7 Biggest Challenges of Moving to Spain

Summary

This video script discusses the top seven challenges faced by individuals moving to Spain, including choosing a place to live, understanding the cost of living, and dealing with visa applications. It highlights the allure of regions like Andalucía and Valencia, and touches on the complexities of taxes, real estate, employment opportunities, and the importance of learning Spanish. The creators offer an eight-week online course to navigate these challenges and set up an ideal life in Spain, with the first intake already sold out.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moving to Spain involves various challenges including legal, emotional, and family aspects.
• 📚 The 'Move to Spain Masterclass' is an eight-week online course designed to provide tools and knowledge for a successful move to Spain.
• 🎓 The first intake of the course is already sold out, indicating high interest and demand.
• 🏠 The decision of where to live in Spain is critical and can greatly affect one's experience, with popular regions including Andalucía, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, and Northern Spain.
• 💶 The cost of living varies across regions in Spain, with the Basque Country and Madrid being more expensive, while Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha being cheaper.
• 🔍 A website called Numbeo is useful for comparing cost of living between different regions and cities in Spain.
• 📑 The visa application process for moving to Spain can be overwhelming due to varying requirements by different consulates.
• 🏡 Buying property in Spain involves understanding additional fees and taxes on top of the purchase price, which can be confusing.
• 🏢 Work options in Spain are limited for non-residents, with common visas including the entrepreneur visa, self-employment visa, and work permit through company sponsorship.
• 💰 Taxes in Spain can be complex, and it's important to understand the implications of becoming a tax resident, especially for retirees and US citizens.
• 🗣 Learning Spanish is crucial for integration and a richer experience in Spain, with regional languages also present in some areas.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 'Move to Spain Masterclass' online course?

The 'Move to Spain Masterclass' is designed to provide tools, knowledge, and a roadmap to make the relocation to Spain successful and help set up an ideal life in the country.

How many responses did the creators of the 'Move to Spain Masterclass' receive as preparation for the course?

They received 300 responses from people sharing their biggest challenges when it comes to moving to Spain.

What are the four main areas in Spain that people generally gravitate towards when considering a move?

People generally gravitate towards Andalusia (specifically Málaga), the Costa de la Luz, Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona, and Northern Spain (Green Spain, including Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country).

What is the 'non-lucrative visa' and why is it significant for moving to Spain?

The 'non-lucrative visa' is a common visa for those who do not live in the EU and wish to move to Spain. It requires applicants to show they have sufficient funds to support their life in Spain without the need to work.

Why might the requirements for the non-lucrative visa differ depending on the consulate?

Different consulates may interpret and apply the law differently, leading to variations in the requirements they set for the non-lucrative visa application.

What is the significance of the website 'numbeo' in relation to moving to Spain?

The website 'numbeo' is helpful for comparing the cost of living between different cities, including those within Spain, to help potential movers budget and plan accordingly.

What are some of the common challenges people face when navigating the real estate process in Spain?

Challenges include understanding the fees and taxes on top of the purchase price, which can vary between 10-15%, and dealing with different types of real estate agents and their access to properties.

What are some of the work visas available for those wishing to work in Spain?

Some common work visas include the entrepreneur visa, self-employment visa, work permit through company sponsorship, and the golden visa which is obtained by purchasing property worth 500,000 euros or more.

How does the tax situation in Spain differ for US citizens compared to other nationalities?

US citizens are subject to taxes on their worldwide income due to the US being one of the few countries that tax based on citizenship, not just residency. This means they may need to file taxes in both Spain and the US.

Why is learning the Spanish language important for those planning to move to Spain, even if they are moving to areas with English-speaking communities?

Learning the Spanish language is crucial for integration and having a richer experience in Spain. It also helps in areas where English may not be widely spoken, and understanding local regional accents and languages can be beneficial.

What are some of the regional languages spoken in different parts of Spain, apart from Spanish?

Apart from Spanish, regional languages include Valenciano, Catalan, Basque, and Gallego, with the prevalence varying from region to region.