Moving to Spain

"It is important for expats to do their research before moving to Spain to understand the laws, culture, and local customs. Expats should familiarise themselves with the language and exchange their currency for the local euro. They should also make sure they are aware of the taxation requirements in Spain and arrange for health insurance before their move. It is also advisable to obtain a passport and visa to enter the country. Additionally, expats should take time to learn local cuisines and explore the available recreational activities in their area," explained one expat living in Spain.

"Make sure you don't end up in a tourist trap area and that where you do end up there is plenty of close by public transport. In Mallorca, stay in Palma or choose a country town where the train passes thru. The bus system is not good," said one expat in Palma de Mallorca.

"Read as much as possible about the country, explore internet, and talk to nationals of the country to which you're moving that are residing where you're currently living," said one expat who made the move to Barcelona.

"There are many different ways to find a place to live in Spain. You could start by doing online research and utilizing resources such as rental websites like Idealista.com and Fotocasa.es. You could also consider reaching out to friends, family and colleagues from Spain who may have information on available properties. Additionally, local newspapers often advertise rental listings and are a great source of information, as well as a good way to get in touch with potential landlords. You can also contact real estate agencies that specialize in finding housing solutions. Finally, networking within the local community or expat groups can be a great way to get the most up-to-date information on potential rental options," explained one expat living in Spain.

"Through a relocation company. They are the right people to tell you what are the advantages and disavantages about the different areas with an orientation tour. Also to visit properties, I think they give you the best idea on what is on the market," said one expat in Barcelona.

"A top floor apartment of 1,850 square feet with two terraces totalling about 400 square feet. It is not typical because top floor apartments are very hard to find," replied a member in Barcelona.

"Housing costs - higher than the "average" in the USA; the "average" cost of housing for a three-bedroom apartment would be about $2,000 per month," explained one expat living in Barcelona, Spain.

"Average 2 bed unfurnished apt would run you 700€ mo plus first mo, last mo and deposit," said one expat in Palma de Mallorca.

"The cost of housing in Spain varies greatly depending on location and other factors, such as quality and size of the property. Generally, in large cities the cost of living is higher, with rents for a one bedroom apartment reaching an average of around €700 per month. Outside of big cities, rents will typically be much lower, ranging from around €400-500 for a one bedroom flat. With the increasing popularity of Spain as a holiday and expat destination, property prices have risen in recent years, making it an attractive area for investments," said one expat who made the move to Spain.

"Buying a home in Spain can be a good investment if you are planning a long-term stay there. However, it is important to consider the costs associated with buying a home, such as taxes, maintenance expenses and any potential renovation costs, as well as your income and savings. Ultimately, renting is a better option if you are not sure how long you are planning to stay in Spain or if you are looking for more flexibility. Renting also offers potential tax advantages. You should carefully consider all these factors before deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Spain," explained one expat living in Spain.

"We rented an apartment. It was not difficult. We went to a rental agency, they showed us apartments and we chose the one we wanted. The agent gets a commission but that's the only way I know of to rent an apartment here in Salamanca," said one expat in Salamanca.

"Wish I brought: quality brazieres, hand sanitizer, large size socks and hosiery Wish I didn't bring: anything electrical, toiletries, bright colored clothes," remarked one expat in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

"Thank God no! But my daughter, who is very polite, provoke a few laughs for using to much "please" and "thanks"," said one expat in Madrid.

"In Spain, it is important to be aware of certain cultural norms to avoid inadvertently offending people. For example, when entering a building, it is polite to greet those you pass with a warm 'hola', even if you don't know them. Additionally, when dining out, you should always wait for your host to start the meal before you begin to eat. It is also considered impolite to ask for a takeaway without first finishing the meal. Furthermore, due to the strong religious nature of the country, take care not to discuss topics such as politics or religion. Finally, be sure to take off your shoes when entering someone's home as a sign of respect," said one expat who made the move to Spain.

"There are several reasons - climate, cost of living (it is very cheap to live in Granada), location (access to ski resort in 45 min by bus, and to the beach in an hour), plenty of historical sites to see, plenty of cultural things to do (theater, music, dance, churches, cultural events). Because it's also a university town and has two of UNESCO world Heritage sites," wrote one expat living in Granada.

"Spain is a sought after haven for expats due to its mild climate, vibrant cities, natural beauty, welcoming locals, low cost of living and stable political system," commented one expat who moved to Spain.

"It's a medium sized college town that is very vibrant and inter-cultural Also near the coast and skiing," said one expat.

"Expats are often drawn to Spain for its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture and relaxed lifestyle. The pleasant Mediterranean climate, local cuisine and art make it an attractive destination to settle in. Spain also offers excellent healthcare, education and leisure activities, and boasts an accessible and efficient public transport system. Moreover, the cost of living is relatively low, while salaries tend to be competitive, offering expats and their families the opportunity to enjoy an excellent quality of life," said one expat living in Spain.

"Healthcare services in Spain are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Spanish citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Foreign residents in Spain are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, provided they have a valid residence permit. Expats in Spain can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Spanish citizens, including free or discounted medical care," said one expat living in Spain.

"I would say medical care is excellent. For chronic medical conditions, it may be difficult to get an insurance and they will have to pay more. there are other expats with chronic condtions who are able to get private insurance," offered one expat living in Granada.

"Although the primary care from physicians and the local hospital/clinic are generally adequate, I recommend getting a second opinion before accepting a recommendation for major treatment like surgery, even though you will likely have to pay that out of pocket. Doctors, treatments, medications are dramatically less expensive here. Custom orthotics would have cost me approximately $300 in the US, but are $45 here. ," wrote one expat living in Altea.

"I like health care here. I had a surgery, one that was formerly botched in Sweden (of all countries with reputedly good health care) and sooner or later am likely to need a heart surgery as well (yes, I had a second opinion on that). As an EU citizen I was never asked to pay for any treatment and as a retiree get all medications dirt cheap, even insulin, which makes me remember with horror prices I had to pay when I lived in the US, despite being fully insured..," commented one expat living in Spain.

"In Spain, medical services are generally of a high quality. The country has a well-developed public healthcare system, which is free for Spanish citizens and legal residents. Private healthcare is also available, and is often of a higher standard than the public system. Doctors in Spain are highly trained and experienced, and the country has a wide range of modern medical facilities," offered one expat living in Spain.

"One time I developed a very sore tooth. I was able to make an appointment for that same day, the dentist was very efficient (and spoke English). And the cost was about 12% compared to the same procedure in the U.S. I was impressed," wrote one expat living in Tenerife.