Moving to Spain in 2023

Step by step guide on migrating and relocating to Spain in 2023?

Use our Guide to find all the moving information you may need if you are thinking of moving or working in Spain.

There are many reasons why people choose to relocate and move to Spain. Firstly, Spain offers a great quality of life to newcomers, allowing them to enjoy sunny weather, delicious foods, beautiful landscapes and a vibrant culture. With a large and diverse population of expats from many countries, Spain is one of the most cosmopolitan places in Europe and offers a wide range of social activities. The cost of living in Spain is lower than in other European countries, making it a great option for many families and individuals who wish to enjoy an improved lifestyle without breaking the bank. Additionally, Spain offers a wide selection of job opportunities. The country is quickly becoming one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investments due to its competitive labour market, new business environment and modern infrastructure. Employers are increasingly looking to fill positions that require diverse skills, and with generous tax incentives available, entrepreneurs often find it a great place to start their own businesses. Finally, Spain’s excellent healthcare system provides a wide range of services and facilities, making it appealing both to new residents and expats looking for reliable healthcare. The country is a popular retirement destination due to its low cost of living and long life expectancy, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable standard of living and access to a wide array of healthcare services. For all of these reasons, many people are choosing to relocate and move to Spain, making it one of the most popular destinations to live in Europe.

Cost of Moving to Spain

The cost of moving to Spain will depend on a range of factors, such as whether you’re moving for work, what type of accommodation you’re looking for, and how much stuff you are bringing with you. Although moving to Spain is generally more affordable than many other Western European countries, it’s still important to consider your budget and plan ahead. Moving Costs: • Flights or transportation to Spain – Depending on your starting location, flights or transportation to Spain can be costly. Make sure to research your options and plan in advance to secure the best prices. • Shipping or relocating your possessions – Depending on the amount of stuff you need to bring with you, there are a variety of ways to transport your belongings. You could opt for a door-to-door shipping service, use a traditional removals firm, or even hire a camper van. Dont forget to also factor in the cost of any visas or other legalities. • Accommodation – Spain’s property price varies from region to region. Depending on whether you want to rent or buy, you’ll need to factor in your budget for accommodation. Don’t forget to consider the ongoing costs of bills, taxes, and any maintenance. • Insurance – You may need to purchase travel insurance, health insurance, and/or an expat insurance plan depending on your particular circumstances. Make sure to research your options carefully. • Relocation services – If you’d prefer to leave all the moving arrangements to a professional, then you could opt to use a relocation service. • Living expenses – Don’t forget to set aside some funds for living expenses like food, transportation and leisure. Depending on your lifestyle, these costs can quickly add up. • Visas and legalities – Unless you already have a valid Spanish residency permit or are a citizen of an EU member state, you may need to apply for a visa before entering Spain. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to arrange a work permit if you intend to take up employment. Take your time to consider the costs associated with living in Spain, the size of your budget, and the type of accommodation that best suits your needs. Factor in all these costs, and make sure you have enough savings to keep you going while you establish yourself in this exciting and beautiful country.

Best Jobs in Spain

The most popular jobs for migrants moving to Spain tend to be the service and hospitality sector, such as waiters, bartenders, kitchen staff, cleaners, and taxi drivers. These roles typically offer a relatively low salary, but minimum wages and regulations have been provided by the government to ensure that migrants are not taken advantage of. In 2019, the minimum wage for a waiter or bartender in Spain was €1,050 gross per month, a cleaner earned €845 gross per month, while a taxi driver earned €2,650 gross per month. Other popular roles amongst migrants in Spain include construction and engineering positions like plumbers, electricians, and masonry workers. Salaries vary widely in these professions, but typically range from €1,200 to €2,500 gross per month. According to the Spanish Construction and Public Works Union, a chief laborer will earn around €1,400 per month. Some migrants also work in seasonal roles, such as agricultural work and tourism. Agricultural work typically pays around €1,200 gross per month, while the hospitality sector can pay up to €1,500 gross per month depending on the type of work. According to the government of Spain, the most popular tourist jobs are tour guides and receptionists, both of which typically pay €1,500 per month. Finally, many migrants in Spain opt to take up freelance roles, such as graphic design, programming, and app development. The pay rate in these professions depends on the job, but can range from €500 to €3,500 gross per month. Thus, the most popular jobs amongst migrants moving to Spain include the service sector, construction and engineering,Agricultural work, tourism, and freelance roles. Salaries for these roles vary widely, depending on the profession and region of Spain.

Weather in Spain

Spain generally enjoys a temperate climate with warm dry summers and cool winters. The climate in Spain is influenced mostly by the Atlantic Ocean and its mild temperatures can vary depending on elevation and distance from the coast. Summers tend to be hot and dry, especially in the inland areas of Spain. Average temperatures in the summer months range from the mid 70s Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) to the mid 80s Fahrenheit (30 Celsius). Winters tend to be mild, with temperatures averaging in the 40s Fahrenheit (8-10 Celsius). The seasons in Spain are spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Spring is mild and pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahreneit (15-25 Celsius) and clear skies. Summer is hot, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (30-35 Celsius), and some regions becoming very dry due to lack of rainfall. Autumn sees the temperature dip back into the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius), with some showers and cooler nights. Winter is relatively mild with temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit (8-15 Celsius). Snow is rare in southern parts of Spain, but is more common in the mountainous areas of north and east Spain. Rainfall is heaviest in the winter months, especially in the north and east.

Tax & Welfare System in Spain

The tax system in Spain is relatively progressive with two main types of taxes - direct taxes and indirect taxes. Direct taxes are taxes on incomes, companies, and wealth, while indirect taxes are taxes on goods and services. The corporate tax rate in Spain is currently 25%, one of the lower rates in Europe and substantially lower than the United States. Personal income tax rates in Spain are progressive, ranging from 19% to 45%. Spanish citizens earning below €12,450 pay no income tax. Other taxes include capital gains, inheritance, and value-added taxes. The social welfare system in Spain is a comprehensive one, providing health care and pensions, as well as unemployment and maternity benefits. All workers in Spain are eligible for social security benefits and are required to contribute a percentage of their salary to the system. People in Spain who are registered as unemployed also receive social assistance benefits and are eligible for unemployment protection programs. This includes job search assistance and career guidance. There is also a state support program for people with disabilities. The social welfare system in Spain also provides subsidies for housing and public assistance for people in need. This includes assistance for single-parent households, the elderly, and people with disabilities. These services are funded and administered by the Spanish government. Overall, the social welfare system in Spain ensures that basic needs-such as health, housing, and education-are met and that individuals are provided with a safety net in times of hardship.

Holidays in Spain

Spain celebrates a variety of national holidays throughout the year. Some of the holidays are religious, some cultural and some inspired by Spains long and complex history that dates back to antiquity. New Years Day (Día de Año Nuevo): January 1 Epiphany (Epifanía): January 6 Good Friday (Viernes Santo): Two days before Easter Sunday (April 10 in 2020.) Labor Day (Día del Trabajo): May 1 Fathers Day (El Día del Padre): Third Sunday of June Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen): August 15 Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad): October 12 All Saints Day (Día de Todos los Santos): November 1 Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución): December 6 Christmas (Navidad): December 25 In addition, each region of Spain may designate additional local public holidays. The Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, and Andalusia all have their own local holidays celebrated throughout the year.

Where to Live in Spain

The most densely populated areas of Spain are located around the central core of the country, in and around the capital city of Madrid. This area is also home to the largest concentration of jobs in the country. Many of Spains largest companies and corporations are based in this central core, including finance, banking, construction, energy, IT and communications, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. Major Spanish international brands such as Zara, Telefónica, and BBVA are also based in Madrid. Other important areas of high employment and population density in Spain can be found along the Mediterranean coast. Tourist-driven economies in the cities of Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and other coastal cities provide thousands of jobs in hospitality, leisure, retail and services. In the southern regions of Spain, Andalusia, Extremadura and Murcia are some of the most densely populated areas, with a range of industrial, agricultural and tourist-related industries. Many businesses in this region are set up to serve an export market and ship produce to other regions in Europe. Finally, the Basque region of Spain, the countrys northernmost region, has a similarly high employment rate and concentration of people. Historically, this region has been the center of the countrys industrial activity and its largest shipbuilding, manufacturing and commercial ports are located here.

Sports & Recreation in Spain

Spain is known globally for its love of sport and recreational activities. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the country. It is the nation’s national sport and all Spaniards follow the many football teams around the world. Other popular sports include basketball, tennis, cycling, golf, and motor racing. All of these sports have professional leagues in Spain and attract large audiences. In addition to team sports like football and basketball, Spain is known for a number of individual recreational activities. Popular hiking trails can be found all along the country’s rugged coastline and mountain ranges. Tourists and locals alike enjoy biking throughout the country’s picturesque backcountry roads and stunning landscapes. Surfers flock to the unique surf spots in Galicia, the Basque Country, and on the Canary Islands year-round. The watersports scene in Spain is also booming with activities like scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing. Other popular sports that can be enjoyed in the country are horseback riding, kayaking, and climbing. Finally, Spain is becoming increasingly popular for its healthy food scene and growing numbers of health-conscious residents. Yoga, running, Pilates, and kitesurfing are enjoyed by many lifestyle-focused Spaniards.

Cost of Living & Housing in Spain

The cost of living in Spain will vary depending on location and lifestyle, but overall its quite affordable compared to other parts of Europe. In major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, prices are higher than in smaller towns and rural areas. The average monthly cost of living in Spain is between 800 and 1200 EUR, or 932 and 1447 USD. This amount should cover basic necessities like housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. Housing costs in Spain are reasonable in comparison to other parts of Europe, but can range drastically depending on location. In general, a basic one-bedroom apartment outside of a major city will cost around 500–600 EUR a month, while something in a city center could be up to double that amount. If you are looking for something higher-end, the cost could be upwards of 1500 EUR a month. Rental prices tend to be cheaper in the south of Spain, while the north is more expensive. Utility costs, like water and electricity, are included in some rental agreements, but may be extra in others, with an average cost of around 80 EUR per month.

Best International Removals Companies to/from Spain

When the move to Spain gets closer, finding local and international removals companies that suit your requirements are critical. Find a list of the best companies Near You.

Immigration Advice and Visa InformationSpanish

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Study and Higher Education in Spain

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