Basic steps to go live in Spain
If you intend to travel to Spain or even live in Spain, you may find this following article interesting. Of course, if you need a tailored plan, depending on your needs, interests and personal background, our Lawyers will be happy to assist you. Feel free to book your appointment and speak to a Lawyer now.
Spain is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Agreement, which allows for the free movement of people within the EU. If you are a citizen of an EU country, you do not need a visa to enter Spain and can stay for up to three months. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you may need a visa to enter Spain, depending on the purpose of your visit and your country of citizenship. You can find more information about the requirements for obtaining a visa to enter Spain on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How to get a visa for Spain?
To apply for a visa to enter Spain, you will need to follow these steps:
- Determine the type of visa you need: Spain offers several types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and student visas. Choose the type of visa that best fits your purpose of travel.
- Gather the required documents: You will need to submit a number of documents with your visa application, including a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain. The specific documents required will depend on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Find a Spanish embassy or consulate: You will need to submit your visa application at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. Find the embassy or consulate that serves your area and make an appointment to submit your application.
- Submit your application: Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate and submit your application, along with all required documents. You may also need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints, as part of the application process.
- Wait for a decision: It can take several weeks for the embassy or consulate to process your application and make a decision. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa in the mail. If it is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial.
I hope this information is helpful! If you have any more questions about obtaining a visa to enter Spain, feel free to ask.
Why one would migrate to Spain?
There are many reasons why someone might consider immigrating to Spain. Here are a few:
- Climate: Spain has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. This makes it an attractive destination for people who enjoy spending time outdoors and want to escape cold, rainy weather.
- Culture: Spain is known for its vibrant culture, which includes delicious cuisine, lively music and dance, and beautiful art and architecture.
- Quality of life: Spain ranks highly in international comparisons of quality of life, with a high life expectancy and a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries.
- Job opportunities: Spain has a diverse economy and a strong job market, particularly in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Proximity to other countries: Spain is located in the heart of Europe, making it easy to travel to other countries for work or leisure.
- Family ties: If you have family members living in Spain, you may be interested in immigrating to be closer to them.
These are just a few of the many reasons why someone might consider immigrating to Spain.
Now that we have the reasons, we wonder which city would be best to live in Spain?
It’s difficult to say which city in Spain is “best” because different cities have different strengths and appeal to different people. Some popular cities in Spain include:
- Barcelona: Located on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is known for its vibrant culture, world-class museums, and beautiful beaches. It is a popular destination for tourists and has a strong job market.
- Madrid: The capital of Spain, Madrid is known for its lively nightlife, world-class museums, and beautiful parks. It is a cosmopolitan city with a strong economy and a large international community.
- Valencia: Located on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, and delicious cuisine. It is a popular destination for tourists and has a thriving economy.
- Seville: Located in the south of Spain, Seville is known for its beautiful architecture, lively culture, and delicious food. It is a popular destination for tourists and has a strong job market.
These are just a few examples of the many great cities in Spain. Ultimately, the best city for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a place to live.
Now, let’s find a place to stay, how should we do it?
There are several ways you can find a flat or apartment in Spain:
- Use a real estate agent: A real estate agent can help you find properties that meet your criteria and negotiate the terms of your lease. You can find a list of real estate agents in your area by searching online or in local directories.
- Search online: There are many websites and online platforms that list properties for rent in Spain. These can be a good place to start your search and get an idea of what is available in your desired location.
- Look for classified ads: Local newspapers and online classifieds websites often have listings for rental properties in Spain.
- Ask around: Talk to people you know who live in Spain and see if they know of any available properties.
- Contact rental agencies: Rental agencies specialize in finding properties for rent and can be a good resource if you are having difficulty finding a place on your own.
When searching for a flat in Spain, it is important to be patient and persistent. The process can take some time, and you may need to view several properties before finding one that meets your needs.
What about work? How can we find a job in Spain?
Here are some tips for finding a job in Spain:
- Determine your visa status: If you are not a citizen of an EU country, you will need to obtain a work visa to be employed in Spain. You can find information about the requirements for obtaining a work visa on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Build your network: Networking is an important part of finding a job in any country, and Spain is no exception. Attend job fairs, join professional organizations, and make connections with people who work in your field.
- Search online: There are many websites and job search engines that list job openings in Spain. Create a profile and start searching for job openings that match your skills and experience.
- Use a recruitment agency: Recruitment agencies specialize in matching job seekers with employers. They may be able to help you find a job in Spain.
- Consider internships or volunteering: If you are having difficulty finding a paid position, you may want to consider interning or volunteering to gain experience and make connections in your field.
- Learn the language: Knowing Spanish will be helpful when looking for a job in Spain, as many employers will prefer candidates who are fluent in the language.
I hope these tips are helpful! If you have any more questions about finding a job in Spain, feel free to ask.
Coming with family and kids? You want to know a bit more about schooling in Spain.
Education in Spain is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16 and is free in public schools. Primary education consists of six grades and lasts for six years, and secondary education consists of three grades and lasts for three years. After completing secondary education, students can choose to continue their studies at a university or vocational school.
Spain has a strong education system and ranks highly in international comparisons of education quality. Spanish schools place a strong emphasis on academic subjects, and students are required to take a number of standardized tests throughout their academic career.
Spain has a high-quality education system, with schools that are well-equipped and staffed by qualified teachers. Primary and secondary schools follow a national curriculum that is set by the Spanish government. Students typically attend school from Monday to Friday and have a long summer vacation.
Private schools are also available in Spain, but they can be expensive and may have admission requirements. If you are considering enrolling your child in a private school in Spain, you should research the schools in your area and compare their programs, facilities, and fees.
Spain has many universities, both public and private, that offer a wide range of academic programs. Higher education is generally free for Spanish citizens, although there are fees for some programs and for international students.
To register at the townhall (ayuntamiento) in Spain, you will need to follow these steps:
- Gather the necessary documents: To register at the townhall, you will need to provide identification, such as a passport or national identification card. You may also need to provide proof of your address in Spain, such as a rental contract or utility bill.
- Find your local townhall: Townhalls are located in every city and town in Spain. You can find the address and contact information for your local townhall by searching online.
- Make an appointment: Contact your local townhall and make an appointment to register. You may be able to make an appointment online or by phone. If your family is 2 or more, you don’t need to book several appointments, usually on is enough.
- Attend your appointment: Bring all necessary documents with you to your appointment. The townhall will review your documents and complete the registration process.
- Receiving your certificate: Once your registration is complete, you will receive a certificate (certificado de empadronamiento) indicating your registration at the townhall.
To open a bank account in Spain, you will need to follow these steps:
- Gather the necessary documents: To open a bank account in Spain, you will need to provide identification, such as a passport or national identification card, as well as proof of your address in Spain. You may also need to provide other documents, such as a work contract or proof of income.
- Choose a bank: Spain has many banks to choose from, including both local and international banks. Consider factors such as the bank’s fees, services, and locations when selecting a bank.
- Make an appointment: Contact the bank you have chosen and make an appointment to open an account. You may be able to make an appointment online or by phone.
- Attend your appointment: Bring all necessary documents with you to your appointment. The bank will review your documents and complete the account-opening process.
- Activating your account: Once your account is opened, you will need to activate it by making a deposit and setting up any necessary online or mobile banking services.
With those basics, you have a generic view of what’s needed in order to go live in Spain. Should you need help with your relocation, finding a place to live, or you just need somebody to verify your contracts, feel free to contact us.