UK professionals to skip visas for Spain trips under 90 days in new deal

British nationals in Spain will be able to travel and work between the UK and Spain without visas for stays of up to 90 days, following a new agreement announced during Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ visit to Madrid.

The landmark move, one of the biggest mobility changes since Brexit, will remove red tape for UK professionals making short-term business trips to Spain, offering a major boost to Brits living and working across both countries.

The visa-free arrangement forms part of a wider UK-Spain deal to strengthen economic ties, which also includes a £240 million investment from Spanish energy firm Exolum into the UK.

For the hundreds of thousands of British expats in Spain, the change is set to significantly ease cross-border work and travel.

Visa-free travel for short-term work confirmed

Under the new agreement, UK professionals will be able to work in Spain for up to 90 days without needing a visa.

Since Brexit, Brits have faced increased bureaucracy when carrying out even short-term work in EU countries, from attending meetings to completing freelance contracts. This new rule removes many of those barriers.

The visa exemption will apply across key industries including consulting, finance, legal services and tech, sectors where flexible travel is essential.

Crucially, the agreement is expected to be reciprocal, meaning Brits based in Spain will also benefit from easier access to short-term work opportunities in the UK.

The move marks a clear step towards restoring practical freedom of movement for professionals operating between the two countries.

What it means for expats in Spain

For Brits living in Spain, the impact could be immediate.

Freelancers, business owners and remote workers who regularly travel between Spain and the UK will no longer face the same administrative hurdles for short stays.

This is particularly significant for industries such as events, media, hospitality consulting and property, where cross-border projects are common.

In real terms, it means less paperwork, fewer delays and more flexibility,  allowing expats to take on work opportunities in both countries with far greater ease.

£240m investment strengthens UK-Spain ties

The announcement came alongside confirmation that Spanish infrastructure company Exolum will invest £240 million into the UK.

The funding will be used to improve fuel storage and aviation resilience, supporting jobs and boosting energy security.

More than 120 Spanish firms met with Chancellor Reeves in Madrid, highlighting growing investor confidence and deepening economic links between the two nations.

A new chapter in post-Brexit relations

The agreement signals a broader reset in UK relations with Europe, with Spain emerging as a key partner.

A new UK-Spain Trade and Investment Dialogue has been launched to strengthen cooperation across sectors including energy, transport and professional services.

For Brits in Spain, this shift could pave the way for further improvements, from easier business operations to reduced trade barriers.

Why it matters now

With over 300,000 British nationals living in Spain, mobility between the two countries remains a key issue.

The new 90-day visa-free work rule represents one of the most practical changes for expats since Brexit, directly addressing one of the biggest pain points.

It may not fully restore pre-Brexit freedom of movement, but it is a clear and meaningful step forward.

For Brits living, working and building lives in Spain, the message is simple: crossing borders for work just got a whole lot easier.