Obtaining residency visa

Visas must first be applied for at a Spanish Consulate in your country of residence.  Presuming you are British and reside in the UK, there are 3 consulates, London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and you make an appointment with your nearest one.

If you are hoping to work then there are various visas, but note that they are very difficult to obtain, and if you are looking for employment (not self-employed) then it is almost impossible to get a visa.

If you are retired the easiest visa to obtain is the Non-Lucrative Visa.  Obviously, as the name indicates, you will not be allowed to work on this visa.

Check out this article, which goes through requirements and financial costs, and also has links to the different visas available and their requirements

Thanks for the info. I didn't realise it was so complicated.  

Yes, unfortunately Brexit meant that we became a third country and had to abide by those rules. 

The EU did offer to retain the freedom of movement, the UK government refused - so you have them to thank as well as those who voted leave.

I do know of a good number of people who have obtained the NLV, but also of some who were refused it.  I also know of a few (very few!) people who had self-employment visa, but they did already have a successful company and could therefore prove financial security.

Which passport do you hold? We're moving over next year and luckily my partner is Irish so no visa's necessary

Hi its a British passport.  It seems as if its a horrendous process to go through...

Don't give up on your dream,  yes it is complicated, but many have,  and many will do it,  so go for it

Thanks very much. We have a 3 month stay booked for end of the year and going to try and treat it like home rather than one big holiday.