The short answer
Moving from the UK to Spain can cost anywhere from a few thousand pounds to considerably more, depending on how much you bring and where you settle. Professional removals may cost around £1,500–£8,500, with shipping to Tenerife potentially adding complexity and expense. Monthly living costs vary widely, particularly with accommodation.
British citizens can generally visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Longer stays or permanent relocation usually require an appropriate visa or residence permit. Budget for accommodation deposits, travel, healthcare and other setup costs alongside the move itself.
Updated 24 October 2026
The cost of moving to Spain depends on whether you're relocating permanently, spending part of the year there or simply trying life abroad before committing. Moving to Tenerife also involves some additional considerations because it's part of the Canary Islands.
How much do removals cost?
As a broad planning guide, professional removals from the UK to Spain may cost approximately £1,500–£8,500, depending on the size of your household, distance and services required.
For Tenerife, belongings generally need to travel by sea freight, making the process different from a mainland Spanish move. Costs depend on shipment volume, packing, storage, customs paperwork and whether you use a shared or dedicated container.
Always obtain at least three itemised quotes, including shipping, delivery and customs handling.
What are the monthly living costs?
Living expenses vary considerably across Spain. Smaller towns and inland areas are often more affordable than popular coastal destinations.
For Tenerife, a provisional budget of around €1,500–€2,500 per month for one person renting modest accommodation may be a useful starting point, although individual circumstances can push costs well outside this range.
Rental prices vary across the island. Popular southern locations such as Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos generally command higher rents than some northern towns.
Remember to budget separately for rent deposits, utilities, groceries, transport, internet, healthcare and leisure activities.
Will you need a visa?
British citizens travelling as visitors can generally spend up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen Area without a visa. Time spent in other Schengen countries also counts towards this limit.
For longer stays or permanent relocation, you'll normally need an appropriate visa or residence permit unless you have another qualifying right of residence.
One option is Spain's non-lucrative visa, intended for people who can support themselves without working. In 2026, the standard financial requirement is equivalent to €28,800 annually for the main applicant, plus €7,200 for each qualifying accompanying family member.
These are minimum financial means requirements, not visa fees or necessarily a requirement to receive that amount as monthly income. Applicants must also meet other conditions, including suitable healthcare cover.
Different requirements apply to those moving for employment, self-employment, study or family reasons.
What other expenses should you expect?
Beyond removals and everyday living costs, allow for flights, temporary accommodation, rental deposits, visa applications, document translations and any professional assistance you may need.
If you're buying property, purchase taxes, legal fees and other transaction costs require a separate budget.
For Tenerife, shipping household goods from the UK also involves customs procedures. People genuinely transferring their normal residence may qualify for relief on eligible personal belongings, but conditions apply. Those moving only for part of the year should not assume that exemption is available.
Is it cheaper to rent furnished accommodation?
If you're planning to spend only a few months each year in Spain, renting a furnished property may be significantly simpler and cheaper than transporting an entire household.
It also gives you an opportunity to explore different areas before deciding whether to relocate permanently.
What should you do first?
Decide whether you're planning a short stay, a part-year arrangement or permanent residence. This determines your likely immigration requirements and whether shipping your possessions makes financial sense.
Then compare accommodation costs in your preferred area, obtain removal quotes and prepare a realistic budget with a contingency for unexpected expenses.
People also ask
›Can I spend six months a year in Spain as a UK citizen?
Yes, but you can only stay 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. If you want to spend six months, you'll need a long-stay visa like the non-lucrative visa, and you become a Spanish tax resident after 183 days in a calendar year.
›Do I need private health insurance for a Spanish visa?
Yes, for the non-lucrative visa you need private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, unless you have an S1 form from the UK. The S1 is available once you draw the UK State Pension.
›How much income do I need for the Spanish non-lucrative visa?
For 2026, you need to show passive income of €2,400 a month (€28,800 a year) for a single applicant, plus €600 a month for each dependant. This is the income requirement set by the Spanish authorities.