7 Biggest Mistakes When Moving to Spain

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Spain, with its beautiful landscapes, rich culture and vibrant cities, is a popular destination for expats seeking a fresh start. However, despite its many attractions, relocating to Spain involves navigating a range of practical, legal and cultural considerations.

From understanding the healthcare system to adapting to local work practices, many newcomers make mistakes that can complicate the settling-in process. In this blog, we’ll highlight seven of the most common mistakes expats make when moving to Spain and offer tips on how to avoid them, to help make your move a success.

Underestimating the legal and bureaucratic processes

Moving to Spain involves navigating a complex legal and bureaucratic system that many newcomers underestimate. One of the first things to tackle is obtaining the proper visa or residency permit needed for your circumstances. Ensure you research the exact visa you need to ensure you avoid complications, whether you’re moving to Spain for employment, retirement, or to start your own business.

Aside from visas, Spain has strict regulations for things like registering your residence, obtaining a Spanish ID (NIE), and signing up for local services. The process can be time-consuming and requires patience, and different regions may have different procedures. For example, applying for an NIE can take a few weeks, whilst obtaining residency can take months, depending on your situation and the region. You should research what’s required in the region you’ll be moving to, so you know what’s expected of you.

Not learning the language

One of the biggest challenges when moving to Spain is the language barrier. While many Spaniards speak English, particularly in tourist areas, Spanish is the primary language, and day-to-day activities will be conducted in Spanish. Without proper preparation on this front, you could face misunderstandings, frustration and missed opportunities, as well as potentially feeling isolated from your local community.

It’s important to invest time in learning at least the basics of the language before your move. This will help with daily tasks such as ordering food or navigating public transport, but also for more complex situations such as dealing with healthcare providers, signing contracts or understanding local laws.

Language schools and online courses are readily available for you to take part in before and after your move. However, speaking with locals and taking part in community activities will help to immerse you in the language so you can pick it up more quickly.

Ignoring healthcare and insurance needs

When moving to Spain, it’s important to understand the country’s healthcare system and ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Spain offers a high standard of public healthcare, but whether you’re eligible will depend on your residency status and employment.

Those who are employed or self-employed in Spain will contribute to the social security system, which will typically entitle them to access public health services. However, expats who are retired or not working may find themselves excluded from the public system and will have to look into private health insurance options. Without proper insurance, you could face high medical costs or delays in receiving treatment.

Many expats also overlook registering with a local doctor (GP), which is an essential step for accessing healthcare services in Spain. In many regions, you must register with a GP in order to receive care under the public health system; failing to do so can delay appointments or even prevent you from receiving the treatment you need.

You’ll also need to understand how the prescription system works in Spain. Unlike in some countries, prescriptions in Spain are usually issued electronically and can only be filled at specific pharmacies. Expats who are unfamiliar with this system may find themselves facing issues when trying to obtain their medication, so you should research the processes in your region before you move.

Overlooking financial and tax implications

One of the most common mistakes expats make when moving to Spain is failing to fully understand the financial and tax implications of their move. Spain’s tax system differs from that of many other countries, and it is crucial to understand what will be required so you can avoid any unexpected liabilities.

As a resident, you are generally required to pay taxes on your worldwide income, not just what you earn within Spain. This includes income from foreign investments, pensions and savings, which can result in double taxation if not managed properly. To avoid this, it’s important to seek professional advice on how Spain’s tax system applies to your specific situation and to explore any tax treaties between Spain and your home country that may help mitigate this.

In addition, you’ll need to understand the local banking system, exchange rates and how to transfer money between countries efficiently. You’ll need to set up a Spanish bank account to pay bills, receive your salary and make purchases. However, many expats overlook the fact that some banks may charge higher fees for international transactions or currency conversions, so you should research what local banks can offer you.

Not researching the cost of living

One of the most significant mistakes expats can make when moving to Spain is not thoroughly researching the cost of living in their chosen area. Spain is often considered more affordable than other European countries, but the cost of living can vary dramatically between regions.

Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and some coastal areas tend to have higher living costs, particularly when it comes to rent, groceries and utilities. In contrast, smaller towns or rural areas may be more affordable, but wages and job opportunities can also differ. Without understanding these regional differences, expats may find themselves facing unexpected financial pressures after their move. By planning a thorough budget and researching costs in your area, you can better understand what to expect.

Failing to understand Spanish work culture

When moving to Spain, many expats overlook the importance of understanding the local work culture, which can differ significantly from what they are accustomed to.

Spain has a distinctive approach to work-life balance, with a focus on longer lunch breaks that can often last two hours, particularly in southern regions. In some cases, businesses close for a siesta in the afternoon, especially in smaller towns. It’s also common for the working day to extend into the evening, with dinner typically being eaten much later than in other European countries.

Spanish workplaces also tend to value personal relationships and hierarchy. It’s important to build rapport with colleagues and also show respect for authority figures. It’s also worth noting that punctuality may be viewed more flexibly in Spain than in some cultures, though it’s still important to maintain professionalism.

Not preparing for Spanish customs and social etiquette

Moving to Spain requires more than just understanding the practical aspects of life – it’s equally important to prepare for Spanish customs and social etiquette. Spain has a rich cultural heritage, and social norms can vary between regions, but there are certain customs that are widely observed. For example, greetings are often more personal than in some other countries; a handshake or kiss on both cheeks is common when meeting someone for the first time as well as when greeting friends and family.

You should also aim to learn when to use formal and informal language. For example, using “usted” instead of “tu” can signal respect, especially in professional or unfamiliar settings. Not understanding these social cues can make interactions awkward or create a sense of distance in new relationships.

Spanish social etiquette often revolves around meals, family and communal activities. Meals, particularly lunch and dinner, are seen as important social events, and it’s customary to spend time with family and friends during these hours. It’s generally more acceptable to turn up later to these kinds of gatherings than it might be in other cultures, and events often start quite late in the evening. Taking the time to learn about Spanish social etiquette will allow you to better navigate your new life in Spain and build a community.

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