What do an exchange student in London, a chef in Manchester and a retiree enjoying the English countryside have in common? Since 1 January 2021 they have all faced the same question: how do you obtain legal residency in the United Kingdom after Brexit as a Spanish citizen? The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union did not only transform political and trade relations between the two blocs: it profoundly changed the daily lives of thousands of European citizens who lived, or wanted to live, on British soil.

Before Brexit, living in the UK as a Spanish national was as simple as taking a cheap flight and starting to look for somewhere to stay. But once the UK left the EU, freedom of movement no longer applied. According to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), before the 2016 referendum more than 130,000 Spanish citizens were living in the United Kingdom, a figure that, far from falling, has remained stable thanks to mechanisms such as the EU Settlement Scheme. This tells us something: the Spanish community still sees opportunities in the UK, even if the route is now less direct.

Beyond the legal implications, Brexit has also brought an interesting cultural shift: for the first time in decades, many young Europeans, including Spaniards, have to prepare as though emigrating to a third country. New barriers, new visas and also new rights for those who anticipated the changes. Below we explore how to navigate this new legal and practical landscape in order to obtain UK residency as a Spanish citizen.

The end of free movement: key changes for Spanish citizens

For decades, Spanish citizens, like those of the rest of the European Union, enjoyed one of the most prized principles of the European project: the free movement of people. That freedom allowed people to live, work, study or simply spend a long stretch of time in another member state without special permits. For thousands of Spaniards it meant the chance to start new lives in British cities such as London, Edinburgh, Bristol or Birmingham. However, Brexit changed the rules of the game dramatically..

What did the end of free movement actually mean?

The UK’s formal departure from the EU on 31 January 2020 and, above all, the end of the transition period on 31 December of the same year automatically ended the automatic right to reside, work and study for EU citizens on British territory. Since then, for Spaniards without prior residence in the UK, the country has been treated as a “third country” for immigration purposes. That means they are now subject to the same rules that apply to non-EU citizens, such as those from Latin America or Asia.

Fundamental changes for Spanish citizens after Brexit

Here is a summary of the main changes that directly affect Spanish citizens:

Aspect	Before Brexit	After Brexit
Residence	Free, no visa, only local registration	An approved visa or permit is required
Access to the labour market	Free access, no prior contract needed	A work visa with a specific job offer is required
Studies	Same treatment as British citizens, access to home fees and grants	International student fees, no access to British public funding
Public healthcare (NHS)	Automatic access with the European health card	Only with a visa or private medical insurance
Family mobility	Free family reunification with no additional restrictions	A visa is required for each member, with financial and relationship requirements

Impact on the Spanish community

The impact of these changes has been significant, but not uniform. Those already living in the UK before Brexit were able to use the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), which made it easier to regularise their situation. Those who arrived later, or plan to, face a far more selective, bureaucratic and demanding immigration system.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Home Office, more than 150,000 Spanish citizens applied to the EUSS, which reflects a high level of regularisation within the group. Even so, part of the population was left out through lack of information, fear or simply not knowing the deadlines, ending up in an irregular situation or at risk of deportation.

The new priorities of the British immigration system

The new British immigration model introduced after Brexit is based on a pointssystem. It prioritises the entry of highly qualified people with specific job offers and command of English, replacing entirely the old logic of free access by EU nationality. This means that while there are still routes to living legally in the country, they depend on meeting a set of requirements that not every Spaniard interested in moving to the UK can easily satisfy.

It is also worth noting that the United Kingdom has tightened border control measures, increasing checks on entry, inspections for illegal working and penalties for both employers and individuals who breach immigration rules. In other words, improvising a move to the UK is no longer a realistic option: it now requires planning, resources and paperwork in advance.

The EU Settlement Scheme: a key opportunity for those already in the UK

Faced with the complex post-Brexit landscape, the British government introduced the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) as a transitional solution to protect the rights of European Union citizens, Spaniards among them, who were already living in the UK before it formally left the bloc. The programme, run by the Home Office (the UK’s interior ministry), has been essential in ensuring those citizens did not lose their right to live, work or study in the country once free movement ended.

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?

The EUSS is a legal scheme that allows citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, as well as their family members, to regularise their residence in the UK, ensuring they can continue to live there legally beyond 31 December 2020.

The scheme has two main forms:

Status	Requirements	Rights	Renewal
Settled Status	5 continuous years of legal residence in the UK before 31/12/2020	Indefinite residence, full access to employment, healthcare, education and benefits, and the possibility of applying for British citizenship	No renewal required
Pre-settled Status	Legal residence before 31/12/2020 but for less than 5 years	Temporary residence, partial access to services and the right to work and study	Valid for 5 years, then must be converted to Settled

Who was able to apply?

The EUSS was open to:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens living in the UK before 31 December 2020.
• Direct family members of those citizens (spouses, children, parents), even if they are not European.
• People who already held permanent residence under pre-Brexit EU legislation.

The initial deadline for applications was 30 June 2021, although there are exceptional circumstances that allow late applications, such as:

• Serious illness or disability.
• Lack of awareness of the scheme due to age or vulnerability.
• Victims of human trafficking or domestic abuse.

The application process: quick, but with a catch

The process was designed to be mostly digital and free. It required:

• A valid identity document (passport or national ID card with a chip).
• Proof of residence (bills, contracts, payslips, medical records, etc.).
• A passport-style photograph and a facial scan taken on a mobile phone.

Many people, however, ran into technical or administrative obstacles: difficulties scanning documents, problems with the mobile app, a lack of formal paperwork or simply not understanding the process.

Although more than 7 million applications were submitted in total (according to official data), there are still pending cases, appeals and situations of uncertainty, especially among older people, unaccompanied minors and homeless citizens.

Rights and guarantees granted by the EUSS

The status granted through the EUSS allows the holder to:

• Work and start a business in the UK without restrictions.
• Access the public health system (NHS).
• Study at British institutions.
• Travel freely in and out of the UK, though with certain conditions if you are away for more than 6 months a year.
• Claim social benefits, provided the established criteria are met.
• Apply for British citizenship (after 12 months with Settled Status, with some exceptions).

The risk of losing your status

Despite the benefits, the status is not set in stone. Certain circumstances can cause a person to lose their status or struggle to keep it:

• Long absences: being outside the UK for more than 6 months in a year (or 12 months for exceptional reasons) before applying for Settled Status.
• Not upgrading Pre-settled Status: anyone who does not convert it to Settled once the 5 years are up will lose it.
• Serious criminal convictions: these can lead to the status being revoked and to deportation.

The British government has been criticised for the lack of physical documentation for applicants, which has created legal uncertainty. Rights can only be proven digitally, which has caused problems for some citizens when looking for work, renting a home or accessing services.

Practical tips and recommendations for Spaniards with EUSS status

1. Check your status regularly on the government website: View and prove your immigration status.
2. Update your personal and contact details if they change.
3. Apply to convert to Settled Status once you complete 5 years of continuous residence.
4. Do not leave the country for long periods without checking the consequences for your status.
5. Keep copies of all your applications and correspondence with the Home Office.
6. Consult legal experts if you have a criminal record or any doubts about your situation.

New options for Spaniards who want to live in the UK today: visas, points and strategy

With the end of free movement after Brexit, Spanish citizens who want to move to the UK must now meet the same rules as any other foreign national. That is a radical change: buying a plane ticket and starting from scratch in London or Edinburgh is no longer enough. The UK has introduced a points-based immigration system that prioritises talent, skills and the needs of the British labour market.

How does the UK points-based immigration system work?

Officially introduced in 2021, the system awards points to applicants on criteria such as:

• Having an approved job offer.
• The employer being registered as a sponsor.
• Earning a minimum salary set by law.
• Demonstrating knowledge of English (level B1 or above).
• Holding qualifications or working in strategic sectors (healthcare, engineering, technology and so on).

To qualify for most work visas you need a minimum of 70 points. Some requirements are mandatory (for example, the job offered must be on the list of eligible occupations), while others are optional but add extra points.

The main types of visa for Spanish citizens (post-Brexit)

Below are the most relevant visas for Spaniards who wish to live in the UK:

Type of visa	Purpose	Key requirements	Duration and advantages
Skilled Worker Visa	Working on a permanent contract in a skilled occupation	Approved job offer, salary ≥ £26,200 a year, English B1, registered sponsor	Up to 5 years, renewable; NHS access; possibility of applying for permanent residence
Health and Care Worker Visa	Working in health or social care	Job offer in the health sector, English B1, lower salary allowed in some cases	Valid for up to 5 years, fast-track processing and reduced fees; eligible for permanent residence
Student Visa	Studying at a university or on a higher education course	Enrolment at a recognised institution, sufficient funds, English B2	Lasts as long as the course; allows limited work; possibility of switching to a work visa after graduating
Graduate Visa	Staying on after finishing your studies	Having completed a degree or master’s in the UK	2 years of post-study residence; allows you to work without a sponsor
Family Visa	Family reunification	A direct family member who is British or has legal status; proof of the relationship	Between 2.5 and 5 years, with the possibility of staying on
Start-up or Innovator Visa	Setting up an innovative business	Approved business plan, initial funds, English B2	2 to 3 years; option to convert into permanent residence

Practical cases: which visa suits me?

1. Alba, a graphic designer from Barcelona: she has experience and a high level of English, but no job offer. ➜ She can aim for a Skilled Worker Visa, but first she needs to find a British employer who is a sponsor.

2. Jorge, a medical student in Valencia: he wants to take a master’s in London. ➜ He can apply for a Student Visaand then move on to a Graduate Visa to stay and work after finishing.

3. Carla and Diego, a young couple without higher education: they want to live and work in the UK. ➜ At present this is difficult unless they secure a formal job offer or access to the Youth Mobility Scheme (currently not available for Spain, although there are proposals to include it in the future).

Requirements common to all visas

Whatever the visa, applicants must meet a series of basic requirements:

• A valid passport.
• Proof of English ( (IELTS, TOEFL, or other official certificates).
• Sufficient funds to support yourself (this varies by visa).
• A criminal record certificate (in some cases).
• International medical insurance (if you are not entitled to the NHS on arrival).
• Payment of immigration fees, which range from £400 to £1,500 depending on the type of visa and its duration.

In addition, most visas require the application to be made from outside the UK and approval to be granted before travelling. The process usually takes between 3 and 8 weeks.

Useful advice for preparing a successful application

• Carry out a self-assessment first: do you meet the points criteria?
• Use the Home Office’s official search tool for eligible occupations.
• Look for employers registered as sponsors on the official list.
• Make sure you have evidence of your English level accepted by UKVI.
• Organise your documentation in English or with an official translation.
• Seek specialist advice if you have legal doubts or complex family circumstances.

The current British immigration system is a greater challenge than the one in place before Brexit. Even so, it offers clear, structured routes for Spanish citizens who meet the required criteria. With preparation, qualifications and knowledge of the rules, it is perfectly possible to live legally in the UK today.

Practical recommendations and useful resources: what every Spaniard should know before applying for UK residency

In the new post-Brexit landscape, obtaining legal residency in the UK requires not only meeting certain legal requirements but also meticulous preparation. Goodwill and an adventurous spirit are no longer enough: a successful move to the UK now depends largely on understanding the process, planning every step carefully and using official channels. Below is a practical, accessible guide to preparing your residency application, whether through the EU Settlement Scheme (if it applies to you) or through the new points-based visas.

A step-by-step guide to living legally in the UK after Brexit

STEP 1: Assess your personal situation

Before starting any procedure, you need to identify which immigration route best fits your profile:

Situation	Applicable immigration route
You were already living in the UK before 31/12/2020	EU Settlement Scheme (Pre-settled or Settled)
You are a student and have been accepted by a British institution	Student Visa
You have a skilled job offer from a British employer	Skilled Worker Visa
You want to join a family member living legally in the UK	Family Visa
You have completed studies in the UK	Graduate Visa

If you do not meet any of these conditions, the advice is to start by looking for a job offer or explore bilateral programmes between Spain and the UK (educational agreements or exchange programmes, for example).

STEP 2: Check the exact requirements for your visa

Every visa has specific conditions that must be met in full. There is no “universal” visa, so it is important not to improvise. Use the official British government portal to explore the options in detail:

Visas and immigration – GOV.UK

The most common requirements include:

• Scanned identity documents.
• A job offer letter or university acceptance letter.
• Proof of financial means.
• English language certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
• Payment of immigration fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (NHS access).

STEP 3: Gather and translate all your documentation

Organise your documents in good time and make sure they are up to date. If any document is in Spanish (contracts, academic certificates, birth certificates and so on), it will need to be translated into English by a recognised sworn translator.

Documents typically required:

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity).
• Proof of income or funds (bank statements, payslips).
• Academic certificates or professional qualifications.
• A document proving your level of English (B1 or B2 depending on the visa).
• A sponsorship letter from an employer or educational institution.

STEP 4: Register with the British immigration system and book an appointment

The process is generally carried out online through the Home Office portal. For most visas you need to:

• Create an account on the UKVI platform.
• Complete the application form.
• Upload the documents in digital format.
• Pay the corresponding fees.
• Book a biometric appointment at the nearest centre (in Spain or the UK, depending on the visa).

You can start the process here: UK Visas and Immigration

STEP 5: Take out medical insurance if you are not entitled to the NHS

Most long-stay visas (more than 6 months) require payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives access to the public health system (NHS). If your visa does not include this benefit, or you are waiting for a decision, you will need to take out international medical insurance for your stay.

Strategic advice for Spaniards starting the process

• Start early: applications can take several weeks. Do not leave anything to the last minute.
• Avoid unaccredited agents: always consult specialist immigration lawyers or the Spanish consular authorities in the UK.
• Prepare a clear financial plan: make sure you have enough funds for the visa, accommodation, transport and initial expenses in the UK (financial requirements vary but are usually between £1,200 and £2,500).
• Make the most of community resources: groups of Spaniards in the UK can offer emotional support, information and practical help. Look at forums, social media and associations such as Españoles en el Reino Unido (ERUK).

Official and useful resources for the process

Here is a selection of resources that will be a great help during the process:

Resource	Link
EU Settlement Scheme (Home Office)	gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
Visa applications	gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
List of employers licensed as sponsors	gov.uk/licensed-sponsors
Check your digital immigration status	gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
Consular Office of Spain in London	exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/LONDRES
British Council – English certifications	learnenglish.britishcouncil.org

With a clear strategy, reliable information and proper preparation, obtaining UK residency is still possible for Spanish citizens. The route is now more bureaucratic than it was before Brexit, but the key to success lies in planning, patience and knowing exactly what each step of the process involves..

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From backpack to visa: adapting in order to move forward

Brexit has turned what used to be a spontaneous adventure into a regulated process that demands planning, strategy and adaptation. For Spanish citizens, living in the UK is no longer an automatic right, but it remains a real possibility. By understanding the new rules, choosing the right visa and following the correct steps, it is still possible to build a new life in the British Isles.

The journey may be longer, but the destination is still worth it.

To explore related topics, we invite you to read our blog posts:

• TOEFL vs IELTS: which is better for working or studying abroad?
• Dual nationality: the countries where you can obtain it as a Spanish citizen
• Moving to the United States from Spain

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)