Most Sitges buyers are British, and since Brexit moving here takes a little more planning. Here is the practical path for UK citizens relocating to Sitges — the visa, your driving licence, healthcare, pets and your belongings.
The visa
Since 2021, UK citizens are non-EU and may stay only 90 days in any 180 without a visa. To live in Sitges you need a residence visa — most commonly the Non-Lucrative Visa (for those with sufficient passive income or savings) or the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers).
You apply at the Spanish consulate in the UK before you move.
Driving licence
Under the 2023 UK–Spain agreement, UK licence holders can exchange their licence for a Spanish one without re-taking a test, within the set window after becoming resident. Do it promptly — driving on a UK licence as a resident is time-limited.
Healthcare
UK state pensioners can register for Spanish public healthcare with an S1 form. Others typically take out private health insurance (required for most visas) or, once resident, pay into the public system via the convenio especial. The GHIC covers visitors, not residents.
Pets and belongings
Pets travel under the animal health certificate rules; check microchip, rabies and tapeworm requirements in good time.
For your belongings, Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can exempt your household goods from import duty when you move your main home to Spain.
| Step | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visa | Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad; apply at the consulate before moving |
| Driving licence | Exchange UK → Spanish, no test (2023 agreement) |
| Healthcare | S1 (pensioners), private insurance, or convenio especial |
| Pets | Animal health certificate; microchip + rabies |
| Belongings | Transfer of Residence relief on household goods |
| 90/180 rule | Applies until you hold residency |
Related guides
Moving to Spain · Living in Sitges · Healthcare for expats · Becoming a tax resident.
Spotted an error or have a suggestion? Let us know here — we keep this guide up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UK citizen move to Sitges after Brexit?
Yes, but UK citizens are now non-EU, so living in Sitges requires a residence visa — usually the Non-Lucrative Visa (passive income) or the Digital Nomad Visa (remote work), applied for at the Spanish consulate before you move.
Do I need a visa to live in Sitges?
For stays beyond 90 days in any 180, yes. UK citizens apply for a residence visa (Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad are the common routes) before relocating. EU citizens register as residents instead.
Can I exchange my UK driving licence in Spain?
Yes. Under the 2023 UK–Spain agreement, UK licence holders can exchange for a Spanish licence without re-taking a test, within the set window after becoming resident. Do it promptly, as driving on a UK licence as a resident is time-limited.
How do I access healthcare in Sitges after moving from the UK?
UK state pensioners can register with an S1 form; others take private health insurance (required for most visas) or pay into the public system via the convenio especial once resident. The GHIC only covers visitors, not residents.