Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.
Car insurance is a vital necessity for anyone who wants to drive a car. For expatriate residents in Spain, it can be difficult to find affordable coverage that meets all the requirements of Spanish law. Abbeygate Insurance is here to help, providing quality car insurance at an affordable price.
We are a specialist insurance company covering expats in Spain. We offer a comprehensive range of insurance products, including car, home, travel, health, life, pet, and van insurance. We also provide insurance for businesses operating in Spain.
Whether you are a long-term resident of Spain or a recent arrival, we can provide you with the insurance coverage you need at competitive prices. Our friendly and knowledgeable native English-speaking staff is on hand to answer any questions about our products and services.
GUIDE FOR
Spain has been a dream destination for many expats for a long time now. Expats, retirees and digital nomads all end up falling in love with this country and for good reason to. With lovely sunny weather year round, an incredible history to experience and plenty of diverse landscapes to discover. You can retire by the coast or live comfortably in one of Spain's many charming cities. But to truly get a good start in Spain it is important to know the country before you begin your relocation.
This guide will provide you with a brief overview of Spain with insights into its culture, the work life, a brief language guide and some helpful tips.
A Glimpse into Spain
Geography and climate
Located on the Iberian Peninsula in southern west Europe. Spain is bordered by Portugal and France, while the Mediterranean Sea is sprawled along the coast line. The geography in Spain is as diverse as it is breath-taking. Sunny beaches in Costa del Sol, the mountains of the Pyrenees and lush greenery in Galicia. No matter what you prefer there will be something for you.
The climate certainly can vary but in general Spain is known for her warm weather year round. The south in particular around the Mediterranean can get quite hot with temperatures easily reaching over 30° in the summers. The North instead can be a little cooler and experience some more rain.
A snapshot of history
Spain’s history is as rich and colourful as its landscapes. Shaped by centuries of diverse cultures, the country has seen the rise and fall of empires. From the Romans who left behind grand cities and aqueducts to the Moors who introduced stunning architecture and advanced sciences. After nearly 800 years of Moorish rule, the Christian kingdoms gradually reclaimed the land during the Reconquista. Culminating in the unification of Spain under Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1492. Coincidentally the same year Columbus set sail for the New World.
Spain’s influence grew into a global empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. Although it later faced economic and political challenges. In the 20th century the country endured a devastating civil war. This lead to decades of dictatorship under Francisco Franco. Since Franco’s death in 1975, Spain has embraced democracy and become a vibrant and modern nation. Today its rich past is still visible in its cities, traditions and daily life, offering newcomers a fascinating backdrop to their new home.
Diving into the Spanish culture
Spain’s culture is vibrant, with strong ties to tradition and a welcoming spirit. The Spanish people are known for their friendliness and take pride in their deep cultural roots.
Food and drink: Spanish cuisine is legendary. Think tapas, paella, jamón ibérico, and churros with chocolate. Each region has its own culinary creations and sharing meals is an important part of social life.
Festivals: From La Tomatina to Semana Santa and the famous bull runs in Pamplona, Spain’s festivals are full of energy and tradition.
Siesta and lifestyle: The Spanish famously value their siesta. A midday break that highlights the importance of work-life balance. Evenings often start late with dinner commonly served after 9 pm.
For expats, immersing yourself in this culture is one of the most exciting aspects of life in Spain.
Working in Spain
Relocating to Spain often involves adjusting to a different work culture. Spaniards prioritise relationships in business. So networking and building trust are critical. The workday traditionally includes long lunch breaks. Although this is shifting in more urban areas.
If you're a digital nomad, you'll find plenty of coworking spaces in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Spain’s new digital nomad visa also makes it easier than ever to work remotely in the country.
Additionally, Spaniards value leisure time. So weekends and holidays are sacred and generally spent with family and friends. This balance between work and play creates a fulfilling lifestyle for many.
Espanõl made simple
Learning Spanish will greatly enhance your experience in Spain. While many Spaniards in urban areas speak English, knowing the basics allows you to engage with locals and feel more at home.
Here are some common Spanish phrases to help you get started:
English | Spanish |
Hello | Hola |
Goodbye | Adiós |
Thank you | Gracias |
Please | Por favor |
How are you? | Cómo estás? |
I don’t understand | No entiendo |
Where is the nearest...? | Dónde está el/la más cercano/a...? |
Can you help me? | Puedes ayudarme? |
How much does this cost? | Cuánto cuesta esto? |
Do you speak English? | Hablas inglés? |
Practice a little every day and you’ll find locals will appreciate the effort.
Tips for a smooth transition
Relocating to another country can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can go a long way. Here are some tips for making your move to Spain as seamless as possible:
Research residency requirements: Depending on your nationality you may need a visa to live or work in Spain. Start the application process early to avoid extra stress.
Find accommodation in advance: Renting long-term can be challenging in certain areas. Websites like Idealista are a good place to start..
Understand healthcare options: Spain offers a universal healthcare system but you may also want private insurance depending on your needs.
Familiarise yourself with local customs: Respecting traditions and societal norms will help you integrate more easily.
Learn basic Spanish: Even a few phrases can make a big difference in your everyday interactions.
Explore your surroundings: Take time to discover your neighbourhood, meet locals, and enjoy Spain’s incredible scenery.
Final thoughts
Spain is a country that will offer you endless adventurers. Explore the rich history and live a lifestyle that many dream of. Whether you're drawn by the idea of retiring on the golden coasts or working remotely in the lovely cities. Enjoy the unique culture because Spain has something for everyone.
Bienvenido a España!
Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.
Car insurance is a vital necessity for anyone who wants to drive a car. For expatriate residents in Spain, it can be difficult to find affordable coverage that meets all the requirements of Spanish law. Abbeygate Insurance is here to help, providing quality car insurance at an affordable price.
We are a specialist insurance company covering expats in Spain. We offer a comprehensive range of insurance products, including car, home, travel, health, life, pet, and van insurance. We also provide insurance for businesses operating in Spain.
Whether you are a long-term resident of Spain or a recent arrival, we can provide you with the insurance coverage you need at competitive prices. Our friendly and knowledgeable native English-speaking staff is on hand to answer any questions about our products and services.
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.
AIMS is a leading immigration and relocation consultancy based in Singapore, specializing in visa and residency solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence across Asia, AIMS provides expert guidance on immigration programs, investment migration, and global mobility solutions.
From securing work permits and permanent residency to facilitating business expansion through investor visas, AIMS offers personalized services to help clients navigate complex immigration processes. With a commitment to professionalism and efficiency, AIMS ensures a smooth transition for those looking to live, work, or invest abroad.
Akcion is a specialized consultancy firm providing expert advisory services in regulatory compliance, risk management, and business transformation. With a strong focus on financial institutions, Akcion helps businesses navigate complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Through innovative solutions and strategic insights, Akcion supports organizations in optimizing risk management, improving operational efficiency, and driving sustainable growth. our expertise spans areas such as anti-money laundering (AML), corporate governance, and financial risk assessment.
We are not only a consultancy…
We are one of the best trained offices to provide the legal, labour, tax and accounting advice that you need.
Everyone deserves a good home. No matter where you are, you’ll need a place to return to a sanctuary where you can rest, recharge, and truly feel at home. At All Luxury Apartments, we believe that finding the perfect place shouldn’t be a challenge, which is why we connect you to the finest homes across the world.
Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or an extended stay, we strive to ensure that you have access to exceptional accommodations that suit your lifestyle and needs. From elegant city apartments to breathtaking villas, we’re here to make sure that wherever life takes you, you will always have a home—the kind you truly deserve!
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