Moving to Tenerife from the UK is still very much possible after Brexit — but the rules changed, and the old "just turn up and stay" approach no longer works. Since 1 January 2021, British citizens are treated as non-EU nationals in Spain. This guide explains, in plain English, exactly what that means and the order in which to do things in 2026.
The 90/180 rule: the first thing to understand
As a British passport holder you can visit Tenerife (and the rest of Schengen) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. That is fine for a long holiday or to scout the island. But if you want to live in Tenerife, you need a visa or residency permit that you apply for before you move, at the Spanish consulate in the UK.
Which visa do UK citizens need?
For most Britons moving to Tenerife, it comes down to two routes:
1. Digital Nomad Visa (if you work remotely)
For employees or freelancers working for companies outside Spain. In 2026 the income requirement is around €2,849 per month (200% of the Spanish minimum wage), with more required if your family comes with you — roughly +€1,068 for the first family member and +€356 for each additional one. These thresholds move with the minimum wage each year, so treat them as a guide and confirm the current figure before applying.
2. Non-Lucrative Visa (if you have savings or passive income)
For people who can support themselves without working — retirees, or anyone living off savings, pensions or investments. The 2026 requirement is approximately €28,800 per year (€2,400/month) for the main applicant, plus about €7,200 per year for each dependent. You cannot legally work on this visa.
The step-by-step order for a UK move
- Decide your visa route (Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative) based on how you earn.
- Gather documents in the UK: passport, proof of income/savings, private health insurance, a clean criminal record check (ACRO) with apostille, and a marriage/birth certificate if family is joining.
- Apply at the Spanish Consulate (London, Manchester or Edinburgh) before you move.
- Fly to Tenerife once approved, and find somewhere to live.
- Get your NIE and TIE (your foreigner ID card) once on the island.
- Register on the padrón at your local town hall (free).
- Sort healthcare and a Spanish bank account.
What it costs — and the Canary Islands tax advantage
Beyond visa and gestor fees, the big thing UK movers notice is that the Canary Islands do not use mainland Spain's 21% IVA. Instead they have their own sales tax, IGIC, at a general rate of just 7%. That makes many goods and services noticeably cheaper than on the mainland or in the UK.
Rent is the main monthly cost. As an approximate 2026 guide, a two-bedroom flat in the popular southern areas runs around €900–€1,500/month, though prices have risen and vary a lot by location and season. We cover this in detail in our cost-of-living guide below.
Healthcare for Britons in Tenerife
Your UK GHIC card only covers emergencies as a visitor, not living here. Once you are a resident you'll either contribute to Spanish social security (if you work), hold the private insurance required for the Non-Lucrative Visa, or — if you have an S1 form as a UK state pensioner — register that to access Spanish public healthcare. We explain each path in our healthcare guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still move to Tenerife from the UK after Brexit?
Yes. British citizens move to Tenerife every year. Since Brexit you are treated as a non-EU national, so you need to apply for the right visa (usually the Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative Visa) at the Spanish consulate in the UK before moving.
How long can I stay in Tenerife without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a visitor. To live there longer you need a residency visa arranged before you arrive.
Do I need to speak Spanish to move to Tenerife from the UK?
Not to get started. The south of the island has a large English-speaking community and many gestorías and landlords work in English. Learning Spanish still helps enormously for daily life and official paperwork.
Is the NHS replaced automatically when I move?
No. You arrange Spanish healthcare separately once you are a resident — through work contributions, private insurance, or an S1 form if you are a UK state pensioner.