What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Spain. They wrote...
"Expats in Spain often find the lack of punctuality to be a challenging issue. Many also struggle to adapt to the slower pace of life, as well as the strong importance placed on family and social relationships. Many also find it difficult to adjust to the strict gender roles in Spanish culture and the prevalence of machismo. Furthermore, the extensive paperwork and bureaucracy required for administrative tasks can be overwhelming. For some, the language barrier is also a challenge, as some parts of Spain have their own language, alongside the national language of Spanish," commented one expat who made the move to Spain.
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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Understand their ways..... Just because is an industrialized country doesn't mean USA...," remarked another expat in Madrid, Spain.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
- How do I meet people in Spain?
- What is life like in Spain?
- Is there a lot of crime in Spain?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Spain accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Spain like?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Spain?
- What are healthcare services like in Spain?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Spain?
- What is the weather like in Spain?
- Are there good restaurants in Spain?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Spain?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Spain?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Spain?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Spain?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Spain, newcomers to Spain would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.