Moving to Spain: Everything to Know Before Relocating

Moving is something that tens of millions of Americans do each and every year. While many will simply move to a different neighborhood, city or state, others will go to a new country. If someone is interested in Europe, one of the most popular places to move is Spain.

Spain offers various cities to live in that are all vibrant and exciting. It is home to millions of people from all over the world, and there is a lot to do, see and learn while you are living in Spain.

If you are looking to retire and move to the country, be sure to learn all about retiring in Spain on Where Can I Live for some helpful information. However, whether you are moving after or before retirement, there are some things to know and consider before you go. Without any further ado, let’s go over a few things you should know before moving to Spain.

You Should Learn to Speak Spanish

While many tourist destinations around Spain may speak or understand some English, it is not a language that is understood or spoken by many. In fact, only about 27% of those in Spain can speak English in some capacity.

If you arrive and all you can speak is English, you may have a hard time doing everything from renting or buying a home, to opening a bank account, to making new friends. If you move here and want to live normally, knowing at least some basic Spanish is required. But in general, you will want to work hard to be near-fluent, especially if you plan on living here for a long time.

Thankfully, learning a language is easier than ever with various apps and programs aimed at helping new speakers. Also, simply submerging yourself in the cities, markets, and towns of Spain will help you learn more, too.

Learn About the Culture and Generally Do Your Research

Another important thing to do before you move is to learn about the culture. Learn about the history of where you are going, what things are important to people, and how they live their lives.

For example, it is normal in Spain for lunch to be around 3 PM and dinner to not occur until around 9 PM, which will be very strange for most Americans. You need to learn these cultural differences and be ready to adapt.

In addition to this, research, in general, is always a good idea. Learn how to get a work visa, where the best places to live are, the costs of living, how to apply for health insurance, and many other things. While this type of research can take time, it can also ensure you make the decisions when you ultimately move there.

Prepare for the Weather

One of the most important, yet underrated, things to do when moving somewhere new is to be aware of the climate. This can impact the clothing you will need to buy and will ensure you move somewhere with a climate that matches your preferences.

There can be a major difference in temperature between northern Spanish cities like Bilbao and southern cities like Malaga, so be sure to know which type of weather you should prepare for. For example, in the north, winter temperatures can get down into the 40s, while summers will be around the mid-70s. But in the south, winters rarely dip below the mid-’50s, and summers can often reach into the ’90s.

In conclusion, we hope this guide has been able to help you learn some of the many things you should know and think about before moving to Spain.