Working Abroad? 5 Things to Know About Living in Spain

**Collaborative post**

Life in Spain will be a memorable experience for you, although you may need to adjust a little before you can enjoy it in full. Apart from its pleasant climate and fascinating history, the cost of living is relatively low. But there are other practicalities to consider if you’re considering Spain as a new home base. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most important things to bear in mind to help you get the most out of your stay. 

1. Your Health Insurance

On the face of it, Spain’s healthcare policies are very liberal. Just about anybody can get free healthcare in emergencies, and those who pay social security are even better served, even if they aren’t Spanish citizens. 

On the downside, there are long waiting periods and you certainly can’t expect to call the shots regarding which facilities you use and which doctors you see. With some parts of the country able to offer better care than others, private options still represent the best in Spanish healthcare. But to use these, you’ll either have to pay in full or have some kind of insurance cover. Having health insurance in Spain is theoretically not necessary, but in practice, it does have some very concrete benefits. 

2. Your Housing

For ex-pats, buying a house in Spain is a lengthy and frustrating process that’s tangled in red tape and bureaucratic bungling. Suffice to say, it isn’t easy. If ex-pats are going to complain about anything, it’s going to be the bureaucracy and how hard it is to get anything done when official organizations have a role. 

On the upside, it’s certainly not impossible to buy a house if you really want to, and if you buy a higher-value property you automatically get a 2-year visa. However, do consider the pros and cons of a second home if you’re thinking of keeping it in the longer term while you hop from country to country. Renting might suit you better in the long run.

There’s nothing very unusual about the process involved in renting, but your lease will be in Spanish, so it will be wise to have it translated and explained to you before you sign on the dotted line. 

3. Your Language

If you’ve been used to thinking about English as the only international language that matters, think again. Spanish is also an important language spoken by millions of people around the world. As a result, the Spanish aren’t highly motivated to learn English, and you’ll find that only around 12 per cent of the people can speak it. 

If you’re planning to stay in Spain for a while rather than just visit, it’s wisest to master at least a few of the basics of the local language. Alternatively, you will simply have to resign yourself to finding other ways to make yourself understood. 

4. It’s Not Easy to Get a Job

Unemployment in Spain is high, so the chances of ex-pats finding jobs there are relatively low. To land one, you really will have to be an exceptional candidate with scarce skills. If you’re self-employed, on the other hand, things are really quite easy. Running a company from Spain is also relatively easy with low compliance costs that attract entrepreneurs looking for a home base. So, if you’re hoping to live in Spain, being self-employed or a business owner makes the most sense. 

5. Spanish Culture

The laid-back pace of life in Spain is (mostly) an advantage, but it does mean that patience will be required at times when you’d prefer to get things done fast. Queues are often long, and siesta, during which just about every business closes its doors, means you’ll have to plan around times you’d ordinarily expect things to be up and running. The only way to deal with this is to slow down and adapt. 

You’ll also find that Spain is not homogenous in its culture. Each region has its own character and at least seven different Spanish dialects are recognized. When it’s time to relax, there’s plenty to see and do. There is great art to see, and there are fascinating historic buildings to admire. When it comes to the beaches, those living near the coast will enjoy the sunny days and seaside lifestyle. As for the local cuisine, you really should give it a try. You might discover just why there are so few international restaurants around!

The Bottom Line

If you’re ready to be adaptable and patient, you can have a wonderful time living in Spain. It’s ideal for retirees and the self-employed – less so if you’re seeking employment. You may need to get a grip on Spanish if you hope to mix with locals – but it’s worth the effort. For those seeking exposure to a different culture and a chilled-out country with a reasonably low cost of living, Spain should definitely offer advantages!