Moving to Spain: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats
1. Introduction to Living in Spain as an Expat
Spain has been a popular destination for expats from Italy for over 20 years, due to its high quality of life, ease of learning the language, and cultural similarities with Italian culture (in terms of customs and daily habits). However, as anyone who has experienced living in Spain firsthand can attest, it’s not a utopia. It’s a country with its own set of problems, contradictions, and everyday situations that may be difficult for foreigners to understand.
2. Cost of Living Compared to Italy
How much does it cost to live in Spain? How much do essential goods and services cost? Here is a comparison of the main differences between Italy and Spain:
- Daily average expenditure on basic food items for a family of 3-4 €21.82 €15.91
- Monthly average expenditure on basic food items €654.60 €477.30
- Rent per month for an apartment of 85 sqm in the center of a large city €1,018.47 €981.79
- Rent per month for an apartment of the same size in the suburbs €734.88 €711.54
- Utility costs and primary services (electricity, water, heating, waste disposal) for an 85 sqm apartment €146.65 €113.53
- Price of 1 liter of gasoline €1.49 €1.21
- Monthly public transportation pass €35.00 €45.00
- Average cost of a medication pack against the common cold €3.80 €4.45
- Average cost of a meal for two in a casual restaurant €30.00 €20.00
- Average cost of 2 movie tickets €16.00 €16.00
- Average price of 1 coffee at a bar €1.00 €0.80
- Monthly gym membership €46.76 €36.76
As a result, Spain offers advantages in terms of tax pressure and cost of living, making it statistically about 11% more convenient than Italy.
3. Choosing the Right City to Live in Spain
Exactly as in Italy, where to live in Rome or Florence has a completely different cost compared to living in a small town in the Marche region, Spain also has differences in terms of costs between living in Madrid and other autonomous communities that enjoy special fiscal regimes, such as the Canary Islands.
However, what is even more determinant is the occupational question, which varies from region to region based on professional sectors.
3.1 Researchers, Academics, Doctoral Students, University Staff
Those who are considered “brain drain” can choose freely among all major cities. Madrid and Barcelona, of course, but also Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and Salamanca (which is recommended especially for art and history scholars). Among the most important structures, we mention the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, but also important research institutions can be found in provinces, from Pontevedra to Córdoba, from Eibar to Lleida, to Palma de Mallorca.
3.2 Free Professionals
Free professionals must necessarily focus on cities with large populations, which is the same logic that applies to Italy. The reason is easily understood: a little like what happens in small Italian towns, where the population tends to trust local references, which are considered almost like family members. Logical, therefore, that the same communities tend not to trust outsiders who try to establish themselves in a relatively closed context. If you’re an architect, you can choose less crowded destinations like Bilbao (one of the most vibrant and architecturally and urbanistically active cities in Europe), Saragossa or Málaga.
3.3 Real Estate Professionals
On the contrary, those who work in the real estate sector should avoid further flooding the market in large cities, whose real estate market is already saturated and dominated by local entrepreneurs with long-standing experience. Better focus on small tourist centers that are reviving after a few decades of decline: Toledo, Cádiz, Pamplona.
There’s also someone who claims that the big revival of the real estate market will soon affect the Canary Islands, which today are practically unattractive to investors due to policies not very well illuminated by local administrations. It seems that things might change soon, so maybe it’s time to invest in Tenerife or Las Palmas again.
3.4 Seasonal Workers
For those looking for seasonal work, of course, the most receptive sectors are hospitality and food service. As a result, all tourist destinations, especially coastal ones, offer thousands of temporary job openings every year. Costa Brava, Catalonia (not just Barcelona, but also smaller centers like Lloret del Mar, Badalona, Sitges), Valencia Gulf (also good to find jobs in smaller towns like Benidorm, Alicante, Cartagena), and the Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos): it’s hard to choose. The most daring can even venture beyond the Strait of Gibraltar: those in southern regions like San Fernando, beautiful Sanlúcar de Barrameda at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, or Playa de Isla Canela, practically at the border with Portugal.
The Balearics – Ibiza, Formentera, and Mallorca – are a different world. However, for now, it’s better to avoid the Canaries until an expected revival takes place.
3.5 Unqualified Workers
For those looking for unskilled jobs, always keep in mind the level of demand on the territory. For example, as we have seen, the real estate market is fertile mainly in certain regions of the country. However, the construction industry has been in a stalemate for over 10 years.
It seems that the golden age of Spanish construction, which began in the early 1990s (the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992 provided a significant boost), has ended and does not show any signs of returning.
Therefore, proposing yourself as a carpenter, plumber, painter, stucco worker, etc. is a risky endeavor, unless you have a privileged channel on the ground (e.g., an agency that has already expressed interest in hiring you).
On the other hand, the retail sector offers more guarantees, even if it’s not located in privileged areas: a store looking for employees can be found everywhere.
However, since this job requires contact with the public, it’s essential to present yourself on your first day of work well-versed in the language. For this purpose, we recommend visiting the website Preply, which connects students and private tutors from all over the world.
If you want to have a good chance of finding a job, take Spanish lessons before submitting a job application.
4. How to Find a Job in Spain
Regardless of your professional qualifications, there is only one thing to do: be patient, prepare a European-style CV translated into Spanish (the most expensive part of the question, but indispensable) both in print and digital format, and browse the main job posting sites. You can start with international hubs that connect professionals at an international level, such as LinkedIn and Monster (www.monster.es). Or – especially if you’re looking for seasonal or unskilled jobs – focus on generalist sites, emphasizing credibility. Some of the most serious portals in the industry include Adecco.es, Indeed.es, Infojobs.net, Milanuncios.es, and Randstad.es.
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5. NIE: What is it and How to Get One
Finally, remember that to reside and work in Spain, you need to obtain a N.I.E., or Number of Identification of Foreigner, a numerical code very similar to our fiscal code. It’s a simple identification number issued by the Dirección General de la Policía or consular offices.
Without it, you won’t be able to sign contracts, open bank accounts, connect to the internet, or find a job.
To obtain an N.I.E. provisional version, you need to:
- Go to the nearest foreign affairs office or police station and request the forms 790 and Ex-15
- Fill out the forms
- Pay a small tax (around €15)
- Attach to the forms a valid identity document
- Obtain an empadronamiento, a sort of certificate of residence issued by the Spanish municipality where your home is located (to obtain it you’ll need to provide a copy of the rental contract or property deed)
Finally, send all documents to the consulate.
To convert the provisional N.I.E. into a definitive one, you’ll need to file a new application, accompanied by a copy of your employment contract.
Once assigned, the N.I.E. will identify the person who possesses it until death.
6. Transferring to Spain as a Pensioner
Why do many over 65 choose to transfer to Spain and spend their retirement years there?
It’s simple: for reasons of fiscal order.
It’s well-known that Italian pensions are relatively low compared to other European countries. Add to this the fact that the pressure on taxes is not negligible, especially considering the already slender income from INPS (or another pension fund). Furthermore, Italy’s living cost tends to be significantly higher than Spain’s.
Spain and Italy have concluded a bilateral agreement that avoids double taxation: in practice, if I take residence in Spain, my pension will only be taxed by the Spanish government, not by the Italian one. This means that the retiree can enjoy his income at a lower tax rate, allowing him to maintain a better standard of living.
However, it’s essential to note that this privilege is not granted to INPDAP pensioners.
For those with an INPS pension, on the other hand, the only way to exempt themselves from taxation in Italy is to receive pensions of contributory origin, i.e., those earned by paying taxes on their salaries, income, and profits; non-contributory pensions remain under Italian control and jurisdiction.
The main steps to take to transfer a pension are:
- Register with AIRE (Anagrafe Italiani Residenti all’Estero)
- Consult the website of the Agenzia delle Entrate to check if you have the necessary requirements to exempt yourself from taxes in Italy
- Fill out the EP-I form for exemption from Italian income tax on pensions, a module available in both languages and accepted by all EU countries
- Send the application to the INPS territorial office
To receive the first indispensable prerequisite for receiving a pension according to Spanish fiscal rules, it’s necessary to reside for 183 days (half a year plus one day) in the new country of residence.
7. Living in Spain: Pros and Cons
In short, does it really make sense to live in Spain? Let’s try to summarize the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Lower living costs
- Easier learning of the language
- Cultural similarities with Italian culture (closer to our daily habits)
- Mediterranean climate similar to that of Italy (of course, if you prefer the Atlantic coast, things change)
- Opportunities for work at a good level, especially for qualified professionals and seasonal workers
- Favorable tax policies
- Strong sensitivity towards social rights and minorities (including foreigners)
- Relatively proximity to Italy, possibility of returning when needed with just a few hours’ flight
Cons:
- Economic crisis. Spain has been hit by it as well, although the country is slowly getting out of it but still has problems – like we saw earlier – absorbing internal job demands in certain sectors.
Bureaucracy can be quite complex at times. The example of obtaining a double N.I.E. application is quite significant, but there’s even worse.
For pensioners: various clauses that exclude certain types of pensions from the agreement on transferring income tax.
8. FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to get a NIE in Spain?
A1: The process typically takes 2-3 months, but can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the Spanish authorities.
Q2: Can I transfer my pension to Spain without speaking Spanish?
A2: While it’s possible to live in Spain without speaking Spanish, it’s highly recommended that you learn some basic phrases to get by. Many Spaniards speak English, but not all, especially among the older population.
Q3: What are the best cities to live in for seasonal workers?
A3: Costa Brava, Catalonia (not just Barcelona, but also smaller centers like Lloret del Mar, Badalona, Sitges), Valencia Gulf (also good to find jobs in smaller towns like Benidorm, Alicante, Cartagena), and the Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos) are popular destinations for seasonal workers.
Q4: Can I work as a freelancer in Spain without registering with the tax office?
A4: No, as a freelancer you’re required to register with the tax office and obtain an N.I.E. This will help you access social benefits and file taxes on time.
Q5: What are the most popular destinations for retirees in Spain?
A5: The Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos), Costa Brava, Catalonia (not just Barcelona, but also smaller centers like Lloret del Mar, Badalona, Sitges), and Valencia Gulf (also good to find jobs in smaller towns like Benidorm, Alicante, Cartagena) are popular destinations for retirees.
Q6: Can I bring my pets with me when I move to Spain?
A6: Yes, but you’ll need to obtain a health certificate and a microchip for your pet. Additionally, you may need to pay a fee to register your pet with the Spanish authorities.
Q7: How do I find job openings in Spain that match my skills?
A7: You can search for job openings on generalist sites like Adecco.es, Indeed.es, Infojobs.net, Milanuncios.es, and Randstad.es. You can also network with other professionals in your industry to get tips on job openings.
Q8: What are the most common mistakes made by expats when moving to Spain?
A8: Some of the most common mistakes include not learning Spanish, not registering with the tax office, not obtaining an N.I.E., and not taking care of healthcare insurance.
