1. Do your research and find out all you can about Spain.
2. Find a job in Spain.
3. Apply for a visa with visa officials in Spain.
4. Learn Spanish before you move.
5. Learn about the Spanish education system.
6. Apply for a permanent residence permit in Spain.
7. Book a hotel or rent a flat.
8. Promote your presence on social media.
9. Determine a possible budget for your move.
10. Look for health insurance.
Getting to know Spain before you move
To learn more about Spain, you can access a wide range of materials. These materials can be found both online and in many written sources.
In order to obtain complete information about Spain, you can do the following:
- Read books about Spain and its history; you will find a lot of information and better understand this beautiful country.
- Visit virtual museums and art galleries; you can get unique information about the history, culture, art, cuisine and traditions of Spain.
- Read information in the press, which is regularly updated and includes information about events in Spain.
- Look for online channels related to Spain, which contain a wealth of information about the country.
- Visit Spanish embassies in Poland and trust people who live in Spain for more information about their country.
- Visit Spain and explore locally to learn about its sights, culture and cuisine.
Working in Spain after you move
- Search online job portals: there are many websites and job portals dedicated to recruitment in Spain; some popular portals are Indeed.es, Infojobs.es, Trabajos.com and LinkedIn; you can browse job offers, apply online and send your CV.
- Use recruitment agencies: recruitment agencies can help you find a job in Spain. You can register with an agency, provide your CV and discuss your career preferences; agencies will act as intermediaries between you and potential employers.
- Contacts and professional network; make use of your contacts and professional network; you can consult family, friends or others who have a connection with Spain or the industry you want to work in; often information about job opportunities is shared within your professional network, so it is worth sharing.
- Check the websites of companies: you can visit the websites of Spanish companies where you are interested in working, they often publish their current job offers on their websites, you can also send them your CV and cover letter if they do not have current advertisements.
- Visit Spain: if you are able to visit Spain, you may decide to visit for a job search, you can visit job fairs, attend networking events and contact directly the companies you are interested in.
- Spanish language: it is worth investing in learning Spanish; although some job vacancies may require English language skills, having the ability to communicate in Spanish will greatly increase your chances of finding a job in Spain.
Remember that the job search process can take some time and effort. It is important to be patient and consistent in your efforts. Good luck in finding a job in Spain!
Visas to Spain
If you need information on visa requirements, it is best to contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate in your country directly. There they will be able to provide you with up-to-date information on the application process, the documentation required and answer any questions you may have.
Keep in mind that visa requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your stay in Spain, so it is advisable to consult the official Spanish authorities for accurate information regarding your situation.
Learn the language before moving to Spain
If you are planning to move to Spain, it is a good idea to learn Spanish before you leave.
Here are some tips to help you learn Spanish:
- Enrol on a Spanish language course
You can find Spanish courses online or at local language schools. Courses can be taught in person or remotely, and are often available at different levels to suit your needs and skills.
- Use mobile apps and online platforms
There are many mobile apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone and Memrise that offer interactive Spanish lessons. You can also use online learning platforms such as Coursera or edX, which offer Spanish language courses.
- Practise conversation
As well as learning the theory, it is also important to practice conversing in Spanish. You can find a language exchange partner or join a conversation group to speak with native speakers. Practising the language on a daily basis will help you gain confidence and fluency in speaking.
- Watch movies, listen to music and read in Spanish
Incorporating Spanish into your daily life can help you learn. Watch Spanish films and series, listen to Spanish-language music and read books or articles in Spanish. This will help you to better understand the culture and language context.
- Take advantage of opportunities to practice in Spain
If you have the opportunity, visit Spain before you move or take a Spanish language course on site. Practising the language in an environment where it is spoken on a daily basis will accelerate your progress and enable you to network with native speakers.
Education in Spain after the move
The Spanish education system is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional) and the governments of the various autonomous regions in Spain. The education system in Spain includes compulsory and non-compulsory stages and offers different levels of schools and types of educational institutions.
Here is some basic information about the Spanish education system:
- Pre-primary education (Educación Infantil)
This is a non-compulsory stage for children aged 0 to 6 years. It is divided into two cycles: cycle I (for children aged 0-3 years) and cycle II (for children aged 3-6 years).
- Primary education (Educación Primaria)
This is a compulsory stage for children aged between 6 and 12 years. It lasts 6 years and consists of two cycles: the initial cycle (Educación Primaria Obligatoria – EPO) for children aged 6-8 years and the middle cycle (Educación Primaria Obligatoria – ESO) for children aged 8-12 years.
- Secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria – ESO)
This is the next compulsory stage and lasts 4 years. It covers pupils between the ages of 12 and 16. After completing ESO, pupils can continue their education in one of several different types of secondary school.
- Bachillerato
This is a two-year educational cycle for pupils aged 16-18. Bachillerato is non-compulsory but is an important preparatory stage for higher education. Pupils can choose between different majors: scientific, humanities, arts or technical.
- Vocational education (Formación Profesional)
Offers practical vocational training for students after completing the compulsory education stage. There are many different courses and programmes within vocational education that lead to a specific professional qualification.
- Higher education
Spain has an extensive higher education system. There are public and private universities and studies are divided into three levels: bachelor’s degree (Grado), master’s degree (Máster) and doctoral degree (Doctorado). Spanish universities are internationally recognised and offer a wide variety of courses of study.
Permanent residence permit in Spain
To apply for a permanent residence permit in Spain, you will usually have to meet certain conditions and go through the relevant procedures.
Here are the general steps you can take:
- Collect the necessary documentation
Before applying for a permanent residence permit, make sure you have all the necessary documents. The documents required may vary depending on your situation and circumstances, but may include: a valid passport, proof of residence registration, a certificate of non-criminal conviction, documents proving the legality of your stay in Spain (e.g. visas or other permits), work certificates, health insurance, financial proof, passport photos, etc.
- Contact your local foreigners’ authority
To apply for a permanent residence permit, contact your local foreigners’ authority in Spain. Depending on where you live, this may be the immigration office or the police. Check with your local authority or the Spanish embassy in your country for exact information on where to apply.
- Complete the application
Complete the application for a permanent residence permit according to the guidelines and instructions you will receive from the immigration authority. The application may be available online or on paper. Make sure you fill it out carefully and completely, providing all the required information and documents.
- Submit your application
Submitting your application may require you to appear in person at the immigration office or send your documents by post. Make sure you meet the deadline and provide all the required documents.
- Avoid fees
Often an application for a permanent residence permit involves a fee. Check the current fee requirements and pay any required amounts before submitting your application.
- Familiarise yourself with the application process
Once you have submitted your application, the immigration authority will process your application. This process may take some time, usually several months. During this time, the foreigners’ authority may ask for additional documents or conduct an interview.
Finding accommodation in Spain
- Online portals and apps
Use popular Spanish online portals and apps such as Idealista, Fotocasa, Habitaclia, or Airbnb (if you are looking for short-term rentals). These platforms allow you to search for flat listings based on location, price, size and other preferences.
- Real estate agencies in Spain
Contact local real estate agencies that offer property rental or sales services. These agencies can help you find a flat that suits your requirements. Be aware, however, that some agencies may charge a commission.
- Groups on social networks
Join groups and communities on social networks that focus on renting property in Spain. You can ask questions, get tips from people who have already rented or keep up to date with new listings.
- Local newspapers and classifieds
Browse local newspapers and online classifieds portals, which often have offers for flat rentals. In some cases, landlords prefer to advertise their listings in the local media.
When looking for a flat, remember to establish your preferences regarding location, size, budget and other factors that are important to you. It is also a good idea to carefully study the terms of the lease, such as the length of the contract, security deposit and additional costs.
Also be vigilant and cautious, especially if you are using online portals. Avoid sending down payments or other payments before you have inspected the property in person and signed the tenancy agreement. Read the rental agreement carefully before signing and make sure you understand all the terms and obligations.
Meet people in Spain online
There are many other ways in which you can engage with the community online or set up a website or blog in Spain.
- Getting involved in social media communities
You can join Spanish groups on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. This will give you the opportunity to share information, gain knowledge, ask questions and network with other Spanish people.
- Set up a website or blog
If you are interested in sharing your ideas, passions or knowledge, you can set up your website or blog in Spain. You can publish content related to topics that interest you or create content in Spanish. Such a blog can attract readers from Spain and enable you to connect with people with similar interests.
- Participate in community events
There are many community events in Spain, such as fairs, conferences, workshops or industry meetings. You can follow and participate in local events in your field. This can be a great opportunity to network with other people and integrate into the local community.
Remember that virtual communities and online platforms are great for networking, but it is also important to build authentic relationships offline. If you have the opportunity, meet people in person, attend local events and get involved in local social initiatives to further integrate yourself into the Spanish community.
Budget for your move to Spain
Determining a budget for a move to Spain depends on a number of factors, such as the distance, the size of the parcel, the choice of transport method, the costs associated with accommodation, as well as other expenses associated with adapting to a new country.
Here are some factors to consider when setting your budget:
- Transport
If you are planning to transport your belongings to Spain, you will need to consider the costs associated with transport. Prices can vary depending on the distance and volume of the shipment. You can consult different removal companies to get quotes and compare costs.
- Accommodation
Accommodation costs in Spain can vary considerably depending on the location and type of property. Analyse the property market in your chosen region and see what the average rental prices or property purchase prices are. In addition, if you are renting a flat, you may also need to factor in a deposit and any estate agency commissions.
- Adaptation costs
During the initial phase of a move, various adaptation costs may arise, such as the purchase of necessary furniture and equipment, public service charges, communication costs, insurance, opening a bank account, replacing a driving licence, translating documents, etc. It is worth reserving a certain amount for these additional expenses.
- Administrative fees
Don’t forget to take into account any administrative fees associated with your move to Spain, such as visa fees, residence permits, registration at your place of residence, etc. These fees may vary depending on your situation.
- Travel costs
If you are planning to travel to Spain to find a flat, you may want to factor in travel costs such as airfare, accommodation during your search, transport in the country.
Insurance when you move to Spain
In Spain, the healthcare system is known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which provides access to healthcare for citizens and residents.
To obtain health insurance in Spain, there are various options to consider:
- Public insurance (Seguridad Social)
If you are a resident in Spain and work full-time, you will be subject to compulsory health insurance through Seguridad Social. Health insurance premiums are automatically deducted from your salary.
- Private insurance
If you are not covered by public insurance or would like additional health insurance, you may want to consider taking out private health insurance. Private insurance can give you access to a wider range of medical services and reduce waiting times for certain procedures.
- Travel insurance
If you are in Spain as a tourist or on a short-term stay, you may want to consider taking out travel insurance to cover medical costs and essential medical services in the event of a sudden illness or accident.
To find specific health insurance quotes in Spain, you can use various sources such as insurers’ websites, insurance comparison sites or consult local insurance agents. It is advisable to carefully analyse the terms and conditions, coverage, costs and reviews of a particular insurer before making a decision.
Please note that the above information is general and the specific rules and requirements for health insurance in Spain may vary depending on your situation and residency status. Therefore, I recommend contacting Seguridad Social or your local insurers directly for more detailed information and tailoring to your situation.
