In a significant move that signals a warming of post-Brexit relations, the Spanish government has announced it is scrapping visa requirements for British nationals heading to Spain for short-term work.
The decision, which was unveiled during UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ high-profile visit to Madrid this week, is set to remove one of the most frustrating bureaucratic hurdles for British professionals, digital nomads, and business owners since the UK left the European Union.
What is Changing?
Previously, while British tourists could enjoy the "90-day rule" for sun and sand, any activity deemed "work"—from attending a series of business meetings to consulting on a short-term project—technically required a C-type or D-type visa. These had to be secured via a Spanish consulate in the UK, a process often plagued by delays and significant paperwork.
Under the new rules, British citizens will be exempt from these visa requirements provided their work stint in Spain lasts less than 90 days.
A Boost for the Economy and the Property Market
The timing of the announcement coincided with a meeting between Chancellor Reeves and Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, alongside representatives from 120 of Spain’s top businesses. The diplomatic push is expected to unlock roughly £250 million in additional services exports over the next five years.
For our community at Eye on Spain, this news is particularly relevant for three key groups:
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The "Workation" Crowd: If you own a second home in Spain and have previously been nervous about taking "working holidays" due to visa technicalities, this change offers much-needed peace of mind.
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Property Investors: Greater ease of movement for professionals usually precedes increased interest in commercial and residential real estate. As business ties tighten, the demand for short-term rentals in business hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga is likely to see a boost.
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Tradespeople and Consultants: For those in the UK looking to provide specialised services to the expat community or Spanish firms (from surveying to high-end interior design), the "visa wall" has effectively been lowered.
A Stronger Partnership
The move follows a period of intense lobbying from the hospitality and tech sectors, who have long argued that the post-Brexit visa regime was stifling growth. Minister Carlos Cuerpo highlighted the importance of the relationship, stating, “The United Kingdom is, and will remain, one of Spain's most important partners.”
Chancellor Reeves echoed this sentiment, emphasising that "reducing friction at the border" is a core principle of the UK’s new economic strategy with the EU.
What’s Next?
While the announcement has been met with widespread acclaim from business groups, some legal experts note that we are still awaiting the full publication of the law in the Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado) to see the exact implementation date and any specific "fine print" regarding the types of work covered.
For now, however, the message is clear: Spain is open for business, and for British professionals, the journey just got a whole lot easier.