The 7 Biggest Mistakes When Moving To Spain (2024) – How To Avoid Them?

Are you moving to Spain and want to know what are the biggest mistakes people make when they move there? Look no further!

Before you pack your bags and say goodbye to your homeland, there are a few crucial things to consider – especially if you don’t want to stumble into the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain.

These are the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain – and so many expats make these! From my own prior experience I wanted to gather a list for you so that moving to Spain can be a rewarding experience for you.

From mastering the complexities of opening a Spanish bank account to fully embracing the colorful mosaic of Spain’s vibrant culture, join me as I unravel the secrets to a seamless transition into life abroad.

So before you move to your new neighbourhood, have a look at the mistakes to avoid when moving to Spain.

Mistake number 1: Underestimating Spanish Bureaucracy

One of the biggest mistakes when moving to Spain is the ignorance about the Spanish bureaucracy. Spanish bureaucracy – it’s like a rite of passage for expats, but one that can test even the most Zen-like patience.

Take, for example, obtaining your foreign tax ID number, known as the NIE number. Many newcomers assume it’s a simple matter of filling out a form and voilà! But oh, how wrong they are.

From deciphering the ever-changing requirements to never ending queues at the local police station, the journey to acquiring this NIE number can be challenging!

It’s a dance of frustration and resignation, with each misstep teaching you the importance of having the correct paperwork in hand – and plenty of patience in your heart.

Welcome to the wild world of Spanish bureaucracy, where time moves at its own leisurely pace, and paperwork reigns supreme.

Taxes in Spain are also an integral part of life for residents and non-residents alike, and understanding the basics is crucial for anyone living or doing business in the country. So if you are going to work in Spain, you will have to pay taxes from your worldwide income.

Residence permit

Navigating the residence permit and visa application process for Spain can feel like embarking on a bureaucratic odyssey, but with patience and thorough preparation, it’s entirely manageable.

If you’re planning to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, you’ll typically need to apply for a residence permit or visa, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay.

For non EU citizens, the process is more complex. Depending on the purpose of your stay – whether it’s for work, study, family reunification, or retirement – you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit.

This could include a work visa, student visa, family reunification visa, or non-lucrative residence visa, among others.

A Golden Visa

A Golden Visa, also known as the “Investor Visa” is a residency permit that allows non EU citizens and their families to live and work in Spain. This visa is granted to individuals who make a significant investment in Spain, typically through real estate or other qualifying investments.

To qualify for this kind of Visa in Spain, individuals must meet certain investment criteria, which can vary depending on the specific requirements set by the Spanish government. As of my last update, the most common investment options include:

Once the investment is made, applicants can apply for the Visa, which grants them and their families the right to reside in Spain for an initial period, typically one year, renewable for additional periods as long as the investment is maintained. Golden Visa holders are also entitled to travel freely within the Schengen Area.

One of the key advantages of this Visa is that it offers a streamlined pathway to residency without the need for a work permit, allowing individuals to live, work, study, and conduct business activities in Spain.

Overall, the Golden Visa program in Spain offers an attractive opportunity for investors seeking to establish a foothold in Europe and enjoy the benefits of living in one of the continent’s most desirable destinations.

Mistake number 2: Neglecting Language Skills

If you think people in Spain speak English and it’s not so important to learn any Spain, you are wrong. If you want to immerse yourself in the Spanish way of life, not just see the tourist attraction, learning the language is essential.

Neglecting to hone your language skills can quickly dampen the fiesta spirit. Sure, basic Spanish phrases like “gracias” and “hola” might suffice for ordering tapas or navigating tourist attractions, but to truly immerse yourself in the rhythm of Spanish life, speaking the language is essential. One of the biggest mistakes when moving to Spain is not caring about learning Spanish.

I can assure you, that when you speak Spanish, you will get more out of your experience. Maybe it would be a good idea to take a short course on Spanish before moving?

So dust off that Spanish textbook, embrace the challenge, and get ready to weave yourself into the colorful tapestry of Spanish conversation.

Trust me, the effort is well worth it, and you’ll find yourself embracing your newfound linguistic prowess with each “¡Hola!” and “¿Cómo estás?” uttered with confidence.

My personal recommendation is to upload Duolingo to your phone and start studying Spanish right away! Our whole family has Duolingo and we’ve learnt Spanish a lot in a few months!

Mistake number 3: Ignoring Cultural Differences

Diving headfirst into Spanish life – it’s like stepping into a whirlwind of color, flavor, and passionate rhythms. Yet, ignoring the nuances of local culture can quickly lead to a bout of culture shock.

From the spirited celebrations of Semana Santa to the leisurely pace of the siesta, Spain operates on its own unique rhythm.

It’s easy for newcomers to fall into the trap of viewing everything through the lens of their own cultural norms, but embracing the quirks and idiosyncrasies of Spanish life is essential for a smooth transition.

Whether it’s mastering the art of the Spanish kiss greeting or understanding the significance of flamenco in the hearts of the Spanish people, immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of local culture is key to feeling at home. Besides the culture, it’s also good to get to know some other facts about Spain.

So, don’t shy away from diving into conversations with locals, delicious food, and partaking in time-honored customs – for it’s through these experiences that the true essence of Spain reveals itself, and you’ll find yourself falling more deeply in love with the spirited soul of this captivating country.

Mistake number 4: Financial Fumbles

You need money also in Spain and it might be good to set up a spanish bank account. Setting up Spanish bank accounts may seem like a straightforward task, but for many uk expats, it’s a dance with unexpected complexities.

From deciphering the array of banking options to navigating through the maze of paperwork required, the process can quickly turn into a headache-inducing ordeal.

And let’s not forget the importance of obtaining your Spanish identity card, the NIE number which is often a prerequisite for opening a bank account and engaging in other essential transactions.

Many newcomers find themselves grappling with language barriers, unfamiliar procedures, and the occasional bureaucratic hiccup, leading to financial fumbles that could have easily been avoided with proper planning and foresight.

So, before you find yourself lost in a sea of banking jargon or stuck in an interminable queue at the local bank branch, take the time to research your options, arm yourself with the necessary documentation, and brace yourself for the twists and turns of the Spanish financial landscape.

Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to navigating the choppy waters of financial settlement in Spain.

Mistake number 5: Overlooking Healthcare Needs

Moving to Spain is an adventure, but amidst the excitement of exploring new streets and soaking up the Mediterranean sun, it’s easy to overlook the importance of addressing your healthcare needs.

While Spain boasts a renowned healthcare system, navigating it as an uk expat requires some foresight. One common mistake is assuming that speaking English will suffice when seeking medical assistance – while many healthcare professionals do speak English, there’s no guarantee, and language barriers can complicate matters.

And from my personal experience, all the doctors don’t speak English and I personally as other expats as well have noticed that using Google translate to be essential.

Additionally, failing to understand your entitlements and coverage options can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion down the line. Sorting out private insurance or understanding how to access the public system can be time-consuming endeavors, but investing the effort upfront ensures peace of mind and smooth sailing when it comes to your healthcare needs.

So, before you find yourself in need of medical attention, take the time to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the Spanish healthcare system – your future self will thank you for it.

And one more tip: find out your nearest emergency clinic before anything happens! Our 6 year old had a cut in his head one evening and was bleeding really bad. I wish I knew the nearest emergency clinic and how to get there before that happened!

Mistake number 6: Underestimating Cost of Living

While Spain does offer a more affordable lifestyle compared to some other European destinations, costs can vary significantly depending on your location and lifestyle preferences. This is what many people don’t know and no wonder one of the biggest mistakes when moving to Spain is related to this.

From the price tag on your Spanish home to the everyday expenses that accompany daily life in a different country, it’s essential to conduct thorough research before making the leap. So before your first property purchase, make sure to do a lot of research.

What might seem like a bargain beach side apartment could quickly become a financial burden when factoring in utilities, groceries, and other necessities. So, before you find yourself drowning in unexpected expenses, take the time to crunch the numbers, explore different neighborhoods, and get a realistic sense of what daily life in Spain entails.

By arming yourself with knowledge and planning ahead, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the twists and turns of Spanish living without breaking the bank.

Mistake number 7: Delaying Paperwork

Ah, delaying paperwork – it’s a common trap that many of us fall into, myself included. With all the excitement of embarking on a new adventure or settling into a new chapter of life, it’s easy to push those pesky administrative tasks to the bottom of the to-do list. However, from my extensive experience and what I’ve learnt from other expats as well, I know that procrastinating on paperwork can quickly lead to headaches and unnecessary stress down the road.

Consequences of delayed paperwork

Not only does it increase the risk of missing deadlines or encountering unexpected complications, but it can also strain your social connections and disrupt your peace of mind. It can also cause some unnecessary expenses. So don’t make one of these biggest mistakes when moving to Spain and have your paperwork done in time!

Take, for example, the process of applying for residency in a new country. While it may seem daunting at first, tackling the paperwork early on can save you a world of trouble later on.

Furthermore, delaying paperwork can strain your social connections, especially if it results in missed opportunities or logistical challenges that impact your ability to fully immerse yourself in your new environment.

Whether it’s missing out on social gatherings due to unresolved visa issues or feeling isolated because you haven’t obtained the necessary documentation to work or study, procrastination can take a toll on your sense of belonging and connection.

So, my advice? Don’t let paperwork pile up like a mountain of forgotten tasks. Instead, tackle it head-on, armed with patience, perseverance, and a proactive mindset.

Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

Conclusion on the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain

In conclusion, embarking on the journey of moving to Spain is an exhilarating adventure filled with endless possibilities, but it’s essential to navigate it with care and foresight. By avoiding the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain such as underestimating Spanish bureaucracy, neglecting language skills, and overlooking cultural differences, you can set yourself up for a smoother transition into your new life abroad.

Also, being mindful of financial fumbles, understanding healthcare needs, and considering the cost of living can help you save money and avoid unnecessary stress.

Remember, while culture shocks and challenges may arise, the rewards of immersing yourself in Spanish culture and lifestyle are immeasurable. With its rich history, vibrant traditions, and welcoming communities, Spain has the potential to significantly enhance your life and broaden your horizons.

But before I finish, I will give you an extra tip: find out what the weather is going to be like in Spain so you won’t make the mistake of not bringing the essential clothes with you! In this post you will find out what the weather in different parts of Spain is going to be like in February. I recommend checking that out!