Moving to Spain

Living in Spain as an expat

Moving to Spain offers international professionals an attractive European base with rich history, outstanding architecture, excellent cuisine, and strong cultural traditions. Located on the idyllic Iberian Peninsula in Western Europe, Spain attracts both tourists and expats who are permanently relocating for business opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and career advancement.

Spain operates as 17 autonomous regions, each contributing distinct characteristics to the country’s cultural identity. International relocations to Spain tend to be quite smooth for Western professionals, as the country shares cultural roots with other Western European countries.

The primary language is Spanish, but regional languages like Catalan and Basque are predominant in some areas. English is spoken in major cities and tourist areas, but it’s more limited in smaller towns and rural regions. Strong Spanish language skills will prove highly beneficial and significantly accelerate your integration into Spanish society and business life.

Spain’s relaxed lifestyle and affordable coastal living attract many expats looking for a good work-life balance. The Spanish have a relaxed approach to daily life and welcoming social attitudes.

Madrid City Guide
Barcelona City Guide
Valencia City Guide

Working in Spain

Employment opportunities in Spain have been steadily improving, and there’s strong growth in specialised sectors like IT, finance, and healthcare. Competition is quite high, as unemployment rates still rank among Europe’s highest. Professional salaries are typically below EU averages but offset by lower living costs.

Working in Spain
Visas for Spain
Work Permits for Spain

Spanish culture

Social and professional culture in Spain emphasises relationship-building, with networking often conducted over extended lunches or after-work gatherings. Business hours traditionally include afternoon breaks, although many companies are increasingly adopting more international schedules with shorter lunch breaks.

There are noticeable regional variations in work culture. Barcelona’s business culture is markedly different from Madrid’s government-focused environment or Valencia’s industrial atmosphere.

Local Culture in Spain
Business Culture in Spain

Finding accommodation in Spain

Housing markets vary dramatically across Spain. Barcelona and Madrid command premium prices but offer the strongest job markets and international business communities. Coastal areas provide lifestyle benefits at lower costs, although professional opportunities may be more limited. Many international arrivals initially choose serviced apartments or corporate housing while establishing a local credit history and banking relationships.

Renting Accommodation in Spain
Utilities in Spain
Best Places to Live in Madrid
Best Places to Live in Barcelona

Cost of living in Spain

The cost of living in Spain varies across the country. Barcelona runs slightly higher than Madrid, although both cities offer strong salary potential to offset increased expenses. Valencia, Seville, and smaller cities offer substantial cost savings and have good transport links to major business centres. Across the board, food, entertainment, and dining costs are notably lower than in most Western European capitals.

Cost of Living in Spain

Living in Spain with children

Moving to Spain with your children gives them access to excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and extensive family-oriented activities. Healthcare access varies depending on your residence status. EU citizens receive immediate coverage through European Health Insurance Cards for the initial months, then they need to register with the national system. Non-EU residents typically need private health insurance for visa applications and initial coverage.

You'll need to obtain NIE numbers and complete your Empadronamiento registration. While bureaucratic processes can be time-consuming, many municipalities now offer online applications to streamline procedures.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Spain
NIE and Residency in Spain
Getting an Empadronamiento in Spain

Finding a school in Spain

Spain’s public education system delivers high-quality instruction primarily in Spanish, and secondary school admissions are determined by catchment areas. Consider your housing choices if you prefer specific schools or districts for your secondary-school-aged children.

There are also international schools for globally mobile families, and they offer curricula like the International Baccalaureate, British, and American programmes. Annual fees are high, and waiting lists are common. Apply early to secure a place in your preferred institution.

Schools and Education in Spain
International Schools in Madrid
International Schools in Barcelona

Getting around in Spain

Spain’s strategic location means excellent access to Western European markets, and Mediterranean and North African destinations. Spain's domestic transport features Europe’s largest high-speed rail network, extensive motorway systems, major international airports, and eminently walkable cities. There's a unified public transport ticketing system, which simplifies multi-modal travel across regions.

Public Transport, Driver’s Licences and Driving in Spain

Climate and weather in Spain

Spain’s geographical diversity extends far beyond the coastal paradise that many expats imagine. There’s also everything from the Tabernas Desert in Almería province (Europe’s only true desert) and the Sierra Nevada ski resort (Europe’s southernmost winter sports destination).

Coastal areas maintain mild winters and warm summers, ideal for year-round outdoor activities. Interior regions experience more continental climates – hot summers and cooler winters.

Those moving to Spain with an open mind and a sense of adventure will surely have a fulfilling experience in their new home. The country's quality of life, combined with its strategic European location and welcoming culture, makes it an attractive destination for expats looking for career opportunities or an enhanced lifestyle. Spain keeps its own time, and expats are encouraged to follow the locals’ lead and try to enjoy the slower pace of life.

Climate and Weather in Spain

Fast facts

Population: About 48 million

Capital city: Madrid

Other major cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza

Neighbouring countries: Spain shares borders with Portugal to the west and France to the north. Across the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco lies to the south, and Algeria lies to the southeast.

Geography: Spain’s terrain varies from sandy beaches to flat desert-like areas and high mountain ranges. Most borders are coastline, with the Pyrenees Mountains forming a natural frontier with the rest of Europe. Spain also includes several Mediterranean and Atlantic islands.

Political system: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Major religions: Catholicism. Spain maintains secular governance and guarantees religious freedom.

Main languages: Spanish. Regional co-official languages include Catalan and Basque. English is widely understood in urban centres.

Money: The Euro (EUR) is divided into 100 cents. ATMs are widely available and accept international cards. Spanish tax identification numbers (NIE) are required for local banking.

Tipping: Small change is standard practice. Ten percent is considered generous but not expected.

Time: GMT+1 (GMT+2 from late March to late October)

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs.

Internet domain: .es

International dialling code: +34

Emergency numbers: 112 (European emergency number), 061 (health emergencies), 091 (police)

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right. Roads are usually in exceptional condition. Drivers are required to flash their lights before overtaking another vehicle.