Five things to know when moving to Spain

Relocating to Spain is a dream for many, with its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle. However, moving to a new country requires careful planning and consideration to avoid unpleasant surprises.

To help make your transition smoother, our experts have selected five main things you should know before making the big move to Spain.

 

1. Paperwork doesn’t finish when you get to Spain

 

Once you make it to Spain, you’d be mistaken to assume that all paperwork is behind you. There are at least three more steps to complete if you’re looking to fully settle in your new country:

• Social Security number: This is a must if you’re going to work under a local contract, as it identifies all workers to the Spanish administration. EU citizens will just need their passport to apply, but non-EU citizens will need their residency and work permit to be approved first. While it is usually handled by the employer, all employees can also request it through a platform.
• Resident card: Depending on your nationality, you will need to request either a CRUE with NIE number or a TIE.
  • CRUE (with NIE number): This certificate is only for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and proves your right to reside and work in Spain. It contains your NIE number, which you will need for almost all administrative tasks, such as signing your lease agreement, setting up your utilities or to process any Customs’ request if you’re sending your furniture to your new home. You can apply at a Police station within your first three months in Spain.

• • TIE: Non-EU citizens will need this to work and live in Spain. While there are different types of resident and work permit depending on your activity, all will require that documentation is legally translated and apostilled.

• Town hall registration: Once you’ve found a home, this will be your proof of residence in Spain. To obtain it, you will need to have a lease agreement for at least three or six months, depending on the region. This registration is needed for a wide range of social services, including public healthcare or schooling registration, but also to get your furniture processed through Customs if you’re moving from a non-Schengen area country.

While this is just the main documentation, you may also need to book some time to open a bank account, obtain private or public healthcare or exchange your foreign driver’s license. You should also take into consideration that Spain is a highly decentralized country, and legislation and regulatory processes may vary depending on the region you have chosen as your new home. This could make you feel your move is becoming a long and inefficient process, and it may represent a lot of work and stress. You always have the option of delegating these processes to local experts, which will help you to easily navigate Spanish bureaucracy and ensure a smooth transition.

 

2. Do not underestimate the cost of living

 

The cost of living in Spain can vary significantly depending on the region, with major cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia being at the top of the ladder. Traditionally, Spain has been known for having a lower cost of living compared to other European countries, but this has changed over the last years. Therefore, it’s essential to budget carefully. These are our best tips to navigate the Spanish cost of living:

• Plan your budget: To avoid financial woes, make sure to adhere to your budget for expenses like rent, groceries, utilities and entertainment. Some of these expenses can vary in cost every month, and with countless things to do and places to go, it’s very easy to ‘blow the budget’.
• Expect to spend big on housing: Another common blunder is underestimating the cost of renting in major cities. While costs can vary greatly depending on location, in recent years centric areas’ rental prices have registered nearly a double digit rise per year. You also need to bear in mind that with limited stock available, the landlords’ requirements and screenings are stricter, and they will require you to leave a deposit. If living close to the cities’ main hotspots is your plan, you can expect to spend a big portion of your budget on housing.
• Save an extra for unexpected costs: When settling in a new country, there are additional costs that can arise such as language courses, and utility bills can fluctuate depending on the season. You may want to put some money aside in case something you didn’t plan for comes up.
• Get help with taxes: The Spanish tax system is complex and confusing, so getting advisory services on your tax returns is always a good idea to ensure compliance and minimize surprises.

By creating a realistic budget, you can ensure a comfortable and financially stable relocation to Spain.

 

3. Finding the Right Location

 

Spain offers diverse living environments, from bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona to tranquil coastal towns and picturesque rural villages. Before deciding where to live, consider these three factors:

• Climate: We know this plays a major role when choosing to move to Spain, but if you’re not sure if you’d be able to handle the Spanish summer heat, you should know that northern regions such as the Basque Country or Galicia tend to offer chilly weather all year round. Besides, winters can also be cold in coastal areas if you’re not used to humidity.
• Desired lifestyle: Settling your lifestyle priorities will facilitate finding your perfect Spanish spot. If you want to live closer to the best restaurants and cultural activities, it’s better that you stick to the metropolitan areas of major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia or Malaga; but if you’re looking for a more relaxed lifestyle away from the city buzz, there’s plenty of beautiful towns around the main urban areas. Spain has a good transport infrastructure, so you will just need a bit more time to commute to your office.
• Housing: While major cities offer better job prospects and amenities, they also come at a higher cost of living, specially when it comes to housing. The price per square meter increases as you get closer to the city center, so bear this in mind if you don’t want to sacrifice on space. Moreover, most apartments in city centers usually have smaller rooms than what you may be used to, so some of your furniture may not fit perfectly.
• Schooling: This could be an important factor in your decision to choose a location, specially if you would like your children to attend an international school. These schools are usually located in major cities, with smaller towns having a limited offer. In both cases, international schools are in high demand and come at a high cost.

Researching and visiting different regions and neighborhoods beforehand will help you choose the spot that aligns with your needs and preferences.

 

4. Navigating the Spanish Healthcare System

 

Spain has one of the world’s best healthcare systems, offering both public and private healthcare services. Here’s three considerations before choosing your healthcare option:

• Public healthcare: It is generally of high quality and is available to residents who contribute to the Spanish social security system. However, getting an appointment with a specialist can sometimes take months and not all healthcare services may be available in English, especially in smaller towns.
  • TSI Card: This card is the gateway to Spain’s public healthcare services. If you’re already working in Spain and have a Social Security number, you can apply for this card and it will grant you access to permanent free healthcare while you work and reside here.

• Private health insurance: Some people opt for private health insurance to access English-speaking doctors and avoid long waiting times. In fact, you possibly need health insurance in order to get the permit you need to move to Spain. If that’s the case, you should consider getting your insurance from a broker rather than from the insurance company directly, as you’ll receive a more personalized service.

 

5. Learning the Language

 

While many Spaniards, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, speak English, learning Spanish is essential for fully integrating into the Spanish society. Here’s three tips:

• Enroll in a language course: Either before your move or as soon as you arrive in Spain, it’s advisable to learn the basics. Additionally, immersing yourself in the language through practicing with locals and using language-learning apps can accelerate your proficiency.
• Join cultural activities: Spain offers local festivities and traditional celebrations every weekend. You will find them in every neighborhood’s main square and cultural centers; by being observant and talking to the locals you’ll be able to deepen even more into Spanish culture.
• Mind the regional languages: Spain has a plurilingual society, and many regions speak their own local language such as Catalan, Basque or Galician. In fact, you’ll see that some street signs are written in the local language. Each region strives to preserve their language and people will love any effort you make to learn some words.

Speaking the language will not only help you in everyday interactions, such as shopping or visiting the doctor, but will also enrich your experience by allowing you to engage more deeply with the local culture.

 

Conclusion: Find a mobility partner

 

Moving to Spain can be a life-changing experience, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and a high quality of life. However, understanding the visa and residency requirements, choosing the right location, navigating the healthcare system, learning the language, and planning for the cost of living can be tricky and stressful, so in order to ensure you make your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible, find a mobility partner to guide you along the way. At BRS Global Mobility we have more than 20 years’ experience and we assist in more than 1,200 relocations per year. Our network of experts across the Spanish territory will help you to prepare yourself to fully embrace all that Spain has to offer and make the most of your new life in this vibrant country.

 

Contact us now here.