Spain is not just a country, but a stunning place on the world map that inspires and attracts millions of people. Surrounded by picturesque nature and magnificent architecture, this country with a unique national atmosphere attracts people from all over the world.
In terms of living standards, Spain occupies a leading position in the European Union. Sunny weather and a mild Mediterranean climate create comfortable living conditions almost every day.
Spain is also known for being the second in the world in terms of the number of cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the third in terms of the area of natural areas recognized as biosphere reserves. In addition, it is the leader among the countries of the Northern Hemisphere in the number of beaches marked with the Blue Flag.
However, as everywhere, there are some disadvantages. Therefore, today we will discuss not only the pros and cons of living in Spain, but also consider important aspects that need to be taken into account by those planning to move.
The Spanish government is actively working to protect the environment, implementing strict legislative measures. The country has a system that not only closely monitors compliance with environmental standards, but also provides administrative and criminal penalties for their violation. Particular attention is paid to reducing air and water pollution, as well as efficient waste management. Thanks to its favorable climate,
Spain actively uses renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. According to 2016 data, the country ranked sixth in the world in environmental performance. And in 2021, according to Yale University, Spain is in 27th place in environmental safety.
In Spain, the average salary is 2,426 euros, and the minimum is 1,323 euros. The cost of living is estimated at about 700 euros. Compared to Ukraine and Russia, where the average salaries are 398 and 730 dollars respectively, these figures are impressive. However, it is important to understand how these amounts relate to the real cost of living.
According to the Numbeo Cost of Living Index, Spain ranks 54th with an index of 48.6, which is higher than Russia and Ukraine, which are in 116th and 123rd places respectively. How does this manifest itself in practice?
Renting housing in Spain is more expensive than in Russia and Ukraine, but the quality of housing and the standard of living in general are also higher. The average rental index in Spain is 23.3, which is significantly higher than in its eastern neighbors.
The food price index in Spain (45.3) is higher than in Ukraine (26.6) and Russia (26.5), but the range of products is more varied and their quality is 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 attracts foreign investors and those wishing to work and live in the country, stimulating economic growth and the development of innovative industries. In turn, this creates a favorable environment for business and entrepreneurship, opening up new opportunities for local and foreign entrepreneurs.
According to the World Health Organization, the Spanish healthcare system is ranked seventh in the world in terms of efficiency. This indicator already says a lot about the high level of medical care in the country. The national healthcare system, created in 1986 (Instituto Nacional de la Salud), provides free access to basic medical services for all residents of the country, including foreigners, regardless of their financial situation.
Public and private healthcare institutions in Spain are famous for the high level of service and professionalism of medical personnel, as well as a well-developed infrastructure, including a network of hospitals and medical centers, many of which are considered among the best in the world.
Although education in Spain is paid, the cost of education here is quite affordable compared to other European countries. Studying at the Faculty of Medicine costs about 1600 euros per year. Studying in technical and humanitarian specialties is somewhat cheaper - from 1000 to 1300 euros and from 900 to 1200 euros per year.
The Spanish are famous for their hospitality. Unlike some countries where even after a long stay and good knowledge of the language you may be perceived as a stranger, in Spain you will quickly feel at home.
Family values play an important role in Spanish society, and respect for the older generation is a key cultural norm. The Spanish value family ties and maintain strong ties between generations, which creates a warm and friendly atmosphere both in families and in society as a whole.
Spain ranks 103rd out of 137 cities in the Numbeo Crime Index, with a high safety index of 66.68. The capital, Madrid, ranks 43rd out of 329 safest cities in the world with a safety index of 73.3.
Spain has one of the lowest serious crime rates not only in Europe but also in the world. This demonstrates the effectiveness of measures aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order. According to UN data for 2021, the serious and particularly serious crime rate in Spain is only 0.61 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the European average of 2.2. This highlights Spain’s success in ensuring safety for its citizens.
Spain offers one of the most advantageous and effective programs for obtaining a "golden visa", which allows foreign investors to quickly and easily obtain a residence permit (RP) in the country. The application review period is less than 10 days, which makes the Spanish "golden visa" system one of the fastest in the world and provides excellent opportunities for those who want to invest in the Spanish economy.
The program includes several investment options, each of which gives the right to obtain a residence permit:
Most applicants choose 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 taking out a mortgage for part of the amount over the required 500 thousand euros. Even if you are in Spain for less than six months a year, renewing your residence permit will not be a problem, and permit holders will eventually be able to apply for citizenship.
Moving or traveling to Spain opens up a world of cultural treasures and sunny weather, but it also requires you to overcome a major obstacle: the language barrier. Knowing Spanish in this country is not just a plus, it is a necessity. Without knowing the language, finding a job will be almost impossible, and even everyday tasks like shopping or communicating with locals can be a real challenge.
The Spanish are proud of their language and culture, and if you try to communicate with them in English, even if they understand it, they may pretend not to understand you. This is not a sign of disrespect or unwillingness to help, but rather a reflection of the deeply rooted belief that, whether you are a tourist or an expat, you should have at least a basic level of Spanish.
So if you are planning to move to Spain, we advise you to learn the language at least at a basic level. This will significantly simplify your adaptation and help you take the first steps in integrating into a new environment.
The Spanish way of life includes a special feature that not everyone is familiar with - a pause on Sunday, when most shops are closed. On the other hand, this provides a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. In Spain, Sunday is a day when the emphasis is on family values. Many Spaniards spend this day with their family, having dinner or simply enjoying the company of others at home. For some, this may seem like an inconvenience, but for others, it is a chance to deeply immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Spain, slow down the pace of life and reconsider the usual schedule, finding time for rest and recovery.
Our advice is to plan your purchases in advance, as it will be difficult to buy anything necessary on Sunday.
It is currently difficult to find 92 petrol in Spain, while diesel fuel continues to be popular due to its relative cheapness compared to other types of fuel. However, due to the negative impact of diesel fuel on the greenhouse effect, the government plans to increase the tax on its sale, which could increase its price by almost 30%. As a result, many Spaniards already prefer cars running on A-95 and A-98 petrol.
The summer heat in Spain raises temperatures to extremely high levels, forcing even those who usually tolerate heat well to seek cooling with air conditioning or at least fans. Without these devices, the heat can become simply unbearable.
In winter, the situation changes dramatically. Those who move from cold regions to the warm south face new challenges. High humidity, piercing winds and the lack of traditional heating in most homes make the winter months less comfortable than one might expect. Instead of conventional heating systems, air conditioners, electric heaters and heat guns are used in Spain to keep homes warm.
This leads to a significant increase in electricity bills during the winter. Given that electricity costs in Spain are relatively high, energy costs can be quite a burden for locals and temporary visitors.
We have already discussed the mild and warm climate of Spain, but it is worth noting that it can be quite contrasting. The summer heat here is sharply replaced by cold winters. In some regions, especially in the southern and central parts of the country, heating in houses is not as common as in the northern regions, where it is used more often.
Modern housing construction in Spain includes new energy efficiency standards, but most old houses do not have a high level of insulation. To create comfortable conditions in such buildings, Spaniards actively use air conditioners in the summer and heaters in the winter, and fans help to cope with the summer heat.
Although the use of these devices helps maintain a comfortable temperature, the high cost of electricity in Spain makes this method of heating or cooling expensive. Therefore, residents of the country are looking for alternative methods of keeping warm or cool, from traditional solutions to modern technologies, to ensure comfort in their homes without overloading the budget.
The process of obtaining services from government agencies in Spain requires not only patience, but also careful preparation of all necessary documents in strict accordance with the law, as well as the willingness to face multiple bureaucratic obstacles.
Before going to an important meeting, make sure that all documents are collected according to the list, checked for errors, and the forms are filled out perfectly. Otherwise, even the most polite employee of the government agency will point out shortcomings: missing documents or errors in filling out, which may require your return visit. As a result, it may turn out that some certificates have already expired, or additional confirmations will be needed.
Advantages of living in Spain:
Disadvantages of living in Spain:
Spain is a country with a high standard of living, picturesque landscapes and a rich historical and cultural heritage. Despite certain difficulties, it continues to attract people from all over the world with its unique way of life and diverse opportunities for leisure, work and everyday life. It is important to approach these difficulties with an open mind and heart in order to fully enjoy all the benefits of this bright and sunny country. International real estate agency GG Real Estate Barcelona wishes you good luck if you are planning to move to Spain and hopes that the listed disadvantages will not become a serious obstacle for you.
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