Even if many people think that migrating to a country with sandy beaches, incredible food, and an almost ideal environment is a dream come true, assessing the benefits and drawbacks of living in Spain is necessary in order to make an informed decision. Living in Spain has numerous benefits, such as the superior healthcare system, but there are drawbacks, such as the high unemployment rate. The list that follows will assist you in developing a realistic perspective of a new life in Spanish.
Benefits of Residing in Spain
The cost of Living is low
In comparison to other European cities like London, Amsterdam, and Paris, even the Spanish capitals of Madrid and Barcelona provide a high-quality lifestyle for less money. Even though you’ll need about 1800 euros per month for city living, you can get by in the majority of Spain on an average monthly salary of 1300 euros.
Fantastic weather
Even though Spain’s winters can be chilly, wet, and even snowy, the country’s generally temperate temperature is very pleasant. In the country’s southern regions, the sun shines more than 300 days a year. The wonderful weather makes outdoor activities delightful, whether you prefer cycling, hiking, swimming, or playing team sports.
Amazing Scenery
Almost 5,000 kilometres, or slightly over 3100 miles, is the length of the Spanish coastline. Sand beaches draw Spanish people and visitors who want to sunbathe, swim, or participate in water sports.
Spain has an abundance of stunning, untouched natural landscapes away from the beaches, many of which are still relatively unexplored. The nation is home to numerous magnificent volcanoes, vast lakes, beautiful geological beauty, dense forests, dry deserts, and majestic mountains.
Purchasing a Property is Simple
In Spain, anyone—including non-citizens—can purchase real estate. For a foreigner to invest in real estate, there are no specific requirements. The Spanish government actively encourages international investment. If you choose to purchase a home for more than $500,000K, you will also be given a Golden Visa.
Spain was severely impacted by the 2008 global recession. The average decline in home values was over 40%. Spain is still regarded as a top country for property investments, despite the real estate market having completely recovered. You may get a free copy of our buying a property guide from our website here if you’re considering purchasing in Spain.
Learning about Europe
Spain has inexpensive and speedy flights to the most popular destinations in Europe. Using Spain as a base allows you to explore the continent of Europe.
healthcare is first-rate
The nation’s free, universal healthcare program is regarded as one of the greatest in the world. According to Spanish legislation, the nation is required to offer free emergency and basic treatment to anybody who needs it. The national health insurance program (Seguridad Nacional de Salud) is available to expats who make monthly social security contributions.
As an alternative, certain areas provide access in exchange for a monthly fee under the “Convenio Especial.” For those who have been in Spain for more than a year but do not automatically qualify for state healthcare as a taxpayer or state retiree, the program provides access to public healthcare. For further information on applying and eligibility, get in touch with your regional health authority since the program is run at the regional level. If everything else fails, most people can afford private health insurance, which will pay for both treatment at public hospitals and admission to private clinics.
Delicious Food
Paella, which most people mistakenly believe to be rice with seafood, is arguably the most well-known meal among tourists to Spain. In actuality, “paella” is the name of the shallow frying pan that the chefs use, which has two tiny handles. You can choose between paellas with seafood, meat, vegetables, or a combination of these. The well-known recipe varies depending on the region: in some, it is served with rice, green beans, and snails; in others, it may also include chorizo and other types of sausages; and in coastal areas, it may also include a variety of seafood, such as prawns, clams, calamari, and mussels. The short grain rice and saffron are present in all regional variations, imparting a distinct golden colour and aroma.
Along with paella, Catalunya is home to other excellent foods including Catalan Suquet, a variety of fish in a delectable sauce, and Fideua, a seafood and noodle meal. Traditional dishes like sausages and cured meats, or embutidos, are common in most places but vary by province.
Galicia is well known for its seafood, freshly picked veggies from the area, and cheeses. The Basque region is renowned for its cod recipes and extensive use of sauces on both meat and fish.
Fabada Asturiana, a hearty stew made with white haricot beans, is undoubtedly the dish that Asturias is best known for. Sardines and tuna harvested nearby are frequently served on provincial menus.
Seafood paella originated in Valencia, where you can also get it prepared in a variety of ways and Fideus a la Cassola, a type of stew with noodles.
Olives, rice, citrus fruits, and numerous spices are produced in Andaluca, which was under Arab rule for a long time. The area now produces a variety of fruits, including tropical varieties.
In addition to a variety of preserves and cured meats, Madrid restaurants frequently provide fresh fish and meat from different regions of Spain.
Due to the fertile soil in the area, Murcia produces a large portion of the nation’s lentils, beans, and other pulses as well as tomatoes, vegetables, garlic, and fruit.
La Rioja is the first wine that comes to mind when thinking about Spain’s excellent wines, but other regions, like Navarra, Valencia, Murcia, Ribera del Duero, Andalucia, and Catalunya, all produce wines of exceptional quality. Cava, a sparkling white wine, is also available in Catalonia, while sherry is traditionally produced in Jerez.
As you can see, wherever you choose to live or go, there are always delicious foods and beverages to sample.
Spain offers a variety of dining options, including tapas bars, cafes, upscale diners, or working-class restaurants with incredibly affordable “menus del dia” menus. The final option is among the finest for enjoying authentic Spanish cuisine when dining out in Spain at a reasonable cost.
Drawbacks to Living in Spain
High Rate of Unemployment
Many Spaniards who were employed lost their jobs during the 2008 financial crisis, and recent graduates had trouble finding employment. Although the economy has recovered, Spain’s unemployment rate remains high when compared to other European nations since we will still be dealing with COVID-19’s impacts at the end of 2023.
Language Disparity
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, and because it is generally easy for most people to acquire, it is a common language to study. But Spain has many distinct regional tongues, such as Basque, Catalan, and Galician. Due to these cultural quirks, it may be more challenging for newcomers to learn Spanish because they may not be able to tell Spanish from the local tongue apart accurately.
Permanent bureaucracy
Spanish people enjoy paper. There is a form to complete for each minor issue. In addition to this, the administration in the nation is also sluggish. Be ready to wait in line and register at several places if you are migrating to Spain from a non-EU/EEA country. This tedious process can be made more manageable by a gestor or attorney, who is worth the additional expense for the time and peace of mind gained.
Slow-moving Tempo of Life
Although the slower pace of life is one of the main draws for British expats visiting Spain, it can be inconvenient if you need to get anything done.
When many expats are considering getting ready for bed in the evening, restaurants are still operating. Avoid planning a night out before 1 o’clock in the morning, and be aware that some stores close in the afternoon for siesta.
Additionally, avoid trying to do anything in August because it frequently appears like the entire nation is on vacation. In August, many metropolitan firms take the full month off. On the other hand, if you reside in a beach resort, the increase in visitors, extra traffic, and noise can severely interfere with your everyday activities.
Summary
Overall, if you want to move abroad, Spain is a great option. After the coronavirus crisis, it is considered to be one of the greatest nations to live in. Spain is notable for its excellent weather, affordable pricing, political and economic stability, and high standard of family life. Spain is a desirable place to live and invest due of these qualities.
You can also read about: What to stay away from in Spain
