Things to Know Before Deciding to Move to Spain

Spain is not a smooth relocation

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for English speakers relocating to Europe — and for good reason. The climate is excellent, the food is extraordinary, and the quality of life in most cities is high. But Spain has a reputation for bureaucratic complexity that catches many newcomers off guard. Going in with realistic expectations will save you a lot of frustration.

Bureaucracy is the biggest surprise

Almost everything in Spain requires your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), a foreigner identification number. You need it to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, register with a doctor, and buy a car. Getting your NIE takes time — appointments at the Policía Nacional can be weeks out, and the process varies by city.

Build in more time than you think you need before you plan to start working or renting independently.

The language question is more complex than it looks

Spanish (Castilian) is spoken everywhere, but several regions have co-official languages. In Catalonia you will encounter Catalan. In the Basque Country, Euskera. In Galicia, Galician. In day-to-day life this is rarely a barrier for a Spanish speaker, but it is worth knowing before you choose a city.

More importantly: in major cities, English is widely spoken in tourist and business contexts, but outside those contexts, strong Spanish will make your daily life significantly easier. Bureaucratic processes, doctors, landlords, and local services often operate entirely in Spanish. If your Spanish is not yet solid, starting to work on it before you arrive pays dividends immediately.

The Spoken app focuses specifically on listening comprehension and pronunciation — the skills that textbooks tend to underserve, and exactly what you need for real conversations with Spanish speakers.

Cost of living varies enormously by city

Madrid and Barcelona are expensive by Spanish standards — comparable to mid-range European capitals. But cities like Valencia, Seville, Granada, and Málaga offer a significantly lower cost of living while still providing excellent infrastructure and quality of life. A comfortable lifestyle in a smaller Spanish city can cost 30–40% less than in the capitals.

Renting in Madrid and Barcelona is competitive. Landlords often ask for two to three months' deposit plus a guarantor or proof of income. Arriving with documentation prepared makes a real difference.

Healthcare is good, but access takes setup

Spain has excellent public healthcare, and once registered you will have access to it. Registration requires a tarjeta sanitaria (health card), which you apply for through your local health centre after establishing residency. Until that is in place, private health insurance is essential — and is also a requirement for most Spanish visas.

Visas for non-EU nationals

If you are from outside the EU (UK, US, Canada, Australia), you will need a visa unless you are staying under 90 days. The main options are:

• Non-lucrative visa: for people with sufficient savings or passive income who do not plan to work in Spain
• Digital nomad visa: for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain
• Work visa: requires a job offer from a Spanish employer

Each has its own income thresholds and documentation requirements. Applications are made at the Spanish consulate in your home country before you travel.

What most people do not expect

The pace of life is genuinely different. Lunch is at 2–3pm. Dinner rarely starts before 9pm. Many small businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon. This is not a problem — it is a feature — but it requires adjusting your internal clock.

Regional identity is strong. People in Barcelona consider themselves Catalan first. People in the Basque Country are proud of a culture distinct from the rest of Spain. Arriving with curiosity rather than assumptions will serve you well.