Moving to Spain

Expats moving to Spain will find a country steeped in a rich and eventful history. As the Western most peninsula of Europe and the landmass closest to Africa, Spain has hosted the meeting of some of the world’s largest and most influential civilizations.

The Iberian Peninsula has witnessed the rise and fall of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Moors and the gold-flush empire born of that Christian sailor who in 1492 famously took Europe to the Americas.

The Spanish Miracle of the 70’s launched Spain into the modern era. One of the last countries in Europe to see the fall of fascism, Spain became a resurgent economic force, but has fallen on hard times as a result of recent recession. Expats who fail to secure employment prior to relocating may have a difficult time obtaining a work permit and a contract upon arrival.

However, the allure of a vibrant country famous for its fashion, food, architecture, music and arts – nonetheless makes for a perfect expat destination.

While salaries in Spain are low, so is the cost of living. It is the unhurried lifestyle and cheap beachside property which attracts many expats to spend their days on the Spanish Coasts. Spanish beaches are amongst the most beautiful in the world. Most of the population inhabits the coasts, with the only major inland population centres being Madrid and Barcelona.

Spain has become one of the most popular expat destinations in the world with record numbers of people from the UK and Germany buying beachside villas along the coasts. Though the housing market has deteriorated of late, there's still over an estimated one million British expats in the country.

It is also the land of opportunity for many South Americans, whose historical colonial connection to Spain means their visa requirements are less stringent. The Spanish terrain is highly varied, with the twin distinctions of having both the only desert in Europe and its southernmost ski resort.

Spanish culture shares much with Europe, but it still has an idiosyncratic core which makes learning to live there a challenge. The dominant language of the country is Castilian (what one thinks of as Spanish), but the use of Catalan, Basque and Galician all define important social groupings. In fact the Basque region has such a distinct national identity that part of its population wants the region to form an independent state.

The Spanish are renowned for both their relaxed attitude to life, and their exuberant social personalities. It is common in Spain to be interrupted while speaking, which in contrast to the English way, is a sign of interest. The Spanish tend to be unhurried in their activities, and do not readily hurry for anyone else’s urgency. It has been said of the Spanish that they invest a lot in established interpersonal connections, but if you are a stranger then to expect nothing of them is not to be disappointed.

The public transportation in Spain is decent in the large cities. Buses are the first choice for much of the countries transit needs. The rail system is extensive, but the radial architecture means that it can take a lot of time to get to somewhere relatively close.