Spain has recently become the hub of relocation for foreign expats. Coupled with the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness, different visa programs like Spain’s Golden Visa program encourage more foreign residents to relocate to the country. According to the Migration Policy Institute, almost 43% of expatriates in the country belong to Central or South America, 30% from the European Union, 10% from Africa, and 7% from Africa.
Relocating to Spain with family can be fun-filled and adventurous. This write-up will update you on the different aspects of shifting from your location to Spain.
Consider These Places to Settle in Spain
Spain boasts of some of the globe’s most friendly places for relocation. Some of the best places to live in Spain with a family include the capital city of Madrid, which has a rich heritage and palpitating nightlife. Another exciting place is Barcelona, a hotspot for youngsters with its affordable dining culture and exciting events. Valencia is another favorite amongst the expat community that has been shifting to Spain. That’s due to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city, which has many cultural attractions.
If you want to move to a coastal area in Spain, you can consider places like Costa Blanca, Malaga, Costa del Sol, or Alicante. They are also considered the best places to live in Spain for English speakers. Life in these beach towns can be incredibly interesting and gives a typical Spanish feel, with a Mediterranean climate all year round.
Visas & Documents
To relocate to Spain, foreign citizens can avail of different visa types. This will primarily depend on your purpose of stay and your nationality. Some of the common visa types are –
- Work visa for those who wish to move to Spain for work
- A student visa is for those who are relocating to study in Spain.
- Golden Visa is an investor residence permit.
- The non-lucrative residence visa is ideal for those not planning to work or study. You need to know the specific Spain non-lucrative visa income requirements before applying for this visa.
Non-EU and EEA citizens can apply for a Residence Permit or Tarjeta de residencia within 30 days of arrival, allowing them to extend their stay in Spain.
Documents
Citizens worldwide must complete mandatory documentation to be legal residents of Spain. Of all the documents, the NIE, or Número de Identidad de Extranjero, is the most important. It is a certificate or a Foreigner Identification Number. The NIE is a must for all kinds of administrative work in Spain, like opening a bank account or buying/selling a property or a car. It is also required to access other services like health services or pay tax in Spain.
Reasons to Move to Spain
The top reasons to move to Spain are –
- Life Quality & Lifestyle—Spanish people are known to lead simple but culturally rich lives. The quality of life is high, with a great focus on family and work-life balance.
- Healthcare Quality—According to the 2019 Healthcare Access and Quality Index, Spain scored 89.7 on a scale of 0 to 100. On the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Health Index, Spain’s performance is 74 on a scale of 0 to 100. These scores prove that the country offers high-quality medical care to all its residents.
- Education—The literacy rate is 99% in Spain. Various educational options exist, including public, private, and international schools and colleges.
- Cultural Richness—Spain is one of the culturally richest countries in the world. From its mouth-watering delicacies to flamenco dancing, the country is home to colorful festivals and gorgeous architecture.
- Community – Spanish people are known to be very warm and friendly. They have a great social life, and locals often support expats, eager to make them feel at home.
- Natural & Manmade Attractions—From coastal regions to contemporary cities, Spain has some of the best places in the world to spend your holidays. For example, North Spain is great for hiking. In the south, there are palaces and ancient baths that comfort the eyes and body.
Moving to Spain with your family is an excellent opportunity to settle in a peace-loving community amidst the vibrant Spanish culture. Ensure that you plan the move carefully for a smooth transition.
