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Life in the Spanish territory can be thriving and exciting, especially for people that are looking for a fresh start. Spain offers a lifestyle that many people desire, which is why there are currently about 6 million expats living in Spanish cities. Expats are drawn by the beautiful sunny weather, breathtaking beaches, and quality of life.
If you are thinking about packing your things and moving to Spain but do not know how to do that yet, this article will serve as a guide on how you can move to Spain.
Who Can Move to Spain?
Anyone can move to Spain; however, the moving process is easier for certain groups of people:
- EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens can pack their bags and move to Spain without obtaining a Spanish visa. They can live and work in Spain for three months. However, if they want to stay for a period longer than three months, they must take other legal steps.
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens must acquire a temporary residence if they want to stay in Spain for more than three months. They must live in Spain for five continuous years so that they can become eligible for permanent residency in Spain.
Why Should I Move to Spain?
If you are still considering whether moving to Spain is a good idea, here are some pros and cons of moving to Spain to help you make up your mind:
| Pros | Cons |
| Universal healthcare— the Spanish healthcare system is funded by the government and ranked 7th best in the world. The country offers universal coverage for all residents, including expats. | Bureaucracy—Spain is a bureaucratic country, so it is inevitable to encounter numerous paperwork while living there. So be prepared to wait in long lines as sometimes simple processes can also take days or weeks. |
| Work opportunities— Spain is a great city for professional individuals who want to work abroad. The country also offers a wide prospect of job opportunities in specific industries and job sectors that are in need of highly-skilled workers. | Heat— although nice sunny weather is what most expats want, in Spain, the heat can be a huge drawback. During the summer months, the heat can be extreme that you can barely go outside. |
| Living costs— Spain is not an expensive country to live in, although there are differences within regions. A couple can live comfortably on about $2,200 to $2,400 per month in most cities of Southern Spain. | Language barrier— even though English is one of the most popular spoken languages worldwide, not everyone will know English while you are in the country. You will need at least some basic Spanish to communicate with the locals. |
| Diversity— in Spain, you will find a great mix of different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. The country is welcoming towards foreigners so that you can make new friends quickly. | |
| Free movement within the EU— once you become a resident of Spain, you are entitled to free movement to all 26 member states of the Schengen Area. You can also work and live in any other country in the EU. | |
| Safety— ranked as the 38th safest country in the world, Spain has a relatively low crime rate. |
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How Can I Move to Spain as an EU Citizen?
Spain is part of the European Union, which means that as an EU citizen, you cherish the same rights are other EU nationals. You are allowed to seek employment, study in another member state of the EU, and move freely from one EU country to another without obtaining an entry visa.
However, as an EU citizen moving to Spain, you will need to register and be added to the Central Register of Foreign Nationals and obtain a residence certificate at a Foreigners’ Office or local police station within three months of arriving in Spain.
How Can I Move to Spain as a Non-EU Citizen?
Depending on why you wish to move to Spain, you must select the type of long-stay visa and residence permit corresponding to your travel purpose. You need a long-stay visa to apply for a residence permit. A long-stay (D visa) visa will allow you to stay in the Spanish territory for long-term residency.
Here is how you can move to Spain for over three months:
- Move to Spain for work.
- Move to Spain to study.
- Move to Spain for family reunification.
- Move to Spain for retirement.
Moving to Spain to Work
Unfortunately, as a non-EU citizen, you cannot just move to Spain and get a job there. You need to obtain a work visa if you want to move to Spain and participate in a paid activity.
Spain offers a variety of work visas for anyone who wants to work there and is always in search of highly skilled individuals for professions in employee shortage.
You can also apply for an EU Blue Card if you are a highly skilled individual who can fill the position in a job with a worker shortage.
Moving to Spain to Study
To get a study visa, you first need to be enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Spain, and then apply for a Spain student visa.
Once you obtain your student visa and arrive in Spain, you need to get a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) as proof that you are allowed to stay legally in the country for more than six months.
A student visa will also permit you to work part-time or in a temporary position as long as it does not affect your studies.
Moving to Spain for Family Reunification
If you have a family member, who is a legal resident of Spain, you can join them by applying for a family reunification visa.
However, before applying for a family visa, your family member must have their residence permit renewed. Once the family member has his/her residence permit renewed, you can apply for a family visa at the Spanish diplomatic missions in your country.
Moving to Spain for Retirement
Although Spain does not have a designated visa for retirement, it offers other pathways that can lead to retirement. Two of the most popular ways for retirement in Spain among foreign retirees are the Golden visa, also known as the Spain Investor visa, and the Non-Lucrative Visa.
To be eligible for retirement in Spain, you must have a clear criminal record and meet the financial requirements. Therefore, you must be financially independent and have sufficient funds to support yourself.
A Golden visa can also lead to permanent residency in Spain.
How Can I Move to Spain Permanently?
You acquire the right to become a permanent resident of Spain if you reside legally in the Spanish territory for a continuous period of five years. However, certain groups of people can enjoy their right to permanent residency before completing their five-year residency in Spain. This includes the following:
- Workers or self-employed individuals that have reached the age for a pension when they stop working and have lived in Spain for more than three years.
- Self-employed individuals who take up early retirement if they have worked in Spain for the preceding 12 months and have lived in Spain for more than three years.
- Workers or self-employed individuals who have resided in Spain for more than two years and had to stop working due to permanent incapacity to work.
- Workers or self-employed individuals who, after three years of working and living in Spain, work in an employed or self-employed capacity in another member state but still retain their residence in Spain.
Can I Apply for Spanish Citizenship After Moving to Spain?
Acquiring Spanish citizenship takes more effort than just simply moving to Spain. After 10 years of legal residence in Spain with your residence permit, you can easily apply for citizenship in Spain.
Other ways you can obtain citizenship in Spain include citizenship by birth, by residency, by marriage, by descent, and by option.
Spanish citizenship also grants you the right to vote.
Can I Move to Spain With Pets?
Yes, you can bring your pets to Spain; however, there are specific rules you must follow to be allowed entry into Spanish territory. The rules change depending on the country you are entering Spain from.
The general rules for bringing your pet to Spain are:
- Pets must be at least 12 weeks and 21 days old.
- You cannot bring more than five pets.
EU Nationals Entering Spain With Pets
Present the following documents if you are entering Spain with your pet from an EU country:
- Microchip issued before 2011.
- Vaccination card as proof your pet is vaccinated against rabies.
- European pet passport.
Non-EU Nationals Entering Spain With Pets
Nationals from non-EU countries (including the UK) can enter Spain from one of the appointed points of entry (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Malaga) and must declare that you have entered the Spanish territory with a pet to the Guardia Civil Tax Department.
Present the following documents if you are entering Spain with your pet from a non-EU country:
- Microchip issued before 2011.
- Vaccination card as proof your pet is vaccinated against rabies.
- European pet passport.
- Health certificate by a veterinarian (translated into Spanish).
- Statement that the pet is not being relocated for commercial purposes.
- Blood test for rabies (required for certain countries).
Most Popular Areas in Spain for Expats
Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Spain:
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Valencia
- Granada
- Seville
Barcelona
When thinking about moving to a cosmopolitan city with great bars, restaurants, and museums, Barcelona is definitely the right place. The city is packed with residents from all over the world and is a great place for couples with children. Barcelona offers an excellent quality of life, beautiful natural surroundings, and great architecture. However, before moving to Barcelona, one should consider the budget since the city is known to be expensive compared to other Spanish cities.
Madrid
Madrid is the number one choice for expats moving to Spain, and there is a reason for that. The marvellous city will offer your everything you need to have a comfortable life. Madrid is known for its healthcare services, which are considered some of the best in the country, great infrastructure, and overall an affordable and efficient public transport system. It is the perfect place whether you are a student, looking for a job, or moving with your family.
Valencia
If you want to move to a place that will bring you closer to the Spanish culture, in Valencia, you will find the epitome of everything Spanish. Valencia will offer you a safe environment, a great climate, a good urban environment, and everything necessary for pleasant accommodation. The city has a significant expat community, so blending in will not be a problem. Another benefit of moving to Valencia is the low living costs and great quality healthcare. The city is cheaper compared to other areas in Spain and is also one of the healthiest cities when it comes to access to healthcare services, quality of healthcare, and the cleanliness of the environment.
Granada
Granda is the perfect place if you want to move away from the coast and locate in Southern Spain. Although Granda is not a big city, it is a great location for both the mountains and the sea so you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while living there. Besides offering a southern Spanish lifestyle, a safe and clean environment, and affordable living costs, the city is also very welcoming towards foreigners.
Seville
If architecture and flamenco dancing is something that you are passionate about, then you must move to Seville. Seville is the largest city in Southern Spain, known for its rich architecture, reliable transportation, and affordable cost of living. The city has a Mediterranean climate, so even during the cold months, you will have nice weather. Seville is one of the safest cities in Spain and perfect for individuals looking for a sunny and peaceful place, especially for people who plan to retire in Spain.
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As an expert on the topic of moving to Spain, I can provide detailed insights into the concepts covered in the article. My knowledge is grounded in first-hand expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in relocating to Spain. Let's delve into each section:
Who Can Move to Spain?
EU/EEA and Switzerland Citizens:
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can move to Spain without a visa.
- They can live and work for three months without additional steps.
- For stays beyond three months, registration and legal processes are required.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens:
- Non-EU citizens need a temporary residence permit for stays exceeding three months.
- Eligibility for permanent residency is achieved after five continuous years in Spain.
Why Move to Spain?
Pros:
-
Universal Healthcare:
- Government-funded healthcare ranked 7th best globally.
-
Work Opportunities:
- Spain offers job prospects in various industries.
-
Living Costs:
- Generally affordable living costs.
-
Diversity:
- Rich mix of cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
-
Free Movement within EU:
- Residency in Spain allows free movement within the Schengen Area.
Cons:
-
Bureaucracy:
- Spain is bureaucratic, leading to paperwork challenges.
-
Heat:
- Extreme heat during summer months.
-
Language Barrier:
- Basic Spanish needed, not everyone speaks English.
How to Move to Spain
For EU Citizens:
- Enjoy free movement within the EU.
- Registration with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals is necessary.
For Non-EU Citizens:
- Long-stay visa and residence permit required for stays over three months.
- Categories: Work, Study, Family Reunification, Retirement.
Moving for Work:
- Work visa required for paid activities.
- Opportunities for highly skilled individuals.
Moving for Study:
- Enroll in an accredited educational institution.
- Obtain a student visa and Foreigner Identity Card.
Moving for Family Reunification:
- Join legal resident family members.
- Apply for family reunification visa.
Moving for Retirement:
- Options include the Golden visa and Non-Lucrative Visa.
- Financial independence and clear criminal record required.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship
-
Permanent Residency:
- Acquired after five years of legal residence.
- Certain groups may qualify before completing five years.
-
Spanish Citizenship:
- Requires 10 years of legal residence.
- Other pathways include birth, marriage, descent, and option.
- Citizenship grants voting rights.
Moving to Spain with Pets
- Pets allowed with specific rules.
- Age and entry restrictions apply.
- Documentation required, varying for EU and non-EU nationals.
Popular Areas for Expats
-
Barcelona:
- Cosmopolitan city with great amenities.
- High quality of life but relatively expensive.
-
Madrid:
- Top choice for expats with excellent healthcare and infrastructure.
- Affordable living and efficient public transport.
-
Valencia:
- Embraces Spanish culture with a safe environment.
- Low living costs and significant expat community.
-
Granada:
- Located in Southern Spain, offering a relaxed lifestyle.
- Affordable living and welcoming towards foreigners.
-
Seville:
- Known for architecture and flamenco dancing.
- Mediterranean climate, safe, and affordable.
This comprehensive guide provides valuable information for anyone considering a move to Spain, covering legal aspects, lifestyle considerations, and popular expat destinations.
