Spain, without a doubt, is one of the top destinations in Europe. It will get your heart racing just at the thought of traveling there, let alone moving there. The country has everything from excellent food to sceneries. They are bound to take your breath away, coupled with a laid-back holiday mood lifestyle.
However, to ensure that you can ease in as smoothly as possible to the Spanish culture, here is a checklist of everything you need to know before moving to Spain.
1- Research
Life in Spain is an exciting mix of sun, sand, sangria, traditional matadors or flamenco dancers, and finger-licking cuisines such as tapas, paellas, and delicious seafood. However, as you work out your move to Spain, you may also need to look past these exciting activities and focus on the reality of your everyday living.
Thanks to more people looking to teach English abroad, these cities have a larger English-speaking population and more job opportunities. They also host a load of other expatriates, so you are bound to be in good company, at least, until you become better acquainted with the region. Farther away from the bright city lights are various breathtaking places to live, from rural farmhouse setups in Extremadura to seaside studios in Marbella to Picos de Europa mountainside retreats
Try to gather as much information as possible regarding the cost of living, housing, education, groceries, and transportation. A lot of this information is available online. There are various online forums for expatriate communities. These community forums might provide you with invaluable insights on how you can acclimate yourself to the new environment and its culture.
2- Where To Live
If your reason for moving to Spain is relevant to work, you probably already know where you can find suitable accommodation. If this is not the case and you have to search for your living arrangements, a good place to start is in the capital, Madrid, or beachside Barcelona.
These cities have a larger English-speaking population and more job opportunities. They also host a load of other expatriates, so you are bound to be in good company, at least, until you become better acquainted with the region. Farther away from the bright city lights are various breathtaking places to live, from rural farmhouse setups in Extremadura to seaside studios in Marbella to Picos de Europa mountainside retreats.
3- Get a Non-lucrative Spanish Visa
Spanish law permits citizens from Switzerland and countries in the European Union to live and work in Spain. All other citizens must first get an entry visa to live or work in the country.
For instance, if you intend to live in the country for more than a year, you should apply for a non-lucrative Visa. Several resources online can provide you with information on how to get approval for a non-lucrative Visa in Spain.
4- Learn Spanish
Wherever you end up in Spain, most likely you need to know, at the very least, some everyday spoken Spanish to get by. Could you learn some Spanish even before you get to the country? Many individuals and teachers offer free online Spanish lessons on YouTube or other platforms. You also can enroll in a language school or go online and download a Spanish language app to help you learn the language.
Another excellent option is to work with a Spanish language tutor who can provide personalized lessons tailored to your specific needs and learning style. With a tutor, you can improve your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, making your transition to life in Spain smoother and more enjoyable.
5- Get An International Driving Permit
A long-term stay in Spain will mean that you will have to do your driving at some point. Is your license EU/EEA country-issued? The Spanish authorities allow you to drive within its boundaries until that license expires. However, you have to ensure that you have taken out car insurance.
Is your driver’s license not EU/EEA issued? You need to get a Spanish driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. You can get the International Driving Permit in your home country.
Conclusion
From its relaxed way of life to its warm climate, Spain attracts many foreigners to its borders. However, the more you can research and learn about the country, the more you will cope with any surprises you meet along the way while settling in Spain.