If you’re planning to change your life with a move to Spain, you are most certainly not the only one. In 1n 2019, a record 750,000 people moved to sunny Spain, a figure that is almost certain to be surpassed in 2022. There are many reasons that people are moving to Spain like never before.
Perfect weather, great food, a low cost of living, an improving job market, and an ideal location in the heart of the EU are just a few of the draws of the magical country. If you are planning a move to Spain, you have a lot of work cut out. Read our Spain moving tips to ensure that your relocation goes without a hitch.
1. Can You Move to Spain?
First off, it is worth looking into whether or not you can currently move to Spain. As with moving to another country anywhere in the world, Spain has strict visa requirements for most foreign nationals. If you are an EU citizen, you have freedom of movement and can move whenever you want for any reason with no visa required.
If you are a US citizen or a citizen of another rich country, you can apply for a freelancer or self-employed visa (as long as you earn at least €2000 a month). Otherwise, you can secure a job or place of study in Spain and apply for a standard visa this way.
2. Location, Location, Location
Where you choose to live in Spain will have a huge impact on your moving process and your Spanish experience. That’s why it is important to choose the best places in Spain for your needs. If you are looking for a summer bolthole or retirement spot, the sun-kissed city of Marbella is your best bet. You can read more about moving to Marbella here. For students and tech-heads, Barcelona is the place to be. Those working in the cultural or policy sectors are best off in Madrid. You get the picture.
3. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Spain is substantially lower than in the US. In most parts of the country, a single person can get by with €900 per month ($1,032). However, much like in America, the cost of living varies massively depending on where you live. For example, in pricey Barcelona, the absolute minimum a single person would need to live is around €1800 per month ($2,063). Always do your research on your destination before you go.
4. Making the Move
Once you have your paperwork and your finances in order, all that is left is to make the big move. For this, the process is not too complicated, at least compared to some other European countries. You can usually ship all household goods from the East Coast of the US to anywhere in Spain for around $1000. Make sure your visa is finalized before you go AND that you have comprehensive health insurance before you set foot on the plane. That’s pretty much it.
The World at Your Fingertips
Are you ready to move to Spain? In order to get the most out of your Spanish adventure, you’ll want to know the hottest spots and the best budgeting tips. For this, you have come to the right place. Make sure to check out our expertly-curated Travel guides to learn more.
