Here are some tips for living in Spain
to help you settle and enjoy your new life.
1. Plan and Research – Don't act on a whim. Plan your move carefully and research everything. Find out what documentation you need to facilitate the move. Make regular trips to Spain to choose an area and type of property and take your time over decisions. It is a good idea to rent in an area first to make sure you are happy with your choice of property and area. Find yourself a good abogado (lawyer) when you are ready to buy a house and make sure they check everything out.
2. Don't underestimate the costs involved in moving and the cost of living in Spain. Budget about 10% of the cost of your property for fees and taxes. Don't assume that you can live on your savings in Spain and that everything will work out. Even in a country with a cheap cost of living, you still need an income coming in and savings always get spent quicker than you think.
3. Work – If you need an income from employment, make sure you have a job lined up and don't assume that you'll get a job easily. Unemployment in Spain is a problem, like most countries, and, unless you speak Spanish fluently, you may find it a struggle to get a job that will pay for your cost of living. If you are working as self-employed, make sure you take advice from a tax adviser or accountant, get registered in the social security system and complete tax returns for your business.
4. Choose professionals wisely – One of the best tips for living in Spain happily is to choose your abogado, gestor, tax adviser and accountant wisely. Never hire the abogado the builder or estate agent recommend, choose your own from recommendations from another expat or someone your trust. A gestor will guide you through the maze of bureaucracy which exists in Spain and a tax adviser is crucial for helping you with your annual tax returns.
5. Learn Spanish – Even learning a little of the language will be a big help. If you are going to be living on a Costa or in another popular immigrant area, then you may find that you can get away with just speaking your own language. However, if you really want to enjoy your new life to the full, it is essential to learn Spanish otherwise you will end up leading a very restricted life.
6. Health – Make sure that you have health cover, either privately or through the social security system, otherwise you could end up with some hefty bills.
7. Make an effort to become part of the community – Join in with fiestas, chat to your neighbours and shop locally to get your face seen and known. Your community can be your biggest help in times of trouble.
These are just some tips for moving to Spain. Spain can and will give you your dream if you are willing to make an effort.
