Moving to Spain
Visiting Spain once, you are doomed to fall in love with temperamental Spaniards, outrageously delicious cuisine, and unforgettable beach parties in Ibiza. The standard of living in Spain is one of the highest in the EU. The mild, warm Mediterranean climate provides comfortable living almost all year round.
Lots of sunshine, unique landscapes, social security, and stability - Spaniards are proud of their homeland, no wonder why so many decide to move to Spain permanently. But before you start packing your bags to move to Spain, let's take a look at how to move to Spain and what to expect once you are there.
Spain is located in southwestern Europe and occupies about 85% of the Iberian Peninsula. The total area of the country is 505,990 km2. The land is divided into 17 autonomous communities that are subdivided into 50 provinces. Spain has a population of about 47 million people, almost 85% of whom are Spanish: Catalans, Andalusians, Castilians, Valencians, Galicians, Basques, and 15% foreigners.
Moving to Spain, consider the natural contrasts: while the northwest of the country has one of the highest rainfall rates in Europe, the south of Spain, is the driest area in this part of the world. One finds almost African semi-desert landscapes with thickets of fan dwarf palm, the only wild-growing palm in Europe.
How to Immigrate to Spain
Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not require a Span visa to work and live in Spain, only a Fiscal Identification Number (NIF) or the Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE). The following ways of immigration to Spain are solely applicable to citizens of non-EU/EEA countries.
Education
Receiving higher education is one of the ways to legally immigrate to Spain. Upon getting your certificate you will be eligible to stay and look for a job so your employer would make you a job offer and sponsor your work permit. Apply for a type D visa for studies that last longer than 6 months.
First Steps upon arrival in Spain
- Get Foreigner’s Identity Card - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).
Once you have moved to Spain, the first thing you should do is get a TIE card. It is a document confirming your legal status as a foreign citizen in Spain. Every foreigner moving to Spain for longer than 6 months must obtain it.
- Get Foreign Identity Number - Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE).
The Foreign Identity Number is a unique number of 7 numbers and 2 letters that each foreigner moving to Spain for longer than 6 months must obtain. This number will be shown in all of your documents. You have one month to apply for it after the move to Spain.
- Get Fiscal Identification Number - Numero de Identificacion Fiscal (NIF)
The NIF is a Tax Identification Number in Spain that is required for anyone living in working in Spain for tax purposes.
- Open a Bank Account.
To open a bank account in Spain you need to have a valid passport, TIE, proof of employment, and proof of residence.
Healthcare in Spain
The Healthcare system in Spain, called Instituto Nacional de la Salud, is divided into public and private sectors. Public healthcare in Spain is funded by the government through taxation, therefore, covers citizens and legal residents for free.
The main document required to receive free services in state clinics is the individual health card Tarjeta Sanitaria (TSI), which all working and living in Spain residents are eligible for. With a TSI card you will be able to:
- Make an appointment with a doctor for a consultation
- Get a prescription for a required medication ( frequently with a 5%-50% sale)
- Receive required treatment
- Ambulance services
- Benefits for retirees
The only drawback of public health care in Spain is the waiting time and limited treatments option. Individuals who desire to have more coverage purchase private healthcare insurance.
Earning and Spending in Spain
As of July 2022, the minimum wage in Spain is €1,166 per month (if paid in 12 installments) working at a full-time position, which is €7.82 per hour. The average monthly salary in Spain is estimated to be about €18,000 - €21,000 per month.
Renting vs. Housing in Spain
Renting
A contract in Spain can be either for a short-term rental signed for up to 12 months (with a potential renewal) or a long-term rental for 5 or 7 years if rented by the business. Prior to renting in Spain, request the owner documents that prove the ownership.
The average rent in Spain for a 1 bedroom apartment ranges from €600 - €750 per month, for a 3 bedroom apartment expect to pay about €930 - €1300 per month. Rent in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona is higher and ranges between €760 - €1,000 for 1 bedroom and €1,230 - €1,700 for 3 bedroom apartments.
Housing
Buying property in Spain as a foreigner is easy. Currently, there are no restrictions prohibiting or complicating the purchase process. If the estate exceeds €500,000 you will be eligible to apply for a Golden visa allowing you to work, live and do business in Spain without a national sponsor.
If you are looking into getting a mortgage, remember that the bank will cover up to 80% of the total price. Before buying a home in Spain, save up 35% of the property cost, 20% for the downpayment, and 15% for related expenses, fees, and taxes.
The average property cost in Spain heavily relies on the city and location within the city you are moving to. Costs for the properties vary from €304 per m2 in small towns to €5,078 per m2 in the city center of Madrid. The average house price in Spain ranges from €150,000 to €220,000.
