Popular Areas for British Expats in Spain
- Barcelona: Your first choice if you’re after a cosmopolitan feel. Barcelona, in Catalonia, offers a blend of culture, art, and modernity.
- Madrid: The heart of Spain’s culture and politics. Madrid, the capital city, is a bustling, vibrant metropolis. It has a growing British expat community, and English is widely spoken. Madrid’s cultural similarities to the UK include a love for football (soccer), a pub culture, and an appreciation for a good cup of tea. You’ll feel right at home amidst the rich history and contemporary buzz of the city.
- Valencia offers a more traditional Spanish experience, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular among British expats because of its low cost of living. The city has a thriving English-speaking community, and you’ll find expat-run businesses catering to your almost every need. The city’s cultural events and festivals make it an ideal blend of Spanish and British influences.
- Alicante is said to have the largest percentage of foreign residents compared to other Spanish provinces and a significant British expat population, primarily concentrated along the Costa Blanca. Many Brits are drawn to the laid-back lifestyle, the seemingly limitless sunshine, and the many sandy beaches along the coast. You’ll also find English-speaking services, shops, and social groups to help you integrate into the local community.
- Malaga and the surrounding towns have a large British expat community, particularly in areas like Fuengirola and Benalmádena. English is commonly spoken, and you can participate in various British cultural events and clubs.
- Seville offers a more authentic Spanish experience, with a growing British expat community. The city is known for its traditional culture, bullfighting, and flamenco. While English may not be as prevalent as in other cities, you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Granada has a smaller British expat population, which may appeal to those seeking a less touristy experience. English-speaking services are available, but you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Spanish culture and enjoy the city’s historic charm.
The city has a substantial British expat population, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the familiarity of pubs and social clubs where you can meet fellow Brits and enjoy a taste of home.
For many, the city’s primary draw is its architecture. Barcelona’s extraordinary whimsical, modernist facades pull in millions of visitors from across the globe.
Barcelona’s top attraction: the breathtaking Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, designed by architect Antoni Gaudi, is a masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases incredible architectural creativity.
Many expats are enchanted by the capital because of its infinite cultural riches, authentic charm, extravagant carnivals, vibrant nightlife, and an abundance of dining spots.
If you’re moving with kids, don’t worry – Madrid isn’t only about partying and nightlife. It’s a wonderful city for families and ideal for those considering a lively retirement too.
Madrid’s top attraction: the Royal Palace, a living testament to Spain’s regal history, and the artistic treasures of the Prado Museum.
Valencia’s top attraction: the futuristic wonderland of the City of Arts and Sciences, where cutting-edge design and innovation come together in a stunning display.
Alicante’s top attraction: the Castle of Santa Bárbara, a historic fortress perched on Mount Benacantil, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. Its rich history, dating back to the 9th century, and the strategic location provides a stunning backdrop for understanding Alicante’s cultural heritage.
The Costa del Sol’s fantastic weather and beautiful beaches make it a preferred destination for Brits looking to escape the cold back home. There are also several international schools, which make Malaga and the Costa del Sol a great place for families to settle. It also doesn’t hurt that the cost of living in Malaga is cheaper than in other parts of the country.
Malaga’s top attraction: ascend to the Alcazaba, an ancient fortress with panoramic views that tell stories spanning centuries.
Seville’s top attraction: the rhythms of flamenco that seduce your senses as you witness mesmerizing dance performances and admire the opulent beauty of the Seville Cathedral, a true Gothic masterpiece.
Granada’s top attraction: the Alhambra, a breathtaking palace and fortress complex with intricate Islamic architecture set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Adopting the Spanish Lifestyle as a Brithish expat
Embracing the Spanish way of life means adjusting to a rhythm that’s both relaxed and vibrant. Picture yourself strolling through bustling markets in the morning, exploring historic sites in the afternoon, and enjoying tapas at a local eatery in the evening. This balance between work and leisure is a defining feature of Spanish living, inviting you to truly enjoy each day.
Count on AGS for a Hassle-Free Relocation to Spain
With offices in the UK and Spain, AGS is your go-to partner for a seamless move to the Iberian Peninsula, handling door-to-door transportation and navigating customs formalities on your behalf.
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1. Spanish Visa Types
There’s no need to let Brexit stop you from exploring Spain. UK citizens can still enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free travel within a 180-day period. If you dream of soaking up the Spanish vibes for the long haul, you’ll need a long-term visa (visado nacionale). There are different immigration routes and visa types, depending on the reason for your stay, and each comes with its unique set of requirements.
If you’ve got a job waiting in Spain, for example, you’ll likely need to apply for a work permit (visado de trabajo y residencia) either as a paid employee, a self-employed entrepreneur, or an au pair lending your skills to a Spanish family. To retire in the land of siestas and fiestas, you’ll need a Non-Lucrative Visa.
While the requirements for each visa type differ, some common factors include a medical certificate that gives you a clean bill of health, a clean criminal record, and proof that you’ve got enough funds to support yourself. Heads up, some documents may need to be in Spanish so you’ll need to get them translated. To dive deeper into the specifics, make sure to visit the Spanish government’s official visa application portal. There, you’ll find all the details on what immigration routes to follow to make Spain your new home sweet home.
2. Finding Work in Spain
There are plenty of job opportunities in Spain for UK expats. In particular, the tourism, IT, engineering, finance, healthcare (especially pharmaceuticals), automotive, chemicals and sales sectors have many vacancies to fill.
The Spanish authorities have also recently revised the criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card, making it easier than ever for highly skilled Brits to get a job.
You can start your job search on Empleate, the Spanish government’s online job portal, and Sistema Nacional de Empleo. Both websites are available in English.
Also be sure to visit the country’s most popular (but Spanish-only) job search websites: Indeed Spain, infoempleo, infojobs, and for vacancies in tech, tecnoempleo.
3. Find a Home in Spain
Surprisingly, it is generally easier to purchase a home in Spain than to rent one as the rental market is tight with a limited number of properties available. Owning your own home will also increase your chances of obtaining a Golden visa. But if you do decide to rent, here are some helpful tips:
- Whether you’re renting or buying, always get a written contract in place. It’s important to protect yourself and your rights.
- Spanish laws are generally on the tenant’s side, but it still pays to be cautious when signing a property agreement.
- Location matters. Places like Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao are dazzling but come with a hefty price tag. You’ll find more affordable housing in regions like Castilla la Mancha, La Rioja, and Extremadura.
- Long-term rental contracts typically run for 5 to 7 years, while short-term leases last 12 months. Choose wisely.
- Landlords foot the bill for the estate agents, not you.
To find your dream home, check out local newspapers, chat with the friendly locals, or browse real estate websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Spainhouses.
4. Spanish Schooling System
If you’re relocating with your little ones, making the right choices for their education will be a top priority.
The Spanish education system is governed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, however the education standards and funding are managed by the local communities, which are automonous (Comunidades Autónomas). School is compulsory for children aged 6-16. Homeschooling is permitted but unlegislated.
In a nutshell, Spain’s education system has 4 stages:
Early Childhood Education 0-6 years
From newborn to 6-year-old cuties, you’ve got two cycles – 0-3 years old (nurseries) and 3-6 years (kindergarten). Nurseries are optional, but senior kindergarten is compulsory as it forms a crucial part of the country’s public education system.
Primary School 6-12 years
Primary education begins at age 6 and goes up to age 11. Public schools are free but each public school and/or teacher decides their preferred teaching methods, so research the results of your candidate schools before making any final decision.
Spanish children generally attend the school nearest their home, but it’s fine to send your child to a school further away. Just bear in mind that if there are limited spaces available, these will be assigned according to a points system which considers various factors, including distance from the family home.
Secondary school 12-16 years
If they’re in their teens, your children will likely attend an Instituto (secondary school). The curriculum is set by the ministry of education, but as with primary schools, teachers are free to choose how to teach it. Secondary schools are also free, although you might have to pay for textbooks and stationery.
Bachillerato and Vocational Training 17-18 years
After receiving their Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (GESO), a certificate that confirms they have passed compulsory lower education, students can choose to continue with the last two years, called Bachillerato. Then they can pursue higher vocational training or head to university, provided they pass the admission test.
While most schools instruct their children in Spanish, Spain also has numerous international schools for children of English-speaking expats, including the British School of Barcelona, The British College, Cambridge House, the British School of Alzira, just to name a few.
5. Shipping to Spain from UK
Whether you’re taking only your most precious possessions or everything but the kitchen sink, you’ll be pleased to hear that if you’re moving to Spain, you don’t have to pay customs duties on the household goods you ship from the UK. That’s because they are considered to be for personal use.
For the same reason, you won’t be required to pay import tax on:
- Cars, motorbikes, and recreational boats
- Domestic animals
- Any tools you need to perform your job
To enjoy these exemptions, you will be required to prove you are moving to Spain permanently. The easiest way to do this, is to supply a copy of your registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento). You’ll also need to draft a list of everything you’re bringing with you. Each item must be assigned an estimated value and an approximate date of purchase. All goods, including vehicles, should be at least 6 months old. Customs may request additional documents, depending on the circumstances of your move.
If this sounds like too much of a headache, a reputable moving company will be able to handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.
Moves to Spain from the UK usually take place via road. You might have to wait a bit for your belongings, but it’s the cheapest option. Air freight is costly, so save it only for the items you cannot be without, not even for a day.
6. Healthcare in Spain
As an expat who’s legally living or working in Spain, you’re automatically eligible to enjoy the benefits of Spain’s public health care system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). The SNS is renowned for its high-quality healthcare services, and it (mostly) comes free of charge.
You’ll enjoy full coverage for doctors’ visits, emergency trips, paediatric care, nursing/midwife services, and both inpatient and outpatient care. You’ll also be assigned a family doctor.
It does take several months after you move to Spain to become eligible for the SNS, however, and you must have valid private health insurance until you qualify.
Also, under the SNS, medicine prescriptions, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and orthopaedic equipment are only subsidised up to 40%. Non-emergency dental care, eye care, and eyeglasses are not covered at all.
For this reason, many expats opt for private insurance as well.
7. Driving in Spain with a UK license
Following an agreement between UK and Spanish authorities, UK expats living in Spain prior to 16 March 2023 are allowed to drive in the country for 6 months using their valid UK driving license. If you arrived in Spain after that date, you’ll be allowed to drive on your UK license for six months from the date you obtained a residence permit. After this period, you must exchange your UK driver’s license for a Spanish one, but no new driving tests are required.
You are allowed to drive UK-registered vehicles in Spain so long as you have a valid driver’s license and meet the necessary requirements. But bear in mind that driving a right-hand-drive car in a left-hand-drive country will be a challenge.
For one, overtaking will be almost impossible without a passenger, as oncoming traffic will be on your far side and you’ll have a limited view. Your insurer could also (not unreasonably) decide you are a higher risk and raise your premium.
You don’t need to own a car to survive in Spain, but many expats love to have personal rides because of the freedom it affords. Just be sure to consider all your options before packing your car into a container.
8. Opening a Bank Account in Spain
While your UK bank account is still good for a lot in Spain, you’ll need a Spanish IBAN number to set up utilities in your new home.
Luckily, opening an account in Spain as a UK expat is a breeze. All you must do is provide the necessary documents.
- Valid means of identification
- Spanish NIE (that’s your foreigner’s ID number)
- Some proof of your income or employment contract.
- Proof of an address in Spain,
You’ll can expect to receive your cards in less than a week. Be prepared to pay about €50 every year for maintenance fees and such.
9. Learning Spanish
Do you need to speak Spanish to live in Spain? You can get by without it, especially if you live in an expat hotspot like Costa del Sol or Malaga, but knowing the local language will make life so much easier.
Most jobs will require you to have a minimum level of Spanish. Being able to speak Spanish and English will make you a more attractive candidate and open more job opportunities.
Plus, you can expect official communication to be in Spanish, so if you want to get on without having to rely on a translator, it’ll be helpful to have some Spanish under your belt.
Learning Spanish before you make the move will give you a head start, so you won’t feel completely lost when you arrive. Free options include apps like Duolingo and Mondly. Another, more personal (paying) option is iTalki, a language learning platform that connects you to a tutor for real-time lessons. You can choose between private sessions or group classes, which are the more cost-effective option.
Trust AGS for a Seamless Move to Spain
Are you considering starting a new chapter in España? AGS has offices in the UK and Spain, so we are perfectly placed to get you to your new life in the sun.
Our experienced team can move your belongings from door-to-door and handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.
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La Tomatina – a popular and now touristy festival – is a tradition born during a parade of giants organised in the city in 1945. A dispute broke out between local teenagers and procession participants, leading to a general brawl with tomatoes being thrown at opponents. The following year, the same group of teenagers are said to have repeated the tomato throwing during the parade. Despite the authorities’ desire to stop this tradition, it has continued to this day, except during the years of Franco’s repressive regime.
A festival with strict rules
However, there is nothing spontaneous about the modern festival. The battle takes place in the city’s bullring, lasts only one hour from 11:00 am, and follows strict rules. The 160 000 tomatoes harvested from surrounding farms are stored for two days before the festival and must be crushed before being thrown. Hard objects are forbidden, clothes must not be torn or thrown away, and a white t-shirt is mandatory. Adults are not the only ones who can let off some steam with tomatoes: a child-friendly version is organised on the Saturday before the event, for children aged 4-14, in a safe environment away from the crowd.
Fiestas of International Tourist Interest
Every year, no less than 22 000 people participate in the festival, which has become the highlight of a week of festivities honouring the patron saint San Lluis Bertrán. As a sign of its popularity, La Tomatina was awarded the status of “Fiestas of International Tourist Interest” by the Spanish General Secretariat of Tourism in 2002.
La Tomatina festival makes you want to move to Spain?
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The Forum focussed on the challenges and opportunities of the housing market and featured the participation of important experts and professionals who shared their experiences on various aspects of the real estate sector in Spain.
Three tables of discussion took place in which participants discussed the challenges of the new residential development, the rental market and price evolution, and the new real estate developments as a basis of urban innovation. AGS Spain
Relocation Business Development Manager, Concha Carrasco, attended the event and represented the branch.
“It was a very insightful event and we met many industry-related people. Events like these are always a great opportunity for AGS to interact with potential customers and to build new business opportunities. The event presented us with a unique opportunity to position AGS Spain as a leader in global mobility services and to connect with decision makers and others working in the area,” Concha said.
Christopher Dottie, President of the British Chamber, commended the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations, promoting investment in both countries and the assistance he had given to the organisation. He also praised the willingness of Ambassador Manley to listen to the Members of the Chamber.
Simon Manley praised the close collaboration that exists between the British delegation and the Chamber of Commerce, something that will now transfer to Hugh Elliot, the next Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Spain. In addition, he highlighted the excellent commercial and business relations between both countries worth more than 60,000 million euros as Britain remains the largest European investor.
The Spring Cocktail was a good opportunity for AGS Spain to meet future partners and other companies and network with other businesses. AGS Spain Relocation Business Developer, Concha Carrasco attended the event as a representative of the branch.
Pictured above, from left to right: Concha Carrasco, Relocation Business Developer at AGS Spain, Simon Manley, British Ambassador in Spain and Gullermo Nagore Ferrer, Director of the Brand/Communications/Experience Department at Juan March Foundation.
]]>The discussion centred around the impact of BREXIT on European companies established in Spain, as Britain prepares to leave the EU on the 29th March 2019.
The future action plan for the British Government’s relations with the European Union was presented at the event. The “White Paper” held great interest for European businesses located in Spain, which are in the process of implementing the implications of BREXIT in their commercial relations.
Business and political analysts from the European Commission and the British Embassy were present to facilitate the debate, which AGS Movers Spain actively participated in.
]]>Organized every year since 2004, this collaboration platform brings together 16 European countries. This year, the Italian Chamber of Commerce was at the initiative of this event which gathered more than 250 people.”
]]>The books, which mainly consisted of dictionaries and encyclopedias, were taken to an air force base in Madrid before being transported to Senegal.
]]>“We are very proud to have been part of this great initiative. We are always eager to offer our services for humanitarian and educational purposes,” AGS Movers Madrid Branch Manager Antonio Gonzalez said.
The integration agreement between the two unions has been approved by the governing bodies of both organizations. The newly created union, called Grupo OCEM, will focus mainly on removals and storage companies.
The union of the two associations will result in greater representation by the moving industry sector on the transport lobbies.
]]>Hosted by RED EXPAT, the annual fair is a valuable opportunity for international relocation managers and service providers to network with each other and discuss service offerings.
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