Spain is a very popular destination for expats and immigrants from all over the world. In 2005, Spain had an immigrant population of 4.8 million. Spain is popular with Moroccans, South Americans, British people, French, Germans, Scandinavians and Eastern Europeans and is becoming a truly international country, especially in large cities, like Barcelona and Madrid, and in coastal areas.

Spain has always been known as a hotspot for retired expats, but it is fast becoming a popular destination for workers and young families who want a warmer climate and a better lifestyle. Most expats in Spain settle quickly and enjoy their new life in the sun. However, some expats find it harder to settle and end up moving back to their home country – a real shame.

Here are our top tip for expats in Spain on how to live a happy life in the sun:

1. Rent first – Keep a base at home and rent for a year or so in Spain. This will give you time to find the perfect property and location, and you will get to know the area better and affirm whether the move is right for you. If you decide that Spain is not for you, then you can simply move back home.
2. Pick the right location – Is the location right for you and your needs? A villa in the middle of nowhere might look fantastic but how far will you have to travel to see a doctor, to do your shopping, get your haircut, take your children to school? Think about the practicalities and make a list of what facilities you need. For example, you may want to be in or near to an expat community.
3. Airport – How far are you from an airport for friends and family coming to visit? Also, it may help you to settle, knowing that you are near to an airport to get back home to see friends and family.
4. Learn Spanish – It's so frustrating not being able to communicate with Spaniards, especially when they are your neighbours. Make an effort to learn some Spanish. There are many online courses, books and audio courses available and of course classes and tutors. The BBC language website has got fantastic resources for people of all levels.
5. Make an effort to become part of the community – Get to know your neighbours, shop in the local shops, go to the local bar and get to know people. Join clubs and societies and have a social life. You need friends to talk to and moving to Spain gives you a great opportunity to make new friends and begin a new life.
6. Have realistic expectations – Don't expect your new life to be perfect – things can and do go wrong. You may have left the British weather behind but Spain has its quirks too, most notably the bureaucracy and red tape! Be thankful for your new life and don't keep comparing it to your home country.
7. Protect yourself – Make sure that you have adequate health cover. If you are a British pensioner living in Spain, you should have registered form E121 with the Spanish authorities to get healthcare. If you are not eligible for free healthcare, you will need to get private health cover.
8. Make a will – You need a will in your home country to cover any assets you have there, like bank accounts, and then you need to make a Spanish will to cover your assets in Spain.

These are just a few tips for a happy expat life in Spain. There is information in books and on the internet on moving to Spain and living in Spain. Make sure that you research everything before you move.