Girona
Urban RiverfrontGirona is a historic city in Catalonia, Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved medieval architecture. The city is characterized by its ancient walls, narrow winding streets, and the iconic Onyar River, which is lined with brightly colored houses. The heart of Girona is its old town, featuring the impressive Girona Cathedral with its wide Gothic nave and Baroque façade. Visitors can explore the Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe, and walk along the medieval walls for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Girona is also famous for its culinary scene, with a range of restaurants offering traditional Catalan cuisine. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Girona Flower Festival, which transforms the city with elaborate floral displays. Despite its historical ambiance, Girona offers modern amenities and a vibrant cultural life, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. It serves as a gateway to the Costa Brava and is within reach of both the Pyrenees and Barcelona, making it a strategic location for tourists and residents alike.
Luxton LegalConnect
Luxton Legal is a boutique law firm assisting expats and foreign buyers with property conveyancing and immigration matters across Spain. We guide clients through every step of the purchase process and offer expert support with visas, residency applications, and relocation planning. Our experienced, English-speaking team ensures legal clarity and peace of mind throughout your move.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Luxton LegalLuxton Legal is a boutique law firm assisting expats and foreign buyers with property conveyancing and immigration matters across Spain. We guide clients through every step of the purchase process and offer expert support with visas, residency applications, and relocation planning. Our experienced, English-speaking team ensures legal clarity and peace of mind throughout your move.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in Spain can be a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The most common types of residency visas that expats apply for are the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Golden Visa. The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for individuals who can support themselves without working, such as retirees or remote workers. To apply for this visa, applicants must prove they have sufficient financial means to live in Spain without income from employment, provide proof of private health insurance, and have a clean criminal record. The visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods, provided the requirements are still met. After five years of legal residency, applicants can apply for long-term residency or even Spanish citizenship. The Golden Visa, on the other hand, is aimed at investors. It requires a significant investment in Spain, such as purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000, investing €1 million in Spanish companies, or depositing €1 million in a Spanish bank. The Golden Visa offers a fast track to residency and is particularly popular among non-EU nationals. It grants residency for two years, which is renewable for five-year periods, and eventually leads to permanent residency and citizenship if desired. The application process for both visas involves submitting the necessary documentation to the Spanish consulate or embassy in the applicant's home country. After the initial approval, the applicant will receive a visa that allows them to enter Spain. Upon arrival, they must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the local office or police station. The process can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring translations and apostilles for official documents. It is recommended to seek legal advice or assistance from immigration professionals to navigate the process successfully. Overall, while the process is manageable, it does require thorough preparation and understanding of the Spanish immigration system.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Girona is considered high, especially in the city center where the demand for housing and the appeal of the historic environment drive up prices.
Weather
Girona experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, although it can be slightly cooler than the coastal areas due to its inland location.
Healthcare in Girona
Girona is home to several medical facilities, including the Hospital Universitari de Girona Doctor Josep Trueta, which is a large public hospital offering a wide range of services and specialties. There's also the smaller private hospital, Clínica Girona, which provides various healthcare services and is known for its patient care.
Schools in Girona
Girona has the Montessori Palau International School, which offers an international curriculum for students from preschool to high school. The school follows the Montessori method and provides education in English with a focus on individualized learning and global citizenship.
The Escola Internacional del Camp is a bilingual school located near Girona that offers a multilingual education in Catalan, Spanish, and English. It serves students from pre-school through to high school, preparing them for both Spanish university entrance exams and international higher education.
Restaurants in Girona
Living in Girona
Moving to Girona
Healthcare in Girona
