From tapas restaurants to awe-inspiring architecture, there’s nowhere else in the world like Spain. This sunny European nation easily tops the list of the most popular destinations for expats and international citizens.
If you’re considering a permanent move abroad, make sure you understand the pros and cons of living in Spain before you start planning. You’ll want to learn as much as you can about what it’s like to live there, from the country’s public transportation infrastructure to its immigration and healthcare systems.
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Pros of Living in Spain
In addition to a strong university system and flexible options for immigration, Spain’s balmy Mediterranean climate — and proximity to France and Portugal — attract expats in search of temperate weather.
Those are but a few of the reasons why international citizens find that there are more pros of living in Spain than cons.
Spain’s Climate and Geography Are Unmatched
Spain is located in the Mediterranean, where you’ll enjoy moderate temperatures and breathtaking seaside vistas. The country also has one of the world’s most diverse climates.
Spain is generally temperate, but inland, you’ll find hot summers and cold winters. By contrast, coastal living comes with mild summers with cool winters.
If you prefer flat, lowland areas, the Andalusian steppes of southwestern Spain and the Ebro Basin of northeastern Spain will satisfy your goal. Meseta Central, home to Spain’s capital city of Madrid, is flanked by mountains and rivers along the border of Portugal.
Spain is divided into 17 autonomous regions and 50 provinces, many of which share their names with Spanish cities. This can be confusing for some expats upon first arrival.
Some regions and provinces have larger expatriate communities than others, such as:
- Almeria, a small province in Andalucía, has a population in which 22% of all residents are foreign born. Most hail from the United Kingdom, Romania, and Morocco.
- Alicante, a large province on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is about 20% foreign-born residents of either British, Romanian, or Moroccan descent.
- Girona is located in the Mercadal district in the city center north of Barcelona, and hosts an expat population of just under 21%. The majority of foreign-born residents are either Honduran, Romanian, or Moroccan.
Note that the capital city of Madrid has more American citizens than anywhere else in Spain, coming in at 171 per 100,000.
Public Transportation is High Speed and Easy to Access
Like most countries in the European Union, Spain has a well-developed public transportation system: buses, taxis, and trains, in particular. The speed rails and metro systems are among the most modern in the world. If you choose to live in a big city, you can easily rely on public transit and avoid buying a car.
Getting Around By Bus
Spain has several bus providers, including Eurolines, FlixBus, Avanza, and Monbus. FlixBus even provides cross-border trips to other European countries like France, Germany, and Switzerland.
Bus fares are reasonably priced, and the comfortable, climate-controlled buses are ideal for long-distance travel.
Getting Around By Train
Spain’s vast network of high-speed railways makes train travel one of the most convenient ways to get around.
Renfe, the national railway company of Spain, provides high-speed trains (known as the Alta Velocidad Española, or AVE) that travel at speeds of up to 310 km/hour. Renfe’s train schedule is easy to monitor and book in advance online.
Depending on where you live in Spain, you can also book train travel through Euskotren, FEVE, FCA, and other smaller high-speed operators.
Getting Around By Taxi
Hailing a taxi or rideshare is simple in most major Spanish cities. In addition to government-owned cabs and personal drivers, you can also use private services like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt to call a cab.
These are popular options if you’re only headed a short distance, but for long-term travel, the bus or train are preferred.
Immigrating to Spain May Be Easier for Certain Expats
If you’re a citizen of the EU or European Economic Area (EEA), you can live and work in Spain for up to 3 months. After that, you’ll need to register your address of residence with the local authority and obtain a residence permit — no visa required.
Note that in the aftermath of Brexit, citizens of the UK no longer have the same freedom of movement to live in other European countries without a visa as they did when the country was still part of the EU.
Visas for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, will need to meet additional criteria to secure a visa for living and working in Spain. If that’s you, the type of national visa you’ll need depends on your reason for moving to the country — whether that’s for work, study, retirement, or family.
The New Digital Nomad Visa
Remote work has become more common than ever, and Spain’s new digital nomad visa embraces this shift in the workplace.
Non-EU nationals who work remotely for non-Spanish companies can now use the digital nomad visa to live and work in Spain for up to five years. The country implemented this new visa system with the hope of attracting self-employed freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must be a citizen of a country that is not part of the EU or EEA. You cannot be an undocumented resident of Spain when you apply, nor can you have lived in the country within the previous five years. You must also have three years of work experience, or provide evidence of qualification in your field.
Note that if you’re a non-EU citizen, you must still apply for a temporary resident permit in addition to your visa if you plan to live in Spain for longer than six months.
Read About: Spanish Work Visas for Expats
Spain Has an Abundance of History and Culture
Like all European countries, Spain has a long and storied history. Spanish culture is also more relaxed than most countries in Northern Europe or North America.
Common activities include catching up with friends over a long meal and playing games in the local square. The country’s favorable climate makes it perfect for outdoor socializing, which many Spanish people consider to be a way of life.
There’s also an active nightlife scene, especially during summer fiestas. You may find that the hours of normal living run later than what you’re used to in your home country. The country’s laid-back lifestyle means it’s not uncommon to see Spaniards enjoying breakfast at a cafe closer to noon, or grabbing dinner well after 10 p.m.
Higher Education Is More Affordable
Spain has some of the best universities in the world, including the University of Barcelona and the University of Valencia. The country is a popular study-abroad location for international students, and can be just as ideal for expats who have a thirst to learn.
Spain’s public institutions tend to be more affordable than their private counterparts, even for non-citizens. This attracts students who seek a more international academic experience without the hefty financial burden.
The curricula at Spanish universities are just as strong in business and engineering as they are in the humanities and arts. Since Spain tries to attract international students, the language barrier is often less significant at Spanish universities than it is in other countries. There are many available English-language study abroad programs.
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Cons of Living in Spain
Despite the many pros of living in Spain, there are a few cons. Be sure you’re aware of the downsides before you start planning your move.
Most Spanish Employers Require You to Be Fluent in Spanish
In order to apply for most positions in Spain’s job market, you’ll need to be fluent in the Spanish language. In the regions of Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, you may even be required to speak Catalan. Of course, there are still exceptions, such as jobs that hire foreigners to teach English as a foreign language.
The language barrier can limit an expat’s ability to find work if they aren’t already a digital nomad or sponsored by an employer. For international citizens who want to work in Spain, it’s best to secure a job before you leave your current home.
It’s also worth mentioning that Spain has a much higher unemployment rate than other countries in Europe. This might not be an issue if you’re a digital nomad, but it can make the job hunt more challenging if you’re an expat who hopes to land a domestic position.
Nonetheless, explore our guide for the best working abroad jobs in Spain.
Spain’s Cost of Living Is Higher Than Average
Overall, Spain’s cost of living is on the affordable side, but still much higher than the world average.
If you want to save a few euros, it’s best to avoid renting or buying property in high-traffic tourist areas and larger cities such as:
- Barcelona, which is the country’s most expensive city (although still lower cost than other major cities like London or New York)
- Madrid, the capital of Spain
- Bilbao, located deep in the heart of Basque country
- Seville, a city that is expensive but less so than Madrid or living abroad in Barcelona
Finding a place to live in Spain that has a lower cost of living doesn’t mean you have to give up a better quality of life. If you’re a price-conscious expat, consider an affordable Spanish city or small town like Zaragoza, Murcia, Alicante, or Granada. All offer a low cost of living, and public transit puts them within easy reach of other parts of Spain.
Read About: The 5 Safest Places to Live in Spain
Public Healthcare Is Not Perfect in Spain
At some point after moving to Spain, you’ll need access to medical care. Spain’s public healthcare system, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), is impressive but not comprehensive.
For an expat to access public healthcare in Spain, they need to be either a legal resident or hold a work permit. The public healthcare system also places limits on the doctors and types of treatments it will cover, and wait times can be long. For those reasons, it’s recommended that expats purchase an international private health insurance plan before they move.
A private healthcare plan can make it easier to access the treatment you need while reducing wait times. Not only that, but Spain requires all international citizens (including those from the EU and EEA) to provide proof of health insurance coverage if they’ll be staying in the country for longer than 90 days.
Once your long-stay residency is in place, it’s likely that you’ll want to keep your private health insurance policy as a supplement. The SNS doesn’t include dental care or many specialized treatments. Learn more about your options for international health insurance plans.
Find the Best International Insurance
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Conclusion
Spain offers many perks for foreigners and immigrants. It’s an appealing country — from its laidback lifestyle and diverse climate, to its strong public transit and education systems. Expats who are interested in Spain should learn as much as they can about the pros and cons of living there, to avoid any culture shock or surprises once they’ve arrived.
Related:
- Moving to Spain
- Best Hospitals in Spain
- Best Places to Live in Spain
- Health Insurance in Spain for Expats
