In the wake of Brexit, many UK citizens have decided to pack their bags and leave the country of their birth to start a new life teleworking in Spain. Many others have decided to continue residing in this country. More than 290,000 British citizens continue to live in Spain, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).

The quality of life, the climate and the health system are some of the factors that make people look for an international tax advisor to accompany them during this process and to know the legal framework and all the working conditions. Are you thinking of making Spain your home to work in? We explain how.

Can UK citizens still work in Spain after Brexit?

Despite not having an automatic right to live and work in Spain after leaving the EU, UK citizens still have the right to work legally as long as they meet a number of requirements.

They now need a visa or permit to reside for more than 90 days in a 180-day period or to work in a paid capacity. According to data from the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, in 2023 there were more than 75,000 British nationals registered with Social Security in Spain.

Legal ways for UK citizens to work in Spain

Currently, a British citizen can work in Spain by different means:

-          Employment visa

-          Self-employed visa, aimed at the self-employed with a viable business plan.

-          Get the digital nomad visa for Spain, which was introduced in 2023, allowing remote workers to live in Spain while working for foreign companies.

-          Residence permit for family reunification, if you have a direct family member legally residing in Spain.

How to find a job in Spain as a UK citizen

Finding a job in Spain, especially if it's in your field, can be a long process. So here are some tips to make your search easier:

-          Job portals such as Infojobs or Linkedin.

-          Agencies specialising in international profiles

Some of the sectors that post the most job offers on these platforms are: tourism, health, technology, teaching and multilingual customer service.

Salary expectations and cost of living in Spain

According to the latest data provided by the INE, the gross annual salary in Spain was €25,895 in 2023. However, this can vary depending on the sector you work in. It may seem that salaries are lower than in the UK, but the cost of living is also lower in Spain.

A British person living alone in Spain needs between €1,100 and €1,400 a month to live comfortably, depending on the city.

Taxes and social security for UK workers in Spain

British citizens resident in Spain for tax purposes are subject to Personal Income Tax (IRPF) at rates ranging from 19% to 47%. In addition:

-          Social Security contributions: employees contribute 6.48% and employers 30.57%.

-          UK-Spain double taxation agreement: avoids paying duplicate taxes on the same income.

What it’s really like to work in Spain

Before you move to Spain and start working there, it is important that you know what it is like to work there:

Differences in work culture

Business culture in Spain is more hierarchical and relationship-oriented than in the UK. Interpersonal trust is valued, and decisions can be made more slowly.

Office hours, siesta myths, and flexible working

The usual working hours are 9:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 19:00, although more and more companies are opting for intensive working hours or teleworking. However, in summer, some office positions may reduce their working hours.

Public holidays and paid leave

Spain has 14 public holidays per year (8 national, 4 regional and 2 local). In addition, workers are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid holiday per year, compared to 20 in the UK.

Moving to Spain for work: what to sort before you go

Once you are clear on how to work in Spain, you need to take into account:

NIE number and Empadronamiento

In order to be able to work legally in Spain, you must have a NIE (Número de Identidad De Extranjero). It is essential to be able to sign contracts or open bank accounts. It can be applied for from the UK or at a police station in Spain. In addition, registration in the municipality of residence is compulsory for procedures such as the health card.

Language barriers: Is Spanish essential?

Although it is possible to find work without speaking Spanish, especially in multinationals or in tourism-oriented jobs, learning the language greatly facilitates social and occupational integration. An INE study indicates that 77% of employers in Spain rate foreign workers' command of Spanish positively.