Living and moving to Spain: pros and cons

Spain is not just a country, it is an amazing place on the world map that inspires and attracts the attention of millions of people. This country, shrouded in mystical national color, surrounded by picturesque nature and amazing architecture, attracts people from all over the world. In terms of living standards, Spain is among the best countries in the European Union. The shining sun and velvety Mediterranean climate create comfort and joy of life almost every day. In addition, Spain ranks second in the world in the number of cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and third in the area of natural areas declared biosphere reserves, and is the leader in the number of beaches awarded the Blue Flag among all countries in the Northern Hemisphere. But, like everything in this world, nothing is perfect. Therefore, today we will tell you not only about all the pros and cons of living in Spain and moving, but also tell you about the nuances that should be taken into account by those planning their move here.

Pros of Living in Spain

Nature and ecology

The Spanish government makes significant efforts to protect the environment through strict legislative measures. The country has a system that not only closely monitors compliance with environmental standards, but also provides administrative and criminal sanctions for their violation. Particular attention is paid to combating air and water pollution, as well as efficient waste management. Thanks to its favorable climate, the country actively uses renewable energy sources, including solar panels and wind turbines. According to 2016 data, Spain took the sixth position in the world ranking of environmental performance. And according to Yale University in 2021, the country is in 27th place in terms of environmental safety.

Salary to cost of living ratio

The average salary in Spain is 2,263 euros, and the minimum is 1,260 euros. The cost of living is about 700 euros. Compared to Ukraine and Russia, where the average salaries are $398 and $730, respectively, these figures are impressive. But let's dive deeper and see how these figures relate to the real cost of living. According to Numbeo's cost of living index statistics, Spain ranks 54th with an index of 48.6. This is higher than in Russia and Ukraine, which are in 116th and 123rd place, respectively. But what about practice? Rents in Spain are higher than in Russia and Ukraine, but the quality of housing and life in general is also higher. The average rental index in Spain is 23.3, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of its eastern neighbors. The food price index in Spain (45.3) is higher than in Ukraine (26.6) and Russia (26.5), but at the same time the range of products is much more diverse and the quality is much higher. Spaniards can afford to visit restaurants and cafes more often, travel within the country and abroad, invest in personal development and hobbies. In addition, strong social support and a high level of social protection make life in Spain more attractive for people of all ages. This, in turn, helps to attract foreign investment, as well as those wishing to work and live in the country, thereby stimulating economic growth and the development of innovative industries. And this, in turn, creates a favorable environment for business and entrepreneurship, opening up new opportunities for local and foreign entrepreneurs.

Healthcare

According to the World Health Organization, medicine in Spain ranks seventh in the world in terms of efficiency. This fact alone speaks volumes about the quality of the country's healthcare system. Created in 1986, the National Health System (Instituto Nacional de la Salud) guarantees free access to basic medical services for all residents of the country, including foreigners, regardless of their financial status. Spanish public and private medical institutions are distinguished by a high level of service and professionalism of medical personnel, as well as a well-developed infrastructure, including a network of hospitals and medical centers, some of which are recognized as some of the best in the world.

Education

Education in Spain is paid, but the cost of education here remains quite moderate compared to other European countries. The average cost of one year of study at the Faculty of Medicine is about 1600 euros. The cost of education in technical and humanitarian fields is slightly lower – from 1000 to 1300 euros and from 900 to 1200 euros per year.

Attitude towards foreigners

The Spanish are a very welcoming people. Unlike some countries where you will always be treated as a “foreigner” no matter how long you live there or how well you speak the language, it won’t take you long to get used to it in Spain. Family values play a central role in Spanish society, where respect for elders is an integral part of the culture. In Spain, strong family ties and mutual support are passed down from generation to generation, which helps create a warm and supportive atmosphere both within the family and in society as a whole.

Safety

Spain, ranked 103rd out of 137 cities in the Numbeo global crime ranking, has an impressive safety index of 66.68, while the capital, Madrid, with a safety index of 73.3, ranks a respectable 43rd out of 329 cities in the world in the safe city ranking. In terms of serious crime rates, Spain has one of the lowest rates not only in Europe but also worldwide, exemplifying the effectiveness of its public safety and law enforcement measures. According to UN data for 2021, the country's serious and particularly serious crime rate was only 0.61 per 100,000 population, which is significantly lower than the European average of 2.2, highlighting Spain's outstanding achievements in ensuring the safety of its citizens.

Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship of Spain

Spain offers one of the most attractive and effective Golden Visa programs, allowing foreign investors to obtain a residence permit in the country quickly and easily. With a guaranteed processing time of less than 10 days, the Spanish Golden Visa system is the fastest in the world, offering unique opportunities for those wishing to invest in the country's economy. The program offers several investment options, each of which opens the door to Spain and grants the right to obtain a residence permit:

• Real estate: Investments in real estate from 500 thousand euros.
• Government bonds: Purchase of government bonds in the amount of 2 million euros.
• Shares or interests in companies: Investment in shares or interests in Spanish companies worth €1 million.
• Investment funds: Investments in investment funds, closed-end funds or venture capital funds established in Spain in the amount of €1 million.
• Bank deposits: Placement of deposits in accounts in Spanish banks in the amount of 1 million euros.
• Job creation: This option requires the creation of new jobs in Spain, without the need for investment.
• According to statistics, most applicants prefer to obtain a residence permit through the purchase of real estate, which is not surprising given the attractiveness of the Spanish real estate market and the possibility of encumbering part of the amount in excess of the required 500 thousand euros with a mortgage.

Even if you are absent from Spain for more than six months a year, renewing your residence permit will not be difficult, and permit holders will eventually be able to apply for citizenship.

Flaws

Learn the language

Traveling or moving to Spain opens up a world of cultural richness and sunny abundance, but at the same time it puts you in front of one significant obstacle – the language barrier. Knowing Spanish in this country is not an advantage, but a necessity. Without knowing the language, finding a job will be an almost impossible task. And even everyday things like shopping or communicating with locals can turn into a real challenge. The Spanish are so proud of their language and culture that if you try to talk to them, say, in English, then even if the Spaniard speaks it, they will still pretend that they do not understand you. But do not perceive this as a manifestation of disrespect for someone else's language, or an unwillingness to help. It is rather a matter of the deep-rooted belief that whether you are a tourist or an immigrant, you should know the language at least at the most basic level. Therefore, if you are seriously thinking about moving to Spain, our advice is to learn the language at least at a basic level. Believe me, it will be much easier for you to get used to it and take your first steps in integrating into your new environment.

Those who don't make it in time are late

The traditional Spanish rhythm of life includes an unusual nuance for many – a break on Sunday, when most shops close. On the other hand, it depends on how you look at it. After all, this is where the unique chance to escape the endless flow of city bustle and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility lies. Sunday in Spain is a day when family values come to the fore, and many Spaniards prefer to spend it with loved ones, organizing family dinners or simply enjoying each other's company at home. Therefore, for some this may be a disadvantage, and for others – a unique opportunity to experience real Spain, slow down the pace and take a fresh look at the usual schedule, finding a place in it for rest and recuperation. Well, here's our advice – buy everything you need for the weekend in advance, because on Sunday you won't be able to go buy something tasty.

Gasoline prices

Currently, it is almost impossible to find 92-octane gasoline in the country, while diesel fuel continues to be very popular due to its relative cheapness compared to other types of fuel. However, since diesel fuel contributes to the greenhouse effect, the government plans to increase the tax on the sale of diesel fuel in the near future, which will lead to an increase in its cost by almost 30%. Therefore, already now, most Spaniards prefer to use cars on A-95 and A-98.

Electricity

Summer in Spain is the time when the thermometer reaches extreme levels, forcing even the most heat-resistant to seek refuge in the cool of air conditioners or at least fans. The heat here can reach such intensity that without these devices it becomes simply unbearable. However, in winter the picture changes beyond recognition. Those who dream of changing the climate from cold latitudes to the warm south face completely different challenges. High humidity, piercing winds and, perhaps most unexpectedly for many, the lack of traditional heating in most homes, make winters in Spain not as cozy as one might imagine. Instead of standard heating systems, the Spaniards use air conditioners, electric heaters and heat guns to keep their homes warm. This leads to a significant increase in electricity bills in the winter months, and given that electricity prices in Spain are far from the lowest, energy costs can become a significant burden for many residents and visitors to the country.

Climate can also be a disadvantage

Remember we talked about the mild and warm climate of the country? Well, it is also very contrasting. Summer heat here is replaced by equally cool winter. In many regions, especially in the southern and central provinces, heating in houses is a rarity, with the exception of the northern regions, where it is more common. Modern housing construction in Spain already implies the introduction of new energy efficiency standards, but most of the housing stock is still represented by old buildings that do not provide a high level of insulation. To create comfortable conditions in such houses, the Spaniards actively use air conditioners in the summer and heaters in the winter, and fans help to survive the summer heat. Using these devices around the clock can really maintain an acceptable temperature in the room, but the cost of electricity in Spain is one of the highest, which makes this method of heating or cooling very expensive. Therefore, residents of Spain are looking for alternative ways to keep warm or cool, ranging from traditional methods to innovative solutions to make their homes more comfortable without unnecessary financial costs.

Country of bureaucrats

Getting a job in any government agency is a process that requires not only patience, but also impeccable preparation of documents in accordance with the law and readiness to go through 9 circles of bureaucratic hell. Before going to an important meeting, make sure that all the papers are collected exactly according to the list, every detail is carefully checked, and the forms are impeccable. Otherwise, even the most friendly civil service employee will point out the shortcomings with forced severity: missing documents or errors in the design, which will require a repeat visit from you. And here it may turn out that the validity of some certificates has already expired, or additional confirmations will be required.

Results

Pros of living in Spain:

• Excellent ecology
• Beautiful nature
• Acceptable salary relative to cost of living
• One of the best healthcare systems in the world
• Warm attitude towards foreigners
• Low crime rate
• Possibility to obtain a residence permit for investment

Cons of living in Spain:

• Not knowing the language is a serious obstacle
• Shops are closed on Sundays
• High Gasoline Prices
• High electricity prices
• The climate is not suitable for everyone
• Lots of bureaucracy

Resume

Spain is a country with a high quality of life, beautiful landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. Despite some challenges, it continues to attract people from all over the world with its unique way of life, offering rich opportunities for leisure, work and life. It is important to prepare for these challenges with intelligence and an open heart in order to fully enjoy everything that this bright and sunny country has to offer. And to everyone who wants to move to this country, the international real estate agency Deniz Estate sincerely wishes good luck. We hope that all the disadvantages we listed in today's article will not become a serious obstacle for you.