Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:30pm
We moved here permanently in May 2021, which was under the 'new' rules (actually the same rules for non-EU citizens as were in place before Brexit - the difference being that, as UK left the EU, these rules apply to people from the UK too now).
Basically, if you are retired, you need a non-lucrative visa (NLV) each. This will cost around £1,000 for 2. To qualify for the visa, you need to prove 'means of maintenance' - which is money in the bank or income from pensions, etc. of approx. €34,500 per year for a couple; plus private healthcare (unless you are already at UK state retirement age) and a police certificate. You also need an address (owned or rented) at which you will be living in Spain. This visa is valid for 1 year, then needs to be renewed for 2 years and then a further 2 years, before you can apply for permanent residency. At each renewal, you need to prove the same level of 'means of maintenance', private healthcare, etc. - but there are negligible actual costs (i.e. not the £1,000 fee mentioned above).
It's definitely more complicated than previously and you, obviously, need to have the money and private healthcare, but many people are still moving here...
Hope this helps and happy to answer any further questions...