

To be exempt from registering with the EU’s Entry Exit System (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en) (EES), British residents in the EU will be required to show a uniform-format biometric card which is listed as a residency document under the Withdrawal Agreement. For residents of Spain, that card is the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) (#apply-TIE). View the EU’s frequently asked questions about the EES (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faqs-ees_en). During the initial 6 months of EES your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in the EU country or countries where you live or work.

On arrival, if you cannot prove that you are a resident in Spain, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the EU and may be required to register in EES.

Green certificates and the EU Entry / Exit Scheme (EES)

Green Certificates (‘Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea’) will not be recognised for EES exemption. The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is the only residency document listed in the EU Schengen Border Guard Handbook and is the only document which border officers will accept as legal proof of residency.

Green Certificate holders (#green-certificate-holders) may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and, therefore, denied entry to Spain or other Schengen countries.

Contact the Spanish Government’s ‘Extranjeria’ offices (https://www.policia.es/_es/dependencias_localizador_accesible.php) for information on how to apply for the new TIE.

Registering as a first-time resident

You must apply for your residence document as soon as you arrive in Spain. Children must also be registered with their own residency documents.

UK nationals living in Spain must register on:

the central register of foreign nationals (‘registro central de extranjeros’) where you will be issued a biometric ID card called a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero’ (TIE) (#apply-TIE) and assigned a unique Foreigner Identity Number (‘NIE’ – Número de Identificación de Extranjero). Your NIE is essential for various legal and financial transactions, including buying property, opening a bank account, paying taxes, and more.

the municipal register (‘padrón municipal’) (#registering-padron-municipal) at your local town hall. This is necessary to access local public services in the area where you live (i.e. schools, social services etc.).

Consulting an immigration lawyer or gestor (https://registro.consejogestores.org/) can help with the residency process. See ‘Find a lawyer in Spain’ (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=spain).

Many bureaucratic processes in Spain have now been digitalised allowing you to consult records and submit applications online via a digital signature certificate such as Cl@ve (https://clave.gob.es/clave).

See Further sources of support with residency (#sources-support-residency). The Spanish government offers the following information on living in Spain:
- moving to Spain (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Conoce-Espana.aspx)
- registering your residence (https://administracion.gob.es/pag_Home/en/Tu-espacio-europeo/derechos-obligaciones/ciudadanos/residencia/obtencion-residencia/inscribirte-residente.html)
- different types of residence permit available to you (https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/tipos-de-autorizacion) (in Spanish)
Applying for a TIE

To begin the process, see guidance from the Spanish authorities on registering your residency (https://administracion.gob.es/pag_Home/en/Tu-espacio-europeo/derechos-obligaciones/ciudadanos/residencia/obtencion-residencia/inscribirte-residente.html).

You must submit your residence application to the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjeria) in the province where you live.

Schedule an appointment with the immigration office (https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/icpplus) or National Police station (https://www.policia.es/_es/dependencias_localizador_accesible.php) through the electronic office of the Public Administration.

Check in advance of your appointment the list of documentation you need to present on the day.

Your fingerprints will be taken as part of the application process.

After your application is processed (this usually takes a few weeks), you will need to return to the Immigration Office or police station to collect your TIE card.

You must renew your TIE card if it is about to expire. See TIE Renewal (#TIE-renewal).

Green certificate holders

If you have a green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper from Extranjeria or the Police called a ‘Green Certificate’ (‘Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea’) you should exchange it for a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)’. See Applying for a TIE (#apply-TIE).

Unlike the Green Certificate, the uniform-format biometric TIE is compatible with the new EES, simplifying travel in and out of the Schengen Zone (see New Schengen entry requirements section (#EES). It also facilitates your access to public services within Spain, and can help you access any support you need. Most British residents in Spain now hold a TIE.

British residents in Spain in possession of the Green Certificate will not be able to use the document as proof of legal residency status at Spanish or other Schengen borders and they will not be recognised for EES exemption. The ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero’ (TIE) is the only residency document listed in the EU Schengen Border Guard Handbook and, therefore, the only document which border offices will accept as legal proof of residency.

Green Certificate holders may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and, therefore, denied entry to Spain or other Schengen countries. To ensure you are exempt from registering with EES checks, you will need to show a TIE (#apply-TIE).

While the green certificate will not be recognised for travel and EES exemption when EES is introduced in October, it does continue to be a valid proof of residency, and therefore, entitlement to public services within Spain.

If you have difficulty using your green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper within Spain, you can refer to this Letter confirming the continued recognition of the certificate of registration (green residency certificate) for UK residents in Spain (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/659c0bcc614fa20014f3aa42/Letter_confirming_the_validity_of_the_certificate_of_registration__green_residency_certificate.pdf) (PDF, 216 KB, 2 pages). This document sets out the most relevant official Spanish government websites that confirm the validity of the Green Certificate.

For further information in English on exchanging your green certificate see the Spanish government’s residency Q&A for UK nationals and their families living in Spain (https://www.inclusion.gob.es/documents/d/guest/guia-brexit-eng-sept-24-pdf).

If you have lived in Spain for some time but not previously registered as resident

If you have been living in Spain for some time and have not yet registered as a resident, you should take action now. It is a legal requirement for all foreign nationals residing in Spain to register as residents. See Applying for a TIE (#apply-TIE).

Obtaining a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)’ ensures you are prepared for the future as this document is key to accessing vital services in later life. It also means that you won’t face travel disruptions when the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) comes into effect on 12 October 2025.

If you were living in Spain prior to 1st January 2021 and can demonstrate you were living in Spain legally despite not having previously registered, you and your family members may have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-withdrawal-agreement-what-uk-nationals-need-to-know-about-citizens-rights). You will be asked to submit evidence to prove that you complied with the residency criteria at the time (e.g. you were registered on the municipal registry ‘padron municipal’ and had comprehensive healthcare insurance).

If your application is successful, you will be issued with a biometric residence card called a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).’ This card has ‘Articulo 50 TUE’ printed on it which shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

If your application is rejected, you may be able to appeal. See Appeal process (#appeal-process) for further information.

For further information in English on registering as resident see the Spanish government’s residency Q&A for UK nationals and their families living in Spain (https://www.inclusion.gob.es/documents/d/guest/guia-brexit-eng-sept-24-pdf).

Appeal process

If your application for residency or request to register under the Withdrawal Agreement is refused, read the refusal letter carefully. It will set out the decision, the reasons for it, and how to appeal. You have 1 month to appeal from the date of the refusal letter.

The appeal process usually has 2 steps:
- administrative appeal, where a different administrative authority reviews the decision
- court appeal
The outcome of an appeal is final. If you want to appeal, we strongly recommend you seek independent, specialised legal advice. The British Embassy cannot get involved in individual immigration applications and we cannot provide legal advice.

You can:
- seek legal advice using the Spanish Bar Association website (https://www.abogacia.es/conocenos/consejo-general/colegios-y-consejos/) (Spanish with English translation) or the ‘Find a lawyer in Spain’ directory (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=spain)
- read about access to legal aid in Spain (https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/en/ciudadania/tramites/asistencia-juridica-gratuita)
- get help and advice, or make a complaint about how your registration request has been processed, free of charge, using the European Commission’s specialist assistance service (https://ec.europa.eu/eu-rights/enquiry-complaint-form/home?languageCode=en&origin=yec_residence)
If you do not meet Spanish residency requirements

If you do not want to appeal, or do not meet the criteria to reside in Spain under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, you can consider other options:
- contact the local immigration services (servicio de atención al inmigrante) provided by your local town hall or regional government
- read the Spanish government information on general immigration routes and criteria (https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/vivir-en-espana) (in Spanish). This includes information on how to apply for residence status under exceptional circumstances, such as if you are a victim of domestic violence, or if you can prove strong family, work or social links to Spain
- contact organisations that specialise in migration issues, such as ACCEM (https://www.accem.es/) (in Spanish) or Migrar.org (https://www.migrar.org/migrar/index.htm) (in Spanish) run by the Red Cross
- read information on returning to the UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain%22%20/l%20%22returning-to-the-uk)
If you already have a TIE

If you already have a TIE, it is your responsibility to ensure that your details (i.e. address) are up to date and you must renew your TIE card if it is about to expire. See TIE renewal (#TIE-renewal).

You must also ensure that you are correctly registered on the municipal register (‘padron municipal’) (#registering-padron-municipal).

If your TIE was issued under the Withdrawal Agreement see TIE holders with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (#TIE-Withdrawal-Agreement) for further information.

TIE renewal

You should apply to renew your TIE 30 days before the document expires, or within 90 days of its expiry date.

If you need to travel outside Spain during the renewal process, apply for a Autorización de Regreso (https://sede.policia.gob.es/portalCiudadano/_es/tramites_extranjeria_tramite_autorizacionregreso.php) to allow re-entry to Spain after travel outside the country.

TIE appointment availability

We are aware that some British nationals in Spain are having difficulty booking appointments to obtain or renew their Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).

We continue to raise this issue with Spanish authorities and have asked them to improve appointment availability.

What you can do:
- check the appointment system regularly
- try accessing the appointment system using a Digital ID (i.e. Cl@ve (https://clave.gob.es/en/clave). See Further sources of support with residency (#sources-support-residency)
- consider using a gestor (https://registro.consejogestores.org/) or immigration lawyer. See our list of English-speaking lawyers in Spain (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=Spain)
Complaints about TIE appointments

If you are experiencing difficulties securing an appointment to apply for or collect a TIE, you can submit a complaint to the central government representative (Delegacion de gobierno) (https://mpt.gob.es/delegaciones_gobierno/delegaciones.html) in the province where you live either by post or online if you have a digital ID (i.e. Cl@ve (https://clave.gob.es/en/clave). See list of links to each regions online complaints process (https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/choose-ambit/idp/292).

Should you continue to have difficulties, you can also present a complaint online in Spanish or English to the National Public Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo). (https://portal-sac.defensordelpueblo.es/) See their FAQs (https://www.defensordelpueblo.es/en/about-the-complaint/how-to-file-a-complaint/) for further information in English about the complaints process.

TIE holders with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement

If you have been issued a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)’ with ‘Articulo 50 TUE’ printed on it, this shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

The rights of British nationals protected under the Withdrawal Agreement are not dependent on holding a valid TIE card. The card serves as evidence of those rights, but its expiry does not mean the loss of residency status.

You must renew your TIE card if it is about to expire. See TIE Renewal (#TIE-renewal). When EES is launched in October, if you travel on an expired TIE you may be registered in EES or face other travel difficulties.

If you do go ahead and travel without a valid TIE, you should carry as much evidence of your residence in Spain as possible and be prepared to explain your situation to Border Officials.

Family members of TIE holders with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement

If you have been issued a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).’ with ‘Articulo 50 TUE’ printed on it, this shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement and your close family members are able to join you and settle in Spain at any time in the future. Read more information on who this applies to in the Living in Europe guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-europe). They should apply online before moving to Spain (https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/mercurio2) (in Spanish) or through a third party in Spain, such as a lawyer. Alternatively, they can apply within 3 months of arrival to Spain.

Depending on their nationality, some non-EU family members may need a visa before travel. The Spanish authorities should issue Withdrawal Agreement family reunion visas free of charge.

You may be asked to provide a foreign marriage recognition certificate (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-foreign-marriage-recognition-certificate-in-spain) in support of your spouse’s application if all of the following are true:
- you are British and registered as resident in Spain
- you got married in a country other than Spain or the UK
- your spouse is applying to register as resident in Spain
Read the Spanish government’s guidance for ‘UK nationals and their family members residing in Spain’ (https://www.inclusion.gob.es/documents/d/guest/guia-brexit-eng-sept-24-pdf). This explains how you and your close family members can apply for the TIE and how to renew your TIE before it expires.

Registering on the municipal register ‘Padron Municipal’

If you live in Spain, you must register on the municipal register ‘padrón municipal’ —a local register of residents maintained by your town hall. This is separate from registering as a resident in Spain (Registro Central de Extranjeros).

Padron registration is key to accessing public services such as healthcare and social services, enrolling children in school, registering a vehicle and much more.

You must register at your usual address, even if you rent or live with others. You can only be registered at one address.

The registration process varies by region and some town halls may charge a small fee.

You may need to:
- book an appointment online (cita previa) or apply online
- complete a registration form (solicitud de alta), available from your town hall or its website
- check with your town hall which documents you should take to your appointment
You will be issued with a ‘certificado de empadronamiento’, a padron certificate.

It is your responsibility to keep your padrón registration up to date. If you move house, even if it is within the same town, you must request a ‘cambio de domicilio’ and register your new address. If you move to a new town, you must register at your new address; de-registration is automatic. If you decide to leave Spain, you should request a ‘baja por residencia’ at your town hall.

The padron certificate is a standard documentary requirement for many administrative processes in Spain. You will often be asked to present a padron certificate issued with the last 3 months. You can request a duplicate certificate in person at your town hall, online (if available), by post or download it instantly using a digital ID (e.g. certificado digital or Cl@ve (https://clave.gob.es/en/clave).

Further sources of support with residency
- Cl@ve (https://clave.gob.es/en/clave) is Spain’s secure digital ID system that allows you to access public services online. You can download ‘padron’ certificates, employment records and tax returns as well as booking appointments with public administration offices. Having a digital ID can also be helpful when trying to book an appointment at the Police Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeria)
- consulting an immigration lawyer or specialist can help with the residency process. See our ‘Find a lawyer in Spain’ directory (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=spain)
- residency for UK nationals living in Spain before 1 January 2021 (https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/web/guest/brexit_en/residence/in-spain-on-12-31-2020)
- EU’s frequently asked questions about the new Schengen entry requirements (EES (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faqs-ees_en).
Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from Spain (https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports). The British Embassy does not issue passports.

Check the Spain travel advice (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements#passport-validity) for passport validity requirements.

Always carry your passport when travelling within the Schengen area (https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/schengen-area_en#travelling-to-and-within-the-schengen-area). If you have citizenship of an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, in addition to your British citizenship, you should enter and leave Spain using your EU or EFTA passport.

On 12 October 2025, the EU plans to introduce a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES). To be exempt from registering with the EU’s Entry Exit System (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en) (EES), British residents in the EU will be required to show a uniform-format biometric card which is listed as a residency document under the Withdrawal Agreement. For residents of Spain, that card is the ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). View the EU’s frequently asked questions about the EES (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faqs-ees_en).

It will require third country nationals, including UK nationals, visiting the EU to create a digital record and provide their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at the border when they enter the EU’s Schengen Zone. Green Certificates will not be recognised and Green Certificate holders may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and, therefore, denied entry to Spain or other Schengen countries. Contact the Spanish Government’s ‘Extranjeria’ offices (https://www.policia.es/_es/dependencias_localizador_accesible.php#) for information on how to apply for the new TIE.

If you stay in Spain with a Spanish residence permit or long-stay visa, this time does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If you visit other Schengen area countries outside Spain, make sure you do not exceed the visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period. You are responsible for counting how long you stay under the Schengen visa waiver, and you must comply with its conditions.

Different rules apply if you are travelling to other EU and Schengen countries (https://www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area) as a resident of Spain. Check each country’s travel advice page (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for information on entry requirements.

If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021

When you travel, carry your ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)’ or frontier worker permit issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, in addition to your valid passport.

You must proactively show your TIE if you are asked to show your passport at border control.

To be exempt from registering with the EU’s Entry Exit System (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en) (EES) which is expected to launch on 12 October 2025, British residents in the EU will be required to show a uniform-format biometric card which is listed as a residency document under the Withdrawal Agreement. For residents of Spain, that card is the TIE. View the EU’s frequently asked questions about the EES (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faqs-ees_en).

It will require third country nationals, including UK nationals, visiting the EU to create a digital record and provide their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at the border when they enter the EU’s Schengen Zone. Green Certificates will not be recognised and Green Certificate holders may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and, therefore, denied entry to Spain or other Schengen countries. Contact the Spanish Government’s ‘Extranjeria’ offices (https://www.policia.es/_es/dependencias_localizador_accesible.php#) for information on how to apply for the new TIE.

If you cannot prove that you are a resident in Spain, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the EU. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in the country or countries where you live or work. If a passport is stamped, the stamp is considered null and void when you can show evidence of lawful residence.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can enter and exit Spain with a valid passport. You do not need any additional validity on the passport beyond the dates on which you are travelling.

Children travelling from Spain

Children (under 18 years old) resident in Spain, who travel out of Spain without a person who has parental responsibility, may need a certified authorisation by that person. This is required in addition to a valid travel document.

The regulation does not apply to foreign children resident in Spain who are subject to the law of their country of nationality, or to non-resident foreign children visiting Spain.

The Spanish immigration authorities are aware that there is no similar standard regulation in the UK and, therefore, British consulates do not provide travel authorisation documents.

British children do not need written permission to travel unless they are subject to a court order which states that written permission is required from those holding parental responsibility. If the child is subject to such a court order, or to ensure that an unaccompanied child will be able to leave Spain without delay, you must obtain a certified authorisation from a public notary (https://notaries-directory.eu/en) in Spain.

If you have parental responsibility for Spanish children in Spain, you can obtain a certified authorisation at a notary, a national police station (in Spanish) (https://sede.policia.gob.es/portalCiudadano/_es/tramites_ciudadania_documentacionviajar.php) or the Guardia Civil (in Spanish) (https://web.guardiacivil.es/es/tramites/autorizaciones-de-armas-y-explosivos/Formulario-de-permiso-para-salida-de-menores-residentes-en-Espana-al-extranjero/).

Flight discounts for residents in Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla

Read the Spanish government’s guidance on who is eligible to access discounts on flights (https://www.mitma.gob.es/aviacion-civil/subvenciones-para-el-transporte-aereo/informacion-general/informacion-general-de-subvenciones-para-el-pasajero) (in Spanish), and on how this has changed for UK nationals since 1 January 2021 (https://www.mitma.gob.es/ministerio/proyectos-singulares/brexit-eng/cuestiones-de-interes-para-los-ciudadanos/taereo/citizens).

Healthcare

Read our guidance on healthcare in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-spain-including-the-balearic-and-canary-islands) and make sure you are correctly registered for your circumstances.

If you are resident in Spain, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC or GHIC for healthcare in Spain, unless you are a student or a detached (posted) worker.

Travel insurance is also not intended to cover healthcare costs if you live overseas (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance#insurance-if-you-live-abroad-or-go-for-work-or-study).

Read the Spanish government’s guidance on access to healthcare (https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/InformacionUtil/xx-xxxx-xxxx?changeLanguage=en).

You should also read guidance on:
- finding an English-speaking doctor in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spain-list-of-medical-facilitiespractitioners)
- travelling with medicines (NHS) (https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/can-i-take-my-medicine-abroad/)
Working in Spain

If you are planning to move to Spain and work, you must apply for the appropriate visa. See the Spanish Consulate in London (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx), [Edinburgh](Consular services (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/edimburgo/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx) or [Manchester] (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Manchester/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Home.aspx) for information on how to apply. Application processing times vary and you should only make travel arrangements once your visa has been issued.

Read the Spanish government’s guidance on:
- working in Spain as a foreign national (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Conoce-Espana.aspx)
- how to get a visa (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx)
Read the guidance on visas and applying for a visa at the:
- Spanish consulate in London (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/Paginas/index.aspx)
- Spanish consulate in Manchester (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Manchester/es/Paginas/index.aspx)
- Spanish consulate in Edinburgh (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/edimburgo/en/Paginas/index.aspx)
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
- UK criminal records certificate (https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/police-certificates)
- Spanish criminal records certificate (https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/en/tramites/certificado-antecedentes) (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
- certificate from the Spanish sex offenders registry (https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/en/tramites/certificado-registro-central) (Certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual) to work with children
- record of your employment history in Spain from Seguridad Social (a Vida Laboral certificate) (https://sede.seg-social.gob.es/wps/portal/sede/sede/Ciudadanos/CiudadanoDetalle/!ut/p/z1/rVRdk5owFP0r-8Ij5obP0Dd0HFYra13LKrw4IQRNq4GFrK799QXWmZ3dVu2M5SXD5eacwzm5QQlaokTSvVhTJQpJt817nDgrEzsW9gBPAhgNwY_Cr5FnzsxghNGia4Azjw8oubz_CSUoYVKVaoPimmd8xQqpuBRZUWvQFjRg4iWjGZVtRci8qHa8vjveMV4pkQtGu1YDMHGsFq1kIkNxhlNCbdPVc2zauuUypqeuy3XP9tzcMWhu4fSk_ow88K6qX7R8VxC6hksGXSQxHDRGyXpbpG9p-DI1yRolFc95xaveS9WUN0qVXzTQ4HA49MqiUnTbqzuzVEUlV3X9rStqUJ7WQWcyz4pKA6XBSAomir_hb4paoeUHXBQ3rrnvigGC5keiPsyfwMAQmGixF_yAItkk1aiev4ficZzltpXqNm1DMYilE84M3WAcjCwntm1TdA-fGQI8s1uGKRk9zjAQ90aGN3h7SgCPwZiAExLwvdk8mjxgE1zrRvjxtUQbn40qHISNzyVVG7091Gh55mijJeCzn1Asfjw_J34zQ22ir01WtwzReaY_Eulb4OPpd8e4H2KYXrDsnwbxYiIB4Bvhx9cG-X8bebqNyl20I-ZR__lIjuZ2vxukJBya9nq3Cmu-0OPx_lf_QU_i30pFaaU!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?changeLanguage=en)
Read:
- working or providing services in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/spain-providing-services-after-eu-exit#travel-and-entry-requirements)
- working in an EU country (https://www.gov.uk/working-abroad)
- EU guidance on working in an EU country (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/index_en.htm)
- guidance on how to get your UK academic or professional qualifications recognised in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain#professional-and-academic-qualifications)
- the Spanish government’s guidance on the right of UK nationals to work in the public sector (https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/brexit/howtoprepare/Paginas/20190307qualifications.aspx)
If you plan to work in Spain, even if you work for a UK-based company, this may affect where you pay National Insurance-type contributions. Read the National insurance and social security contributions section (#ni-ss) for more information.

If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021

You have the right to work without a visa, under the Withdrawal Agreement (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-europe).You can use your TIE or green A4 certificate or credit-sized piece of paper as proof of your right to work.

If you live in Spain and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country before 1 January 2021, read our guidance for frontier workers (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/frontier-workers-in-eu-and-efta-countries).

Professional and academic qualifications

You may need to get your professional qualification recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in Spain.

Read guidance on:
- recognition of professional qualifications (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/providing-services-to-any-country-in-the-eu-iceland-liechtenstein-norway-or-switzerland-after-eu-exit#recognition-of-professional-qualifications)
- how to get your qualification recognised in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/spain-providing-services-after-eu-exit#recognition-of-professional-qualifications)
Recognition and legalisation of UK academic documents

If you need your UK academic qualification officially recognised in Spain, follow the Spanish Ministry of Education’s guidance (https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano/catalogo/gestion-titulos) (in Spanish).

Your degree certificate or other documents need to be certified by a UK notary public (https://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/) and then legalised by the FCDO Legalisation Office (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised). This legalisation service is not provided by the British Embassy in Madrid, UK consulates in Spain, or the British Council in Spain.

Read guidance on getting your UK degree qualification certified and legalised in the UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/notarial-and-documentary-services-guide-for-spain#legalise-a-document).

If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021

If the relevant regulator in Spain officially recognised your professional qualification before 1 January 2021, or you started the recognition process by this date, make sure you understand the terms of your decision. You should get advice from the relevant regulator.

Studying in Spain

If you plan to study in Spain, carry out an internship or take up a placement as a language assistant, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.

Contact the relevant higher education provider in Spain to check what fees you may have to pay.

Read guidance on:
- continuing your studies in the EU (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-students-in-the-eu-continuing-your-studies)
- studying in the European Union (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/study-in-the-european-union)
- immigration routes for students, internships and language assistants (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx)
- visas for students, internships and language assistants from the Spanish Consulates in London (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx), Edinburgh (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/edimburgo/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/inicio.aspx) and Manchester (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Manchester/es/Paginas/index.aspx)
- healthcare for students in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-spain#studying-in-spain)
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021

The studying in the European Union guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/study-in-the-european-union) includes information if you were already living in Spain before 1 January 2021.

Tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Spain (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spain-tax-treaties) so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

You should seek professional advice on paying tax in Spain from a lawyer (see ‘Find a lawyer in Spain’ directory (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=spain)) or from a ‘gestor’ (or ‘gestoría’). A gestor is a private professional agent who specialises in dealing with Spanish administrative bureaucracy such as tax and accountancy on behalf of a client.

It is common practice in Spain to instruct a gestor, although other countries may not have this service. See the National Register of Accredited Gestores (https://registro.consejogestores.org/) for a directory of gestores in your area.

Read guidance about:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad (https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk)
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad (https://www.gov.uk/tax-uk-income-live-abroad/taxed-twice)
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad (https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-pension/tax-when-you-live-abroad)
- paying income tax in Spain (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/taxes/income-taxes-abroad/Spain/index_en.htm)
- paying tax in Spain (https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/inicio.html) from the Spanish Tax Authority
- EU factsheet on buying goods online from UK websites (https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/system/files/2021-02/e-commerce-uk-factsheet_en.pdf)
Declaring your assets

As a Spanish resident, you must declare your global income to the Spanish authorities, no matter which country it came from. If you are not a resident, you will only pay tax on income that came from Spain.

You may need to file an annual declaration of overseas assets called a Modelo 720 (https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/inicio.html). There are penalties if you do not file, or give incorrect or incomplete information.

Baja consular

British consulates in Spain no longer issue letters to support a transfer of address for importation of vehicles or household goods, or a change of registration plates (also known as a ‘baja consular’).

You can provide the following documents instead of a baja consular:
- work contract or proof of self-employment
- a residence permit or work permit for the country you’ve been living in – if you’re coming from outside the UK
If you do not have these, contact the Spanish state tax administration agency (https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/inicio.html) (Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria/AEAT).

If the tax authorities insist on a letter from the consulate, you can print out a letter explaining that the consulate no longer issues the baja consular (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6728d8dfabb279b2de1e8b13/7_Baja_Consular_Communication.pdf) (PDF, 141 KB, 1 page).

National insurance and social security contributions

National Insurance-type contributions (https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance) (NIC) are called ‘social security contributions’ (SSC) in Spain. Find out if you need to pay National Insurance in the UK or social security contributions (https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-if-you-go-abroad) in Spain.

If you plan to move to Spain and work, even if you continue working for a UK-based company, you and your employer may need to pay social security contributions in Spain. These social security contributions would entitle you to certain benefits, such as healthcare, in Spain.

Read guidance on National insurance for workers from the UK working in the EEA or Switzerland. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-for-workers-from-the-uk-working-in-the-eea-or-switzerland)

Check your UK National Insurance record. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-statement-of-national-insurance-contributions-ca3916)

Benefits

UK benefits

Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/benefits-and-pensions-for-uk-nationals-in-the-eea-or-switzerland) while you are living in Spain.

Check which benefits you can claim while abroad (https://www.gov.uk/uk-benefits-abroad) and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

Spanish benefits

You may be entitled to Spanish benefits. To find out if you are entitled to Spanish benefits and how to claim, you can:
- speak to a social worker (trabajador social) at your local town hall (https://www.ayuntamiento.es/) (ayuntamiento) (in Spanish)
- read the guidance from the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights (https://www.mdsocialesa2030.gob.es/en/derechos-sociales/index.htm)
- read the guidance from the Institute for Senior Citizens and Social Services (IMSERSO) (https://imserso.es/pnc-prestaciones-subvenciones) or contact the Institute (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) for more information
- read the Spanish government guidance on social security benefits for workers (https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Trabajadores/PrestacionesPensionesTrabajadores/12778)
Pensions

Read guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/benefits-and-pensions-for-uk-nationals-in-the-eea-or-switzerland) while you are living in Spain.

Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/state-pension-if-youve-lived-in-australia-canada-or-new-zealand) and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

If you retire in Spain, you can claim:
- your UK State Pension (https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-if-you-retire-abroad) or new UK State Pension (https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension). Contact the International Pension Centre (https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre) for further information
- pensions if you’ve worked in other EU countries (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/retire-abroad/state-pensions-abroad/index_en.htm)
Read the Money and Pension Service’s MoneyHelper guidance on pension and retirement (https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pension-problems/brexit-pension-retirement?source=mas#) for more information on cross-border pensions.

Life Certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service (https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-if-you-retire-abroad/report-a-change-in-your-circumstances), you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

Money and banking

Whether UK banks can provide service to customers living in the EEA depends on local laws and regulation.

Read the Money and Pension Service’s MoneyHelper guidance on banking, insurance and financial services (https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/banking/brexit-banking-insurance-finance?source=mas) for more information on cross-border banking.

Accommodation and buying property

Read guidance on how to buy or let property in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-buy-property-in-spain).

Driving in Spain

Read the guidance on:
- what you need to drive in the EU (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu)
- road travel in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/safety-and-security#road-travel)
You cannot renew or replace your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence if you live in Spain.

If you have one of these licences, you can use it to drive for up to 6 months after becoming resident in Spain. To continue driving after this, you must apply for a Spanish driving licence.

The process for obtaining a Spanish licence depends on whether you have a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence.

You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of a Spanish licence.

From 16 March 2023 you can drive using your valid UK or Gibraltar licence until 15 September. This is a temporary measure that the UK and Spanish governments have agreed.

If you have a valid UK or Gibraltar driving licence

If you were living in Spain before 16 March 2023, you can use your valid UK or Gibraltar driving licence to drive in Spain for 6 months from this date (15 September).

UK or Gibraltar licence holders who moved to Spain before 16 March 2023 and fail to make the exchange by 15 September will no longer be able to drive on their UK licence and will need to wait until their licence exchange has been completed to drive after that.

If you move to Spain after 16 March 2023, you can drive using your valid UK or Gibraltar licence for six months from the date you acquire residency. We recommend you start the exchange process (https://sede.dgt.gob.es/en/permisos-de-conducir/canjes-de-permisos/canjes-de-permisos-extranjeros/canjes-de-terceros-paises-con-convenio/index_UK.html) during this time.

Exchange is possible after six months, but your UK licence will not be valid for driving in Spain while you await your exchange to be completed.

Read:
- the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) information (https://sede.dgt.gob.es/en/permisos-de-conducir/canjes-de-permisos/canjes-de-permisos-extranjeros/canjes-de-terceros-paises-con-convenio/index_UK.html) on how to exchange your UK and Gibraltar licence for a Spanish one.
- the text of the Agreement (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukspain-agreement-on-the-reciprocal-recognition-and-exchange-of-national-driving-licences-and-on-the-exchange-of-information-on-road-safety-related) between the UK and Spain on the recognition and exchange of driving licences (in English)
You will need to present a ‘check code’ from the DVLA (https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence), along with other documentation, at your appointment. If you have problems obtaining a check code, contact the DVLA on xx-xxxx-xxxx.

If your licence was issued in Northern Ireland, read Northern Ireland government guidance to obtain the check code (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/view-or-share-your-driving-licence-information). If you have problems obtaining a check code, contact the DVA (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

If your licence was issued in Gibraltar you do not need a check code.

Expired UK or Gibraltar licences

Spanish authorities will exchange your expired UK or Gibraltar licence for a Spanish one if it was valid when you entered Spain. You cannot drive on an expired UK licence.

We know that some UK licence holders with expired UK driving licences (primarily those over 70) have been experiencing issues when trying to exchange their licence for a Spanish one.

The Department of Transport has been working to resolve this issue with the Spanish Government and can confirm that Spain’s Traffic Authority (DGT) will be able to exchange expired UK licences, as long as they expired after the individual moved to Spain.

A digital “check code” to enable the DGT verify these licences is available via gov.uk. (https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence)

If your licence was issued by Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man

You cannot currently exchange your Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence for a Spanish one. You must apply for a Spanish licence (https://sede.dgt.gob.es/en/permisos-de-conducir/obtencion-y-gestion-de-permisos/index.html) as a non-EU national. This includes taking both a theory and practical driving test.

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/blue-badge-scheme) and live in Spain, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority. You can apply for a new Spanish disabled parking card. The process is different in each region of Spain. Contact your local town hall or social services department for further information.

Read the EU guidance on the EU parking card for people with disabilities (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/transport-disability/parking-card-disabilities-people/index_en.htm).

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Spain

Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK (https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk).

If you register as a resident or spend longer than 6 months of the year in Spain, you must register your vehicle with the Spanish authorities (https://sede.dgt.gob.es/en/vehiculos/matriculaciones-de-vehiculos/matriculacion-ordinaria/index.html) and you may need to pay some taxes. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so you will need certificates of exemption.

Read the Spanish Traffic Authority’s guidance on registering a foreign vehicle in Spain (https://sede.dgt.gob.es/en/vehiculos/matriculaciones-de-vehiculos/matriculacion-ordinaria/index.html).

Driving outside Spain with a Spanish licence

You can use your Spanish licence when visiting the UK. Keep up-to-date with the UK Highway Code (https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety).

If you return to live in the UK, you can exchange your Spanish licence for a UK one without taking a test.

To drive in another country, in addition to your Spanish licence, you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/permisos-de-conducir/permiso-internacional/) (in Spanish with English translation).

Read the EU guidance on:
- EU driving licences and insurance (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/driving-licence-and-insurance/index_en.htm#shortcut-2)
- driving licence exchange and recognition in the EU (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving-licence/driving-licence-exchange-recognition/index_en.htm)
Voting

Local elections

You can vote and stand in local elections in Spain once you have been resident for 3 years. To do so, you must:
- be registered on the municipal register where you live (padrón municipal)
- confirm your registration on the electoral roll (censo electoral), within the dates set by the electoral authorities before each election
You cannot register on the electoral roll at other times. You must re-register on the electoral roll before each local election.

Read:
- the Spanish government’s guidance on voting in local elections (https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/brexit/howtoprepare/Paginas/190109sufrage.aspx)
- the entry in the Official State Gazette (https://www.boe.es/eli/es/res/2022/11/10/(3)), which confirms the process for registering on the electoral roll (in Spanish)
To stand as a local election candidate, read Spanish organic law 5/1985 (https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1985-11672) (in Spanish) or consult with your local Oficina del Censo Electoral (https://www.ine.es/oficina_censo/contactar_oce.htm).

Other Spanish elections

You cannot vote in general or regional elections in Spain or European Parliamentary elections.

UK general elections

From 16 January 2024, British citizens living abroad who have previously lived in the UK or been registered to vote in the UK at some point in their lives, are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15-year time limit.

You can:
- check if you are able to vote (https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/overseas-voters)
- register as an overseas voter (https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad)
Your overseas declaration is valid for 3 years. You will need to confirm your personal information every 3 years.

Marriage, civil partnership and cohabitation (pareja de hecho)

Find out about getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad (https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad).

Cohabitation (pareja de hecho)

You might need a marital status certificate (MSC) to register a cohabitation arrangement (pareja/unión de hecho) with Spanish authorities. The pareja/unión de hecho registration is an official recognition of a relationship but is not the same as a civil partnership.

You can also apply for an MSC from a British consulate for another reason, like supporting the late birth registration of a child born in Spain at a Spanish civil registry.

Check the regional requirements

Check with your pareja/unión de hecho office or civil registry to find out what they need you to do. The type of document you’ll need to prove you’re not married or in a civil partnership will depend on the region in Spain (comunidad autónoma) you want to register your cohabitation arrangement in.

Most regions in Spain will accept an MSC issued by a British consulate but the following regions have confirmed that they will not:
- Andalusia
- Balearic Islands
- Madrid
- Valencia
- Canary Islands
If you’re asked to provide proof that you’re not married or in a civil partnership in one of these regions, apply for a ‘no trace letter’ by phone from the General Register Office (https://www.gov.uk/general-register-office) in either England and Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll need to get the no trace letter translated (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spain-list-of-translators-and-interpreters/list-of-translators-and-interpreters-in-spain) into Spanish and legalised (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised).

If you apply for an MSC for a pareja/unión de hecho in any of these 5 regions, we will not be able to process your application.

Apply for an MSC for a cohabitation (pareja de hecho) arrangement online (https://www.prove-eligibility-foreign-government.service.gov.uk/cni-or-msc-by-post/check-eligibility-and-documents?marriage.country=Spain)

Births and deaths

If your child is born in Spain, you must register your child as a resident in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain#visas-and-residency). You can also register the birth with the UK authorities (https://www.gov.uk/register-a-birth) in addition to registering locally. If your child has British nationality (https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-british-parent), you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport (https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport/first-child-passport).

If someone dies in Spain read our guidance on:
- what to do after someone dies abroad (https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/death-abroad)
- what to do after a British person dies in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-to-do-after-a-british-person-dies-in-spain)
- finding English-speaking funeral directors in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spain-list-of-funeral-directors)
Pets

If you’re moving to Spain with your pet, read the guidance and ensure you comply with the regulations:
- taking your pet abroad (https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad)
- moving to EU countries with your pet (https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets_en)
To visit other countries with your pet, check the rules for the country you’re travelling to. Contact your vet to get the travel documents your pet needs.

Read guidance on:
- bringing your pet to Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain). Check that your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date. Vets in Great Britain cannot enter rabies vaccination details in non-UK issued pet passports
- travelling to Ireland with your pet (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-ireland#pets)
- travelling with your pet in the EU (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_en.htm)
Emergencies

Dial the European emergency number on 112 in Spain (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/emergency/index_en.htm) for the police, ambulance or fire brigade, or dial:
- 091 for police
- 061 for health emergencies
- 080 for firefighters
- 092 for local police
Download the ALERTCOPS app (https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/publico/alertcops/en/) which offers an SOS button for emergency assistance, geo-targeted safety alerts, and a discreet and simple communication channel with the Spanish Police and Civil Guard if you experience or witness a crime. This service works throughout Spain, apart from the Basque country and Catalonia.

Dial the EU 116 000 hotline to report a missing child (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/emergency/index_en.htm) in the EU country where you live or in another EU country.

Read the guidance if you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Spain (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spain-information-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault).

If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact the British Embassy Madrid or nearest consulate (https://www.gov.uk/world/spain#/world/emergency-help-for-british-nationals-spain).

If your child is at risk of being, or has been, abducted, read:
- guidance on international parental child abduction (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/international-parental-child-abduction)
- Spanish Ministry of Justice’s official protocol document on child abduction (https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/estatico/cs/portal/pdf/PROTOCOLO_SUSTRACCION_MENORES_DEFINITIVO.pdf) (in Spanish)
- EU guidance on child abduction (https://e-justice.europa.eu/309/EN/parental_child_abduction)
- EU guidance on child abduction to another EU country (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/family/childre/abduction/index_en.htm)
Returning to the UK

Tell the UK and Spanish authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.

To help prove you are now living in the UK, you should deregister with your:
- local town hall (padrón)
- the Spanish National Police (Residencia) (https://sede.policia.gob.es/portalCiudadano/_es/dependencias_localizador_accesible.php) (in Spanish)
- your local health centre
If you get healthcare in Spain through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on xx-xxxx-xxxx or Seguridad Social (http://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Inicio?changeLanguage=en) to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

To move your pension or benefits payments to the UK, tell the International Pension Centre (https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre) and the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (http://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Inicio).

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/returning-to-the-uk) which includes information on, amongst other things, bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Useful information

Support for British nationals abroad: a guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide) sets out how to stay safe abroad, and explains how the FCDO can support you if you get into difficulty.