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  1. ResearchYou’re here
  2. Making the moveOffer accepted, packing up, or just landed
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Your move · Research

Is Spain right for us?

Work out whether the move adds up for you before you commit: visas since Brexit, work, regions, healthcare and costs. Start with the numbers, then read the guides that apply to your household.

Start with the numbers

How much do I need to move to Spain?

Answer a few questions. The total updates as you go.

Adults
Area
Have this much ready before you move€44,776about £37,945 · first 6 months · includes a 1-month safety buffer
Costs in your first 6 months€60,672
Running costs a month€3,974
See month by month →
Cost of living in Madrid: 2 adults and 2 children€4,274 a monthChange it → £85k UK salary vs €60k in Madrid−£2,011 a monthCompare an offer →

Is it right for us?

3 guides

Is Spain right for you?

Who it suits, the weather in six cities, costs, language, visas since Brexit, healthcare and the pace of life.

What people wish they’d known

The surprises British movers mention most: paperwork and appointments, language, heat, late hours and rents.

What rules catch Brits out in Spain?

Carrying ID, drink-driving, phones and the V16 beacon, noise, drinking and smoking in public, holiday lets, cash limits and Modelo 720.

Work and pay

5 guides

How do I get a job in Spain?

Unemployment by region, where to look, what jobs pay and how work permits work for Britons.

Will my UK qualifications be recognised?

Homologation and equivalence of degrees, regulated professions, health and teaching, documents and timelines.

What’s it like to work in Spain?

Hours, summer timetables, 30 days’ holiday, 14 payments, permanent contracts, trial periods, recording hours and the right to disconnect.

Home, family and health

5 guides

How much does it cost to live in Spain?

Rent in six cities, bills, food, transport passes, eating out, IVA and a monthly budget by household.+ calculator

Where in Spain should we live?

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Alicante, Palma and the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca compared on climate, rent, language and flights.

Which Spanish visa do I need?

Work permits, highly qualified and Blue Card routes, the digital nomad and non-lucrative visas, students, family, fees and the 90/180 rule.

Where next

Move on to the next step when you have a visa route and a moving date.