Can a UK pensioner live in Spain?

Pensioners are categorised as “economically inactive” in Spain, which means they have to fulfil extra requirements to stay in the country, compared with working age people. There are two types of visas to earn the right to live in the country: the “non-lucrative visa” and the “golden visa”.



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British citizens / UK nationals now have to follow the same process as other non-EU national citizens of third countries to get Spanish residency, i.e. there is a requirement to first obtain a visa.

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The short-stay visa only allows you to reside in Spain for up to 90 days at a time out of every 180 days, or a maximum of around 180 days a year. This is fine if your trips will be no longer than three months at a time, no more than twice a year.

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Once you have obtained Spanish citizenship, you are considered a Spanish national and no longer a citizen of the UK in the eyes of Spain. As such, your British identity documents and any associated rights do not apply in Spain.

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Best places to live in Spain: the verdict
  • San Sebastián: best for food and drink.
  • Frigiliana: best for rural escapes.
  • Marbella: best for families.
  • Toledo: best for affordable property.
  • Barcelona: best for culture.
  • The Canary Islands: best for climate.
  • Madrid: best for career opportunities.


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