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Healthcare, Schools & Residency in Marbella for UK Buyers

For UK buyers considering a move to Marbella, the lifestyle is only one part of the decision.

The practical questions usually come first:

• How does healthcare work?
• Are there good international schools?
• What are the residency rules after Brexit?

Here is how it works in real terms for British nationals.

Healthcare in Marbella

Spain’s public healthcare system (SNS) is available to residents, but, unlike the NHS, you must be registered and entitled before you can use it for routine care.

When UK Buyers Can Access Public Healthcare

You qualify if you:

• Work in Spain and pay into social security
• Are self-employed and contributing
• Receive a UK State Pension and register an S1 form
• Join the public system via the paid Convenio Especial

Until you complete the registration process, you will normally need private cover for day-to-day treatment.

Private Health Insurance

For most UK buyers moving to Marbella, private health insurance is:

• A visa requirement (non-lucrative, digital nomad, etc.)
• The main way to access English-speaking doctors quickly
• Used alongside the public system even after residency

This is especially common on the Costa del Sol, where private healthcare is widely used by international residents.

Main Hospitals Serving Marbella

Marbella has a strong mix of public and private facilities:

• Hospital Costa del Sol – main public hospital
• Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella – large private hospital
• HC Marbella International Hospital – private, multilingual services

These are a major reason the area attracts long-term foreign residents.

Schools in Marbella for British Families

Marbella is one of the strongest locations in Spain for international education, which is why it is popular with relocating families.

British & International Curriculum Schools

Well-established options include:

• Aloha College – international curriculum, ages 3–18
• The British International School of Marbella – English National Curriculum
• Swans International School – British curriculum & IB pathway

These schools typically offer:

• GCSE / A-Level or IB
• English-language teaching
• School transport across Marbella, Nueva Andalucía, Benahavís and Estepona
• A large international student base

For families planning a permanent move, this allows children to continue in a UK-aligned system without interruption.

Spanish School Options

There are also:

• Free Spanish state schools
• Concertado (state-subsidised) bilingual schools

These are often chosen by families planning full long-term integration.

Residency in Spain for UK Buyers (Post-Brexit)

The key point:

Buying a property in Marbella does not give you residency.

Without a visa, UK nationals can stay:

90 days in any 180-day period.

To live in Spain full-time, you must apply for a residency route.

Main Residency Routes for Marbella Buyers

1. Non-Lucrative Visa

Most common for retirees or lifestyle movers.

Requirements include:

• Proof of sufficient income or savings
• Private health insurance
• Clean criminal record

2. Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers earning from outside Spain.

3. Work or Self-Employed Visa

If you plan to run a business or take employment in Spain.

Golden Visa?

Spain officially abolished the Golden Visa on 3 April 2025 under Organic Law 1/2025. Marbella was one of the main Golden Visa hotspots because of the price point and luxury stock, so:

• It used to be a major driver for €500k+ purchases
• That demand segment has now shifted to:
  
  • Lifestyle buyers
  • Tax residents
  • Digital nomads
  • Non-lucrative visa movers

Residency Administration After Arrival

Once your visa is approved and you move:

You must:

• Obtain your TIE residence card
• Register on the padrón (local town hall)

These are required for healthcare registration, schooling, and most official processes.

Permanent Residency

After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent status, giving long-term access to public services.

Note for Second-Home Owners

If your Marbella property is for holidays only:

You do not need residency – you simply follow the 90-day rule.

This is still how many UK owners use their homes on the Costa del Sol.

Why Marbella Works Particularly Well for UK Buyers

Marbella has one of the most established British communities in mainland Spain, which means:

• English widely spoken in legal, medical and service sectors
• Multiple British-curriculum schools within a short drive
• Strong private healthcare network
• Direct access to Málaga Airport for year-round UK flights

This infrastructure is a major factor behind continued demand from UK purchasers.

If you’re looking for a property here in Marbella, feel free to reach out to our experienced team at SC Marbella, your local real estate agents in Marbella, Spain.