Countless British citizens buy property in Spain every year for both holiday homes and as potential future homes in which to live. If you are thinking of buying a property in Spain such as on the Costa Blanca, you might be thinking ‘how long can I stay in Spain’. We’ve pulled together everything you need to know about how long you can stay in Spain when buying a property and when you need to look at a Spanish visa.
How Long Can a British Citizen Stay in Spain?
Since Brexit, rules on how long British citizens can stay in Spain without applying for a visa have changed. Now, as with any other country in the European Shengen area, you are allowed to stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period visa-free. For most people buying a property in Spain as a holiday home or those who will split their time between Spain and the UK, this is ample. However, if you are planning on living in Spain full time, you will need to apply for a temporary or permanent visa.
Do I Need a Visa to Live in Spain?
If you are planning on living in Spain full-time and are a UK citizen, you will need to apply for a Spanish visa or residency. You may be granted temporary residency without the need to work as long as you can prove you have the financial means to support yourself, Once you have been a resident in Spain for five years, you can then apply for permanent residency. Be sure to check the current government guidance for more information about living in Spain as a UK citizen.
Can a UK Citizen Buy Property in Spain Without a Visa?
The great news for Spanish holiday home owners is that you do not need a Visa to buy property in Spain. Whilst you will need residency to live in Spain you are able to buy property without one. When choosing a trusted Spanish property expert such as Welcome Estates, they will take care of all of the legal paperwork involved with buying a Spanish property including any foreign-language paperwork that needs to be completed to make sure your home ownership is above board.
How Does Buying Property as a Holiday Home in Spain Work?
Buying a holiday property in Spain as a UK citizen works in a very similar way to buying a property in England. Using a Spain-based property specialist, you can search for a holiday home that fits your needs and budget. Whilst it is tempting to fall back on areas you have stayed in before on holiday, buying a holiday home can offer a much more authentic experience. We’ve pulled together a guide to popular areas for expats in our blog here to help you decide on an area that is right for you.
Moving to Spain as a UK Citizen
Moving to Spain to live as a UK citizen can offer different challenges and experiences than buying a holiday home. As local experts, Welcome Estates can help you find local schools and help you decide between a new build property or resale and will be with you every step of the way.
As well as deciding on the type of home and area you want to live in, there are different steps you will need to take to ensure you are following all of the rules for expats moving to Spain. We’ve pulled together a more in-depth guide to finding the right visa when moving to Spain here.
The Welcome Estates Difference
We’ve been trusted by countless families and individuals over the years to find the perfect Spanish property. Our experts have been through the process of moving to Spain from the UK themselves so have experience in every step of the journey. If you are looking for advice on buying a holiday home in Spain or buying a property in Spain to live permanently, our experts are here to help.
Contact our team now to find out more and get started.
