To live in Spain is to embark on an enchanting adventure, full of culinary, climatic and cultural discoveries.
This country offers an enviable quality of life, with its beautiful landscapes, rich history and vibrant social life.
If you’re considering Spain as your new home, this guide will illuminate the most attractive aspects of living in this magnificent European country.
Top reasons to live in Spain
Here are some reasons why you should choose to live in Spain:
Weather
Spain is known for its pleasant climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
This makes the country a perfect destination for those looking for outdoor activities and sunny days.
Public transportation
The public transport system in Spain is efficient and comprehensive, facilitating mobility within cities and between different regions of the country.
It’s a practical and sustainable option for everyday life, but it also provides easy access to several other countries in the European Union.
Security
Spain stands out as one of the safest countries in Europe, which offers peace of mind to residents and is an important factor for those looking for a new home abroad.
Gastronomy
Spanish cuisine is rich and varied, with famous dishes such as paella and gazpacho. In other words, the gastronomic experience is one of the country’s great attractions, reflecting its culture and tradition.
Quality of life
Spain offers a high quality of life, with a balance between work and leisure, excellent health and education services, as well as a rich cultural and social life.
Culture
Spanish culture is a mosaic of tradition and modernity. The country is home to some of the world’s most iconic soccer teams, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, and also celebrates a rich tradition in arts and music.
Vibrant festivals, dances such as flamenco, and historic architecture, from Gaudí’s works to medieval castles, show Spain’s cultural diversity.
The influence of different civilizations throughout history further enriches the cultural experience in the country.
Cost of living in Spain
The cost of living in Spain varies depending on the city and lifestyle.
According to data from the Expatistanfor a family of four, the estimated monthly cost is around €3,296 (R$17,936), while for a single person, it’s around €1,680 (R$9,141).
The country offers a more affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries.
For example, the monthly rent for an 85 m² furnished accommodation in the city’s prime area is around €1,336, while the cost of a daily menu in a restaurant is on average €18.
What do you need to live in Spain?
Living in Spain is a dream for many, but it requires some important steps.
The key to a successful transition is understanding and meeting documentation requirements.
Documentation required to live in Spain
To reside legally in Spain, it is essential to have the correct documentation, including a valid visa, which varies depending on the purpose of your stay – be it work, study, business or retirement.
In addition to the visa, other documents such as a valid passport, proof of income or employment and possibly a criminal record check may be required.
It is important to check the exact specifications for the type of visa you are seeking, as the requirements can vary significantly.
Visas to live in Spain
There are several types of visas to live in Spain, each suited to different situations and needs. Visas include:
- Work Visa: For those who have a job offer in Spain;
- Student Visa: intended for those who wish to study at Spanish institutions;
- Entrepreneur Visa: For those who want to start a business in Spain;
- Investor Visa (Golden Visa): For large investors;
- Visas for Pensioners: For retired people who wish to live in Spain;
- Digital Nomad Visa: for professionals who work remotely;
- Family Reunification Visa: To reunite family members of citizens living in Spain.
Each type of visa has specific requirements and different application processes. Ideally, you should contact a reliable immigration consultancy to help you throughout the process.
What is the health system like in Spain?
The health system in Spain is known for its high quality and efficiency. It is a public health system, universal and free for residents, and services include primary, specialized, hospital and emergency care.
On the other hand, many residents opt for private health insurance to access additional services.
What is education like in Spain?
Spain offers a robust education system with public, private and semi-private schools, and education is compulsory from the age of 6 to 16.
In the academic field, Spanish universities are renowned for their quality in both teaching and research.
Best cities to live in Spain
Some of the best cities to live in Spain include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Understand:
Madrid
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is a hub of cultural, sporting and gastronomic activities.
Home to famous soccer clubs such as Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, the city also stands out on the art scene, with renowned museums such as the Prado.
Madrid’s nightlife is one of the liveliest in Europe, offering a variety of bars and clubs.
The city also offers a high quality of life, with many parks and green spaces.
Barcelona
Barcelona, a city that mixes art, beach and culture, is known for its unique architecture, especially the works of Gaudí.
The city is home to FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious soccer clubs in the world, and Catalan cuisine is an attraction in itself, with dishes such as paella.
Barcelona offers a vibrant nightlife and a strong music scene, as well as being a city with a high quality of life, including urban beaches and parks.
Seville
Seville is famous for its history, flamenco art and impressive monuments such as Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar.
The city has a strong soccer tradition, with clubs such as Sevilla FC and Real Betis, while Andalusian cuisine and tapas are local highlights.
Seville is also known for its traditional festivals, such as the Feria de Abril. And the quality of life is enriched by the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Valencia
Finally, Valencia, known for its mix of innovation and tradition, is famous for the City of Arts and Sciences and the origin of paella.
The Valencia CF soccer club reflects the city’s sporting spirit, while music and festivals such as Las Fallas are significant cultural aspects.
Valencia also offers a high quality of life, with accessible beaches and a variety of leisure and entertainment options.
Is it worth living in Spain?
Yes! Living in Spain is very advantageous due to its quality of life, rich culture, high-quality health system and robust education.
In addition, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other Western European countries, as we have already seen.
Start living in Spain today with the help of D4U Immigration!
Planning your move to Spain can be a simple and smooth process with the expert assistance of D4U Immigration.
Recognized as the best immigration consultancy in the United States and Latin America, D4U offers a comprehensive and personalized service, ensuring that your journey to a new life in Spain is as smooth as possible.
With in-depth knowledge of immigration laws and a commitment to the success of its clients, D4U is the ideal partner to make your dream of living in Spain come true.