Updated: 26 December 2024, 02:08 pm
|||Moving to Spain might constitute a fantastic idea if you appreciate a rich culture, a warm and sunny climate, and an easy-going life. This European country located on the Mediterranean has a lot to offer including diverse experiences, historic cities, picturesque coastal towns and stunning countryside. Thanks to its relatively low costs and good quality of life, Spain quickly became a popular choice for many expats who would apply for one of the many visas it offers.
Overview of Spain’s Economy
Spain’s economy is showing strong growth, driven by industries like automotive, medical technology, shipbuilding, chemicals, tourism, and textiles. While real estate prices are rising despite lower demand and reduced construction, the Spain Golden Visa offers an opportunity for investors to gain residency by investing at least €500,000 in property.
Despite a dynamic job market, Spain still faces high unemployment, but sectors like teaching, tourism, and technology are always in need of global talent. The Golden Visa provides residency for investors and their families, with visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, and a path to citizenship after ten years, making it a compelling option for those looking to invest in Spain’s growing economy.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Cost of Living
When compared to other Western European countries, Spain’s living costs remain lower, which allows those who relocate to Spain to have a good quality of life within their budgets, from grocery bills to the cost of utilities. Housing, specifically, is significantly cheaper than other European hotspots such as London or Paris.
Healthcare System
Spain’s healthcare system is accessible and high-quality thanks to the Spanish National Health System, which provides universal coverage. Healthcare is funded by taxes, which means that residents can access low-cost, and even free healthcare services. Many doctors and medical staff speak English which helps with the language barrier for expats.
Visa-Free Travel
Spanish passport holders can travel visa-free to over 190 countries, including all Schengen Area nations, the United States, and many other global destinations. To learn more about the full list of countries, please visit this page: Spain Passport Visa-Free Countries.
Welcoming Expat Community
The established expat community in Spain helps newcomers adapt by providing a network of support. There are many social groups, clubs, and associations for different nationalities and interests, so it will be easy for you to find like-minded individuals.
Beautiful Climate
The sun shines over Spain 300 days a year, making the climate warm and comfortable; especially for expats who hail from countries with extreme climates of either cold or heat. These sunny days allow you to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, relaxing on the beach, hiking in nature, or just sipping coffee on the terrace of a café.
Good and Affordable Public Transport
Madrid and Barcelona, the two main cities in Spain, both boast reliable and affordable public transport; which spares you the need to purchase a car. Underground transportation, short and long-distance trains, and buses make commuting in Spain very easy; while big airports connect you to the further parts of Spain and other countries.
Warm Local Community
The warm Spanish people are another reason to envision making Spain your new home. The Spaniards make friends easily and are very welcoming, even if they don’t speak your language. To meet the locals and connect with them, you can join a dance class simply work in cafes, or attend nearby events.
Easy-Going Lifestyle
Spanish people like to take things slow and their lifestyle differs from other European countries. They enjoy spending time with their friends and family, they go out after work, and they honor the “siesta” which is the afternoon nap.
Tasty Cuisine
Spanish cuisine is loved by many and ranks high among other cuisines in the world. Ingredients and spices used in Spanish food include saffron, raisins, and olive oil. Among its most popular Spanish dishes are paella, croquetas, tortillas, tapas, pintxos, traditional stews, and seafood.
Disadvantages
Lack of job opportunities
There are many factors that contribute to making the Spanish job market difficult to penetrate. The competitive job market, a high unemployment rate, and the need to speak fluent Spanish among other factors have made the Spanish employment market particularly challenging for expats. To find employment, you need to thoroughly research the job market and take your qualifications and experience into account when planning your move.
Increasing housing cost
While still more affordable than other Western Europe countries, housing prices in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, have increased due to high demand and limited availability. Expats moving to Spain are struggling to find housing options that suit their budget; despite the country’s low living cost.
Slow Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy and paperwork in Spain are very challenging for Spaniards and expats alike. Processes are very slow, documents are frequently written in a very formal language which isn’t always understandable even to Spinards, and you cannot submit all documents online.
Limited Food Options
While Spanish cuisine is adored by many, vegetarians and vegans struggle to find dishes that meet their dietary preferences. If you live in big cities, it might be easier to find restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options; especially those that serve international cuisine; however, those who live in smaller towns will not succeed in doing so.
Language Barrier
The language barrier will constitute an obstacle to you unless they live in a popular expat destination such as Marbella or Benidorm. Signages and other written material are rarely displayed in a language other than Spanish. So, if you are looking to move to Spain for the long term, we advise you to learn the language.
Slow healthcare system
Spain enjoys a free healthcare system which compares well to other countries. However, getting a doctor’s appointment might be hard, especially with a specialized doctor, and might take up to months. To bypass this hurdle, we advise you to buy healthcare insurance before moving to Spain.
Curated links section for all our Spain landing pages
| Spain Residency By Investment Program |
| Benefits of Spain Residency By Investment Program |
| Spain Passport Visa Free Countries List |
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the negatives of living in Spain?
There are a few disadvantages one needs to take into consideration when deciding to live in Spain. These include the language barrier if you don’t speak Spanish, the lack of job opportunities, the increasing housing prices, the slow bureaucracy, and the saturated healthcare system.
2. Is living in Spain worth it?
It depends on what lifestyle you aspire to have. If you want to live in a warm and welcoming country with a laid-back attitude, then Spain is right up your alley. However, you will have to deal with slow bureaucracy, learn Spanish, and budget for the increasing housing prices.
3. Is Spain a good country for Indians?
Spain is a welcoming country to all nationalities and enjoys a varied and diversified population of expats. Indians can surely find fellow countrymen and women who have moved to Spain and connect with them.
4. Why are expats leaving Spain?
The job market in Spain, which lacks opportunities, has constituted a challenge for many expats, pushing them to leave the country.
5. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Spain?
On average, a family of four needs about € 2882 per month with rent and € 1728 without rent to live comfortably in Spain.
6. Is it better to live in the UK or Spain?
Each country has its own advantages and disadvantages. One needs to examine what each country has to offer before making the decision.
7. What is Spain’s weakness?
Spain continues to face challenges such as illegal migration, poverty and inequality, gender-based violence, difficulty in accessing healthcare, and other problems.
8. What problems is Spain facing?
The main concerns in Spain revolve around inflation, housing, inequality, and unemployment.
9. Is Spain fun to live in?
In addition to its rich history and culture exhibited through the many museums, buildings, and galleries you can visit; Spain has many restaurants, cafes, pubs, and eateries you can enjoy. For nature and sports lovers, the weather allows for many outdoor activities.
