Living in Spain

"Number one advice...learn Spanish. This is one of the few places in Europe where no one speaks English," wrote a member in Madrid.

"1. Expats should research different regions of Spain to decide on the best place to retire. 2. It is important to know the language, as even if English is widely spoken in Spain, proficiency in Spanish will be necessary for everyday life. 3. Expats should review the country’s tax laws and determine if there are any special exceptions for retirees. 4. Healthcare is excellent in Spain, but it is important to check on the particular provisions for retirees, such as available discounts or special coverage. 5. International expats will need to arrange for a long-term visa or residency permit prior to moving. 6. Expats should become familiar with the various regional or cultural customs in their chosen area of retirement. 7. If planning to retire in Spain, it is important to acquaint oneself with the country’s real estate laws and regulations. 8. Shopping around for the best deals on everyday expenses is essential, as cost of living in some areas of Spain can be high," commented one expat who made the move to Spain.

"The following applies to anywhere bt applies to my wife and living on the Costa Tropical. 1. Establish Goals for how you want to live your life 2. Choose a location wisely based not only on geography, weather and climate but also based on the local cultural opportunities and transportation infrastructure. 3. Try out the place, visit the place and give it a dry run 4. Consider health care, it doesn’t matter how old you are 5. Figure out the local housing market to establish your new home 6. Check out the cost of living to know if your budget plan and goals work 7. Understand the Visa requirements 8. Get a grasp of the local culture 9. Be aware of local opportunities for sports, leisure, entertainment and cultural activities 10. Become familiar with issues relating to taxes and banking 11. Work out issues relating to communication technology. I have written a short book called "Renaissance in The Sun" Its virtually FREE. You can find it on Amazon and Kindle. Its about life and Spain," remarked one expat living in Spain.

"Many expats in Spain join local sports clubs that offer activities such as soccer, running, and tennis, as well as other activities like language exchange and book clubs. In addition, they often take advantage of Spain's vast cultural offerings, from flamenco classes to wine tastings. Expats looking to mix with locals might join Meet-Ups and other community-based activities, visit local bars and cafés, and attend Spanish festivals, street fairs, and other events. Expats might also attend events hosted by international organizations or through online connections with other expats from the same home country," remarked one expat who made the move to Spain.

"Definitely try out the International Newcomers Club. Though they have one or two men in the group...they are very open to more. They do many fun things during the week and have activities such as wine tasting parties on weekends. There is at least one event monthly and you meet many fantastic people. The American Women's Club is also nice, but they are oriented towards community service and raising funds for charities. They do have monthly meetings and have a club house with a large lending library," explained one expat living in Madrid, Spain.

"Living in Spain as an expat or digital nomad can be incredibly rewarding - the great weather, wonderful people and fantastic culture make it an ideal place to call home. Expats and digital nomads can benefit from having access to some of Europe's most vibrant cities and a wealth of opportunities for employment and leisure activities. Public transportation networks are reliable and affordable, and the cost of living is generally lower than in many other European countries. Expats and digital nomads can take advantage of the thriving cultural scene and the array of outdoor activities that come with life on the Mediterranean coast. Furthermore, healthcare and education systems are widely accessible and of a high standard," commented one expat who made the move to Spain.

"Typically the Spaniards priority is family. They have extended family near by and visit quite often. You may be friends at work, but once the work day is over the friendship normally does not extend to socializing outside the office. Soccer (or futbol) is big and a good topic of conversation. Additionally people enjoy travelling from one side of the country to the other on holiday. If Spain has a holiday on Thursday, schools will give the children off on the Friday too so that families can travel. The winter and spring breaks are very long...again so people can travel. Folks are always going somewhere," remarked one expat living in Madrid, Spain.

"Spain is generally considered to be a safe country with relatively low levels of crime. Violent crime is rare and most common crimes occur at a local level, such as pickpocketing or petty theft. Tourist areas are particularly targeted, so visitors should remain vigilant of their surroundings. Additionally, organized crime exists in the larger cities of Spain, but the areas where it occurs are quite specific and unlikely to be visited by tourists," remarked one expat living in Spain.

"There is very little crime. I feel much safer here than I did in California. Walking my dogs at midnight doesn't worry me at all," wrote one member in Salamanca.

"This is a Catholic country. Most individuals seem accepting of differences unless you are from a Latin country. As an American with very little Spanish language capability, they are very helpful and go out of their way to help me. Typically Latins are thought of and treated as the hired help. It does not matter how they are dressed or how much jewelry they have on...still just hired help. Fortunately if problems arise in stores or restaurants, each establishment has a complaint book. If you ask to make a complaint, they must give it to you. Normally, the attitude changes when you ask for this book. They police can shut the place down if they do not have the book to give you," remarked one expat who made the move to Madrid.

"Spain is a culturally diverse nation, with a mix of native groups, immigrants, and diverse religions. In recent years, the Spanish government has made efforts to ensure that diversity is respected, and that everyone is treated fairly and equally. Discrimination based on religion, gender, race, age or sexual orientation is illegal, and there is a heightened awareness amongst the general public regarding the importance of cultural diversity and the acceptance of differences. While there are still some areas of improvement, overall the Spanish people are increasingly becoming more open to and accepting of diversity," explained one expat living in Spain.

"My only advice to you is not to worry, your child will get a warm welcome and will have a great time through his/her time there. There is a big range of nationalities, so be sure that your kid will learn about other cultures," wrote an expat with kids at St. George's School of Madrid in Madrid.

"The British School of Barcelona is considered to be one of the best international schools in Spain, with a well-rounded educational curriculum and an engaging international environment. Located in Barcelona, this school combines an internationally rich learning environment with an innovative and creative approach to teaching. It is the only school in Spain to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and its highly accomplished academic results rank among the best in Spain. The Torrequebrada International School, situated on the Costa del Sol, is one of the most prestigious international schools in Spain. This school offers a comprehensive range of courses, which includes the International Baccalaureate, and its experienced teachers cultivate a stimulating and holistic environment that helps to prepare students for adult life and a global future. The Sotogrande International School, located in Sotogrande, is one of the most respected bilingual schools in Spain. This school combines a traditional British education with effective Spanish-language instruction, making it the perfect environment for students who are looking to acquire language fluency or a bilingual education. The curriculum follows a holistic approach, emphasizing values and a sense of responsibility and excellence while encouraging students to excel not just inside the classroom, but also outside it," commented one expat when asked about in Spain.

"I can only attest to the cost of living in my city. For Salamanca, you can live very comfortably for 1500 euros (or around $1650)," said one expat in Salamanca.

"The cost of living in Spain varies depending on the city or region. In general, one can expect to pay slightly more in amenities like food, hotel prices, and public transportation costs compared to other European countries, but if you budget wisely, you can still find good value. Rent and utilities will also be more expensive than some other European countries, but many locals choose to rent shared apartments which can be more affordable. Salaries are slightly lower than other European countries, but the cost of living is still manageable," said one expat who made the move to Spain.

"We used Numbeo to reasearch and compare. Basically, cost of living in Granada is 1/3 that of NEW York and 2/3 the cost of our US home, Dallas. Did we mention free health care?," said one expat living in Granada.

"The cost of living in Spain is generally quite reasonable, however some of the cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, tend to be more expensive than the rest of the country. In general, a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Spain could cost around $800 US dollars per month, and a nice 2 bedroom for about $1300 US dollars. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Spain would cost around 15-30 US dollars per person," mentioned one expat inSpain.

"Very inexpensive to live in Granada. The rent starts as low as €250 per month for a room in an apartment. If you want to have your own apartment, rent can start at €400 depend on location. The food is cheap here if you stay out of eating in tourist areas. Grocery is inexpensive with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables year round," commented one expat who moved to Granada , Spain.

"In Spain, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and outdoor sports courts. Popular beach activities include swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Parks are great for picnics, jogging, and playing sports. Outdoor sports courts are available for basketball, tennis, and other sports. Additionally, Spain has many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and historic sites. Residents can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching," said one expat.

"The weather in Spain is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot depending on the season. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F) in the south of the country, while in the winter months temperatures can drop to around 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the most rain falling in the northern and western regions," remarked one expat in Spain.

"Hot but dry summers, cool winter with one cold snap usually. Spring and Fall outstanding," wrote one expat living in Granada.

"In the summer- hot and dry between 80-100F winter- dry and cold between mid 30F to mid 40F but usually above freezing with Spring and Fall have the best weather between 50F- 80F," commented one expat who moved to Granada.

"One of Spain's most beloved restaurants is El Celler de Can Roca in Girona. Located in the heart of Catalonia, El Celler de Can Roca is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up traditional Catalan cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is run by the Roca brothers, Joan, Josep, and Jordi, who have been praised for their creative and innovative dishes. The restaurant has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Guardian, and has been named one of the world's best restaurants. Another popular restaurant in Spain is Arzak in San Sebastian. Located in the Basque Country, Arzak is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up traditional Basque cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is run by the Arzak family, who have been praised for their creative and innovative dishes. The restaurant has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Guardian, and has been named one of the world's best restaurants. Finally, La Terraza del Casino in Madrid is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is run by the Adrià brothers, Ferran and Albert, who have been praised for their creative and innovative dishes. The restaurant has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Guardian, and has been named one of the world's best restaurants," commented one expat who moved to Spain.

"Tapas is king here, and it is cheap (only tourists pay for tapas). lunch is not served till about 2:00, but you can find great menu del dia deals (multiple courses and beer/wine for 10 euros). Dinner at 9-11:00 pm," said one expat.

"People living in Spain typically buy groceries from local supermarkets, such as Mercadona, Carrefour, and El Corte Inglés. They also shop at local markets, such as La Boqueria in Barcelona, for fresh produce and other items. Additionally, people in Spain often shop at smaller, independent stores for specialty items. For other shopping, people in Spain often visit shopping malls, such as Centro Comercial Gran Vía in Madrid, or shop online," remarked one expat in Spain.

"In order to travel to Spain, most visitors must first apply for a visa from the Spanish Embassy in their country of residence. The requirements for obtaining a visa generally depend on the individual’s country of origin, the type of visa requested, and the purpose of the visit. For example, some people may need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain, while others may only need a basic Tourist visa. The application process usually requires a valid passport, visa application form, bank statement, and proof of return flight or travel plans. Once in Spain, non-EU citizens can apply for residence if they wish to stay longer than three months. The most common type of residence visa is known as a NIE (Numero de Identificación de Extranjero). In order to obtain a residency visa, applicants must submit a valid passport, NIE application form, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient funds to stay in Spain, a criminal background check, and other applicable documents. Depending on the visa type, additional documents may also be required. Once all documents have been collected and submitted, a residency visa appointment must be booked at the local Foreigners Office," said one expat living in Spain.

"To live here, one can get a non-lucrative visa and is considered a temporary resident. After 5 years, we can become permanent resident. These are the main requirements to get non- lucrative visa - background check, health certificate, proof of available funds, health insurance," mentioned one expat inGranada.

"Best to consult Spanish website,. We are here on a non-lucrative visa which requires minimum financial assets," commented one expat who moved to Granada, Spain.

"We have a private health insurance with Sanitas and are happy with them. It’s acceptable at our nearest hospital. Sanitas was most well known health insurance among expats. They will take payments without a Spanish bank account, which we find very convenient because we didn’t have a Spanish bank account last year before we moved to Spain," mentioned an expat living in Granada.