After Brexit, UK nationals need a residence permit to live in Spain beyond 90 days. The Digital Nomad Visa is the most flexible route for remote workers and freelancers. This page covers the UK-specific steps.
Visa-free entry
Yes — 90/180 Schengen
Apostille convention
Yes (Hague 1961)
Tax treaty with Spain
Yes
Consulate
Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh
Criminal record
ACRO Police Certificate (standard or Subject Access — Spain accepts ACRO).
Apostille / legalisation
Apostille via the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO Legalisation Office).
Where to apply
Apply at the consulate covering your area: London, Manchester or Edinburgh. Appointments can be slow — book early.
Tax considerations
The UK–Spain double tax treaty applies. You typically stop being UK tax-resident under the SRT once you spend most of the year in Spain.
Order ACRO and FCDO apostille
ACRO standard takes ~2 weeks; the FCDO premium service can apostille in 1–2 working days.
Get sworn Spanish translations
Use a Spain-registered traductor jurado for ACRO, employment letters and registration certificates.
Get a remote-work letter
UK employer issues a written statement allowing remote work from Spain, including job title and start date.
Submit at the Spanish consulate or via UGE
Outside Spain → consulate. Inside Spain on a Schengen stay → UGE online via Mercurio.
Plan your TIE in Spain
After entry, register padrón and apply for the TIE card within 30 days.
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Complete Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide
Requirements, income thresholds and full timeline.
Document checklist
Every document you need for the application.
Apostille and sworn translation
How to legalise foreign documents for Spain.
Compare your situation with the applicant scenarios (freelancer, employee, family) to confirm your route.