The short answer
Yes. Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol's most popular destinations for British movers, with around 18,000 British nationals formally registered as residents in the wider municipality. To live in Marbella as a UK national you need a Spanish residence visa; you can only stay 90 days in any rolling 180 without one.
Updated 1 November 2026
Marbella sits on the Costa del Sol in Andalucía, framed by beaches and the Sierra Blanca mountains. It has over 320 days of sunshine each year, modern healthcare facilities and a well-established British community. Around 18,000 British nationals are formally registered as residents in the wider Marbella municipality, with several thousand more spending about six months a year under non-resident status.
After Brexit, UK nationals are third-country nationals for Schengen purposes. You can stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. To live in Marbella year-round, retire, work remotely, or own and use a property year-round, you need a Spanish residence visa. The non-lucrative visa is the default route for retirees and financially independent movers. There is no informal route; overstaying creates problems for future visa applications.
The main planning mistake is treating the property search and the visa and admin work as separate tasks. Successful moves run those two tracks in parallel. Marbella has international schools that follow the British curriculum in a multicultural environment, which makes it a practical choice for families. Property is much more affordable than in London, and Marbella remains one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol for UK expats.
People also ask
›Do I need a visa to move to Marbella from the UK?
Yes. UK nationals can stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. To live in Marbella for longer you need a Spanish residence visa; the non-lucrative visa is the default route for retirees and financially independent movers.
›How many British expats live in Marbella?
Around 18,000 British nationals are formally registered as residents in the wider Marbella municipality. Several thousand more spend about six months a year there under non-resident status.
›Are there British schools in Marbella?
Yes. Marbella has international schools that follow the British curriculum in a multicultural environment.
›What is the weather like in Marbella?
Marbella has over 320 days of sunshine each year.