Hola (Hello). Imagine traveling to Spain, enjoying a refreshing glass of sangria with tapas, and deep thoughts suddenly cross your mind, ‘What if I was living here and this was my daily routine after work?’. That magical moment when moving to Spain feels like a possibility. This blog post is all about helping you turn those deep thoughts into reality. It will talk about Spanish lifestyle and culture, getting the proper visas and permits, finding a place to live, and getting a job. You’ll also find out about healthcare, education, and some helpful tips for making your move to living and working in Spain smoother. 

Embracing the Spanish Lifestyle

Spanish lifestyle is the key to happiness. The formula contains irresistible ingredients that you will always find in this country. Plenty of hours of sunshine. Midday siestas allowing for family time and relaxation. Milder temperatures compared to other European countries with a relaxed culture full of laughs and cervezas’ (beer). And don’t forget a tasty, healthy Mediterranean gastronomy.

Working in a place like Spain really makes you reconsider the main goal of receiving a salary. While in many countries people see jobs as their only way to success, money increases, and financial security, in Spain people value other aspects of working life.

Work is the way to achieve things, not the only thing. The siesta, a break in the middle of the day, shows that taking a break from work to rest, be with family, enjoy a slow meal, and slow down is important to balance life and work. 

Life, in fact, is all about balance and enjoying the small things. Spaniards value their time outside of work, they really do. It’s normal for businesses to close in the afternoon so people can relax and spend time with family and friends. Many expats and locals alike will confirm that there are numerous great places to live in Spain with family.

But it’s important to remember that not all of us come from similar backgrounds, which can be a cultural shock. While it can feel liberating for some, it might be challenging and stressful for others who are used to a fast, more structured, and organized lifestyle. Punctuality isn’t always a priority, so be ready to embrace ‘Spanish time’.

In short, living the Spanish way of life means finding a balance between work and fun, putting family at the center of all, and having lots of friends. Spain’s relaxed lifestyle can make life feel more fulfilling for those who love tradition and peace.

The Cost of Comfort in Spain

The cost of living in Spain is probably the second thing that makes moving to Spain so appealing. The first is the excellent free health care. But you can opt for a private one for as low as €50 per month.

Regarding housing, certain areas offer a more affordable cost of living. You will find some of Spain’s cheapest places to live in the region of Andalucia, particularly on the Huelva and Cadiz coasts. There’s a scheme called ‘Alquiler Temporada Escolar (school season rental)’ where apartments and houses can be rented from September to June at costs ranging from €300 to €600. 

The best of these rental models is that the price usually includes bills and wifi. If you’re lucky enough, you might even have a swimming pool and a backyard. This is perfect for seasonal workers and digital nomads in Spain. Then, in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, rental prices can be higher but still affordable, ranging from €600 to €1,200 per month.

But my favorite part is Spanish food – tasty, healthy, and budget-friendly. Dining out and groceries for couples can cost as little as €40 to €70 per week.

In conclusion, Spain provides a diverse range of lifestyles, with varying living costs depending on where you choose to live in Spain. 

Regional Differences in Spain

When speaking of Spain, one must keep in mind that it’s a vast country, with 17 autonomous regions. Each Spanish region having its own culture, traditions, and often its own language. Plus, considerable differences in climate, work market, and many other significant aspects.

Big and famous cities like Madrid and Barcelona are fast-moving cities with lots of jobs and opportunities, but they can be expensive compared to the rest of Spain.

In the south, what I call the real essence of Spain, life is slower and cheaper in places like Seville, Cadiz, Huelva, and Malaga. There may be fewer job options, but if you have your own business, are working on-line or are a freelancer, it’s the perfect place to be. Then there are cities like Valencia and Alicante, which are perfect spots for families, that combine city life and beaches. The cost of living is lower than in Madrid or Barcelona.

The sunny islands, Canary on the African coast, and the Baleares in the Mediterranean. These have a completely different feeling, with their own language, gastronomy, and slang. Jobs are usually linked to tourism, so you have great chances to find work if you speak German, French, or Dutch as these nationalities love to holiday here. 

Up North, in The Basque Country, with cities like Bilbao, you can experience a great economy with jobs in manufacturing and tech. Living is pricey but less than in the big cities. On the other hand, Asturias and Galicia, are green, with a lot of fresh fish, and peaceful. Weather is not typically warm aside from summers, and you’ll find fewer career possibilities, but living in Asturias is generally cheaper.

In addition, two autonomous cities, officially Spanish territory, are located along the North African coast of Morocco: Ceuta and Melilla. The most unique cities in the whole country.

Navigating the Job Market as a Foreigner in Spain

Being a foreigner trying to find work in Spain requires persistence, adaptability, and knowledge of the regional labor market. Before moving, exploring and understanding the work market, language needs, and work permit requirements is important.

You also need to consider that to live comfortably, you’ll need around €1,000 to €1,500 per month, depending on where you live and your lifestyle.

For example, if you are a freelancer or remote worker and want to live in Spain, you can either apply for a digital nomad visa or register as “autónomo” in the “Seguridad Social”. 

Otherwise, the important papers required to get a Spanish contract are NIE and Seguridad Social, which are discussed later on in the article.

The major opportunities for foreigners are in the following fields:

• Tourism and Hospitality: You can find jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas like Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, and the islands. 
• Teaching: If you’re a native English speaker or fluent in English, you can teach English in private language schools or as a private tutor.
• Multinational companies: They tend to frequently look for and hire foreign talents to make their company international and multiethnic.

Spain’s Allure: Pros and Cons of Living and Working in Spain

Enjoying Spanish food like Paella is a big pro to living and working in Spain

Spain has always been considered a country with a high quality of life, despite the fact that the country’s wealth per inhabitant has always been below many other European countries. Therefore, anyone wishing to live in Spain should consider its pros and cons.

Pros of living and working in Spain:

• It’s an open-minded country, less conservative because of the great mixture of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths, which has led to a tolerant mentality;
• Hospitality. Spanish people are famous for being very friendly, cheerful, and hospitable.
• Climate. It is known that hours of sunshine make people happier. This is one of the aspects that always comes up when talking about the positive things about living in Spain. The climate is generally warm depending on where in Spain you are.
• Lower cost of living.
• Gastronomy. Spanish food is famous for being yummy, healthy, and affordable. With a focus on fresh ingredients like vegetables, olive oil, and seafood, it’s a treat for food lovers.

Cons of living and working in Spain:

• Difficulties in finding work in some regions;
• Slow bureaucracy;
• Crowded tourist areas in the summer;
• Bars and restaurants open later, which can be difficult for early birds people;

Not to mention the slow life, which can be a pro for some and a con for others. In fact, the slower pace of life in Spain might be nice and a relief for some but not for those used to a faster lifestyle like in some Northern European countries. Before moving to Spain, consider your preference and how well you can adapt to the differences.

In conclusion, living in Spain can be life-changing in a good way. Even though there are more than a few economic problems raging in the country, the quality of life is way higher than in other countries in Europe and in the world.

Essential Tips for Expats in Spain

Have you decided to move to Spain but need help figuring out where to start? Don’t worry. Let’s dive into the essential steps to take when deciding to move to this incredible country.

Learn the Spanish Language

First of all, it could be helpful to learn the language beforehand. At least the basic words that you’ll need in the first weeks. Apps like Duolingo and Babble can help you have first notions of Spanish, and it’s a fun way to get to know the language.

Know the most important documents

Once in Spain, your journey through Spanish bureaucracy will start. For that reason, it’s better to have some knowledge about Spanish.

• NIE (compulsory for all foreigners who wish to carry out any administrative practice in Spain, such as opening a bank account).
• Empadronamiento is compulsory for anyone living and working in Spain. Without it, you won’t be entitled to health care, enroll your children in school, or claim tax refunds.
• Seguridad Social (social security number) for protection and assistance in case of unemployment, illness, retirement, etc.

Research the Spanish Housing Market

Lastly, it can be useful to start researching the housing market to understand the available accommodation types. The most popular websites are idealista.com, photocasa.com, and pisos.com.

Healthcare in Spain: What You Need to Know

According to the World Health Organisation, Spain has one of the best public health systems in the world. Spanish social security payments finance the system, meaning most Spanish residents do not need private health insurance to access health services.

Any European citizen in Spain is entitled to receive basic medical care simply by presenting their European Health Card. However, foreigners moving permanently to Spain to live or work must apply for:

• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) corresponding to the tax code
• Seguridad Social (Social Security Number) guarantees workers (or those who meet specific requirements) protection and assistance in case of unemployment, illness, retirement, or other reasons that prevent them from working.

There are two ways to apply for it: if you have a job, your company will register you. Otherwise, you will have to request it from the Tesorería General yourself.

Legal Essentials: Visas and Work Permits for Spain

If you plan to move to Spain, consider what type of visa permit suits your needs. If you’re coming from the European Union, you’re lucky enough to have the freedom to work without a permit and without stress. However, you still should register with local authorities upon arrival as follows:

• NIE at the Oficinas de Extranjeria (Foreigner’s Office) or Comisaria Policia (Police Station);
• Empadronamiento in the municipality “Ayuntamiento” (City Hall);
• Seguridad Social at Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social – TGSS (General Treasury of Social Security).

This registration secures you are covered by the Spanish healthcare system, allows you to work for Spanish companies, and you can get other municipality benefits.

If you’re coming from outside the European Union, you can apply for a student visa, retirement visa, work visa, working holiday visa and even the new digital nomad visa. Anyone moving to Spain will initially be able to enjoy the public health system. However, preparing all the necessary documentation for a permanent stay is a good idea.

Your Next Steps: Preparing for the Move to Spain

Hopefully, these tips have made you want to live in Spain and made your move to Spain smoother! Something to do is to look for a supporting community on Facebook. Several groups such as working and living in Spain, and GOSPAIN – Moving To And Living In Spain are great starting points and support. Spain is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer. Overall, it’s an incredible experience, so be sure to learn Spanish as soon as possible to make moving to Spain easier!

Are You Ready to Live and Work in Spain?