Post-Brexit rules are limiting British tourists in Spain, restricting long stays and work opportunities, slowing the growth of UK visitors in the country.

As of December 31, 2022, official immigration data reported 412,040 Britons residing in Spain. That number has seen a slight increase in the past year, but it remains far lower than it could have been—largely due to post-Brexit immigration restrictions.

Had the UK retained freedom of movement, especially for young people seeking seasonal work, the number of British residents in Spain would likely be significantly higher today. But with strict rules like the 90-day limit, thousands of UK citizens find themselves locked out of opportunities they previously enjoyed.

At the same time, Spain’s economy is booming—the fastest-growing in the European Union. And while some industries are thriving thanks to skilled immigrants from Latin America, Britons remain on the outside looking in.

Could Spain’s new labour migration policies help UK citizens regain access to the workforce? Or will they continue to be treated as third-country nationals, despite their historic presence in the country?

Spain’s Economy Is Booming – But Who Is Filling the Jobs?

Spain’s rapid economic recovery post-pandemic has been fueled by immigration, with thousands of skilled workers from Latin America filling crucial gaps in hospitality, technology, and construction.

Even low-skilled migrant workers are vital to Spain’s economy, often working in what officials call “invisible jobs”—roles in agriculture, hospitality, and domestic work that locals are less inclined to take. Without these workers, key industries would collapse.

The Spanish government has openly acknowledged this dependence, introducing new initiatives to attract foreign workers through streamlined visa processes, relaxed residency requirements, and faster recognition of academic qualifications for temporary workers.

But the question remains:

Will Britons Be Included in Spain’s New Labour Migration Policies?

Before Brexit, Britons never had to worry about work visas, seasonal job limitations, or travel restrictions in Spain. But as of 2021, the UK became a third country, meaning British citizens no longer benefit from EU freedom of movement.

Now, Spain is making it easier for foreign workers to enter the labour market—but will UK citizens be given the same opportunities as Latin American migrants?

Spain’s new labour migration programme includes:

• Recognizing foreign academic qualifications for easier employment.
• Simplifying contracts to make hiring foreign workers easier.
• Reducing red tape for residency applications.

These changes could potentially benefit Britons if the UK is included in the revised immigration framework. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the inclusion of British workers under these new policies.

The 90-Day Rule: A Major Obstacle for Britons

One of the biggest barriers preventing Britons from living and working in Spain long-term is the 90-day rule.

Under this rule:

• UK passport holders can only stay in Spain for 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
• This limitation hurts young Britons looking for seasonal jobs in Spain.
• Retirees who want to split their time between Spain and the UK are also affected.

Before Brexit, thousands of UK citizens worked in Spain’s hospitality and tourism sectors, filling jobs in hotels, bars, and resorts across Madrid, Barcelona, Costa del Sol, and the Balearic Islands. Now, with the 90-day rule, many have lost access to these opportunities.

If Spain were to scrap the rule or reintroduce special visas for British workers, it could significantly increase the number of UK citizens choosing to live and work in Spain.

The Youth Mobility Scheme: A Possible Solution?

The UK’s travel body, ABTA, is pushing for a solution—expanding the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) to include EU countries like Spain.

What Is the Youth Mobility Scheme?

The Youth Mobility Scheme allows young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK without a job offer for up to two years. Currently, it includes countries like:

• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea

If Spain and other EU nations were added to the scheme, it could provide young Britons with a way back into the Spanish job market without facing the strict visa process.

ABTA’s Push for UK-Spain Work Agreements

ABTA’s Chief Executive, Mark Tanzer, recently confirmed that the organization is:

• Engaging with political leaders to push for an expanded Youth Mobility Scheme.
• Urging the UK government to make bilateral agreements with EU countries.
• Highlighting the travel industry’s labour shortages and how UK-EU work agreements could solve them.

If successful, this effort could revive work opportunities for young Britons looking for seasonal jobs, internships, and temporary roles in Spain.

But for now, the UK government has yet to act—leaving thousands of British job seekers in limbo.

What’s Next for Britons in Spain?

The number of UK citizens living in Spain continues to grow slowly, but not at the rate it could without Brexit restrictions.

If Spain’s new migration laws were extended to include Britons, it could make living and working in Spain far easier.

Possible future changes include:

• Recognition of UK academic qualifications to ease work access.
• New work visas for Britons to fill seasonal labour gaps.
• Expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme to Spain and other EU countries.
• Potential revision of the 90-day rule to allow longer stays for Britons.

For now, British expats in Spain will have to wait and see whether Spain’s immigration policies evolve to reintegrate UK citizens into the workforce.

One thing is clear—without immigration rule changes, Spain risks missing out on a skilled British workforce, while Britons lose access to opportunities they once took for granted.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s economy is booming, and its demand for foreign workers is only increasing. The big question is whether UK citizens will be included in new immigration reforms or remain excluded due to their post-Brexit status.

With political lobbying efforts gaining traction and a strong push for the Youth Mobility Scheme, there is hope for Britons looking to work in Spain again. But until official policies change, many will remain locked out of the very jobs they used to thrive in.

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