Did you know that Spain is home to more than 46 million people? This number is growing as more people decide to move to Spain. Spain is one of the most popular countries for people to move to from other countries.
This is not surprising since Spain is home to beautiful beaches, friendly people, and colourful culture. But what should you consider when moving to your new house in Spain?
Keep reading and learn more about what you should do.
1. Find Out Where You Want to Live
Moving to Spain is a big leap. But not all of Spain is the same. This is why you should do your research before making your big move.
Each region of Spain is very different. The north of Spain is mountainous, green, and rainy. The culture there is inspired by the Celts and the food is very hearty and filling.
It can get cold enough to snow in some regions of the north. It also is bordered by the Cantabrian sea and beautiful limestone cliffs.
The south of Spain is very different. It is dry and hot. Its culture has Moorish roots, which you can see in the beautiful old mosques and mosaics scattered throughout the region.
The south prioritises seafood and lively music.
It is known for its sandy beaches and more laidback lifestyle. Knowing where you want to settle down in Spain is important. You don’t want to find yourself in a location that you don’t love.
2. Learn the Language
Many people think that they can move to Spain without speaking a word of English. While you can get by, it isn’t a great idea. Some regions of Spain don’t have many people that speak English.
Madrid and other large cities are some of the only locations that have large numbers of English-speaking people. Other regions may only know a few words in English. This is why it is important to learn the basics of the language.
It will show that you are making an effort to enter the Spanish culture. Spanish people always appreciate foreigners who try to speak their language. Learning the language will also make your life easier in Spain.
This is true whether you’re ordering at a restaurant or filing legal documents. You don’t want to rely on Google Translate to help you with every bit of information. Once you arrive in Spain, it should be easier to learn the language since you will be immersed in it.
3. Consider the Cost of Living
The cost of living in Spain is cheap, but it isn’t free. You should still create a budget to help you through your time in Spain. The cost of living will depend on what part of Spain you are moving to.
Buying a house in Spain will be very expensive if you choose Madrid. This is because Marid is like the New York City of Spain. Smaller cities like Gijon or Valencia are much more affordable.
They are still full of many fun things to do too. Before you start moving house, research the cost of groceries, rent, and other aspects. This will help you understand how much you will spend every month.
Most regions of Spain are cheaper compared to the cost of living in the United States or England.
4. Obtain Your Spanish Residency
You will need to become a Spanish resident if you want to live in Spain long-term. You will need a card known as the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extanjero if you want to stay longer than 6 months. Do this within the first 30 days of arriving in Spain.
You will also need to go to the town hall and register your Spanish address. You will then receive a certificado de empadronamiento which makes it possible to buy a house in Spain. You can also apply for a tax number and health insurance, both of which are required.
5. Choose the Right Type of Home
There are many home options in Spain. You can rent an apartment, buy a house, and so on. If you’re moving alone, you won’t need a very large space.
Many small homes and apartments are very cheap in Spain. But what if you are moving with your family? It will be a bit more expensive, but still not as expensive as buying a place in the US.
6. Translate Your Documents
You can’t use English documents in Spain. Before you move, you need to get them translated. Do not do this yourself.
You need to have them translated by a professional translator. You will get a copy of these translated documents. You can then use these translated documents to apply for various things in Spain.
The documents you need translated are your birth certificate and marriage certificate. You may need to translate others as well.
7. Pack Properly
Don’t forget to pack everything you need for your big move. Make a moving day checklist. This makes it easier to make sure that you don’t miss anything important.
You don’t want to be halfway across the world and realise that you forget an important item from your old home.
Moving to a New House in Spain
Getting a new house in Spain is exciting. But you do have to do your research and make sure you’re prepared beforehand. Make sure you translate your important documents and learn about the different regions in Spain.
Try to learn a bit of Spanish and don’t forget to pack everything you need. To learn more about moving to Spain, check out our housing options.