Moving to Benalmádena from the UK: A Post-Brexit Checklist

Benalmádena has one of the largest British communities on the Costa del Sol, and it is easy to see why: 20 minutes from Málaga airport, a train into the city and a mild winter. Since Brexit, though, moving here takes more paperwork than it used to. This is the order in which things usually happen.

1. Understand the 90/180-day rule

As a UK citizen you can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area without a visa. Owning a property in Spain does not change that. To stay longer, you need a residence visa.

2. Choose your visa

• Non-lucrative visa: for people who will not work in Spain, such as retirees or those living on savings or investments. You must show sufficient passive income or savings (set as a multiple of Spain's IPREM index, reviewed each year) and private health insurance.
• Digital nomad visa: for remote workers employed by, or freelancing for, companies outside Spain, with a minimum income linked to the Spanish minimum wage.
• Work or self-employed permits: if you will work for a Spanish employer or set up a business here.

The Golden Visa for property investors was abolished on 3 April 2025: buying a home no longer gives you residency. Visa applications are made at the Spanish consulate in London or Edinburgh before you move.

3. NIE, TIE and padrón

Your NIE (foreigner identity number) is needed to buy property, open a bank account or sign up for utilities; you can apply before you have residency. Once you arrive with your visa you apply for the TIE, your residence card, and register on the padrón at the Ayuntamiento de Benalmádena. The padrón certificate is asked for everywhere, from the health centre to school admissions.

4. Healthcare

UK state pensioners can register an S1 form and use Spanish public healthcare. Others need private health insurance for the visa, and can later join the public system through work, self-employment or the pay-in scheme (convenio especial). Benalmádena has public health centres in Arroyo de la Miel and the Costa, and the Hospital Xanit and Hospital Costa del Sol are nearby.

5. Driving licence and car

Under the UK–Spain agreement, residents can exchange a UK licence for a Spanish one within six months of becoming resident. After that you would have to take the Spanish test. A UK-registered car must be re-registered in Spain if you stay.

6. Tax residency

If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, or your main economic interests are here, you become tax resident and declare your worldwide income in Spain. Take advice before you move: timing, pensions and ISAs are treated differently in Spain.

Where to live

Families tend to choose Arroyo de la Miel for schools, shops and the train; retirees often prefer the sea views of Benalmádena Costa or the calm of Benalmádena Pueblo. Compare all six in our area guides, and see the full relocation guide for schools and cost of living.

Visa requirements and thresholds change every year. Check the current figures with the Spanish consulate or an immigration lawyer before applying.