Moving from the UK to Spain?

If you’re thinking of leaving the UK to start a new life under the Spanish sun, you’re not alone. Thousands of Britons are choosing Spain every year — whether to retire, work remotely, or simply enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
At SGM Abogados, we specialise in helping British citizens make the move smoothly — guiding you through every legal, tax and property aspect of relocating to Spain.

1. Tell HMRC Before You Leave the UK

Before moving abroad, you must inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that you’re leaving the UK.
This ensures your tax status is correctly updated and avoids unnecessary tax bills later. You’ll need to:

• Complete form P85 (“Leaving the UK – getting your tax right”) to inform HMRC you are no longer a UK resident.

• Include your final UK income details or pension information.

• If you’re self-employed, submit your final self-assessment tax return before departure.

If you still earn UK income — such as from property rentals or pensions — you may still have to pay UK tax on those earnings.

2. Understand Your New Tax Residency

Once you become a resident in Spain, your worldwide income becomes taxable under Spanish law.
That means pensions, dividends, or interest from UK accounts may be subject to Spanish tax.

Spain and the UK have a Double Taxation Agreement, which ensures you don’t pay tax twice on the same income. However, the key lies in correct planning and timing — something our tax and legal specialists at SGM Abogados can manage for you.

We handle:

• Residency applications and NIE numbers

• Registration with Spanish tax authorities

• Advice on the best moment to become tax resident

• Coordination with UK accountants to align both systems

3. Health Cover and Pensions

Before you move, it’s important to review your healthcare rights and pension access:

• UK state pensioners can usually transfer their healthcare rights to Spain using the S1 form.

• Your UK state pension can continue to be paid in Spain and will still receive annual increases.

• Private pensions can also be transferred or received in Spain, but tax treatment differs — professional advice is essential.

4. Buying a Property in Spain

If your plan includes buying a home, make sure your purchase is legally secure.
At SGM Abogados, our conveyancing team reviews all contracts, checks property documentation, and ensures your rights are protected from start to finish.

We handle:

• Legal checks on the property and seller

• Drafting or reviewing private purchase contracts

• Power of Attorney for clients abroad

• Tax payments (such as ITP or VAT) and title registration

5. Settling in and Staying Compliant

After arrival, you’ll need to register with the local authorities, open a Spanish bank account, and stay compliant with Spanish tax and residency rules.

SGM Abogados offers an ongoing support package for expats, including:

• Annual tax declarations for residents and non-residents

• Property ownership advice

• Wills and inheritance planning for assets in Spain and the UK

• Legal and fiscal updates relevant to British nationals

Moving to Spain Made Simple

Relocating to Spain can be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life — but it also requires careful legal and fiscal preparation.
At SGM Abogados, our multilingual team helps British clients every day with everything from relocation planning to property purchase and tax compliance.

📍 Offices in Benijófar and San Javier (Murcia)
📞 Contact us today to book a consultation and start your new life in Spain with complete legal peace of mind.