Removals from England to Spain can be a wonderful adventure, but it also involves a number of preparations and changes to your daily lifestyle. The country of sunshine, tapas and fiestas attracts with its friendly climate, interesting culture and the openness of its people. Below you will find practical information on Spanish culture, learning the language and the basic formalities you should take care of before and just after your arrival.
1. Culture: lifestyles and customs
- Fiesta and siesta
– Fiesta: Spaniards love to celebrate – there are numerous festivals and local events in every region. It’s a great opportunity to meet people, taste regional food and integrate with the local community.
– Siesta: The daytime break (usually between 14:00 and 17:00) is still popular especially in smaller towns and southern regions of the country. Many shops and offices are closed during this time, which may come as a surprise to those used to continuous opening hours in England.
- Rhythm of the day
– Late meals: Lunch in Spain (known as comida) is often eaten around 14:00-16:00 and dinner (known as cena) can even start at 21:00-22:00.
– Leisure time: most Spaniards spend their evenings getting together with friends, in bars or cafés. This is an excellent opportunity to quickly make new contacts and learn about the local culture from the inside.
- Hospitality and family
– Spaniards are open and sociable, with family and friend gatherings often lasting into the night.
– Close family ties are also important – many generations live in the same town or region and often meet each other.
2. Language: learning Spanish after the move
- Language skills and daily life
– Spanish (castellano) is the official language throughout the country, but there are other regional languages, such as Catalan (Catalonia), Galician (Galicia) and Basque (Basque Country).
– In the larger cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia), it is possible to meet people who speak English, but outside of these cities, a communicative knowledge of Spanish makes everyday life very easy: visiting the doctor, in the office or when shopping.
- Learning Spanish
– Language courses: Many language schools offer intensive courses for foreigners – both on-site and online.
– Apps and self-study: You can also use popular apps (Duolingo, Babbel), podcasts or YouTube channels to help you learn vocabulary and grammar.
– Practice: the most important thing is to use the language regularly. Network with locals, talk in bars and shops – any opportunity is good to practise Spanish.
3. Formalities: what you need to do before and after the move
- Residence status after Brexit
If you are a UK citizen, after Brexit you will need to meet additional requirements to be able to legally reside and work in Spain:
Visa or residence permit:
– For stays of less than 90 days in a six-month period, a tourist visa is often sufficient, but it does not entitle the holder to work.
– If you plan to stay or work for a longer period of time, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa (e.g. student, employee) or resident card.
TIE:
– This is an identity document for foreigners. It is compulsory to obtain a TIE card for those who stay in Spain for more than 90 days.
– You apply at the Oficina de Extranjería or the police headquarters (Policía Nacional) by appointment (cita previa).
- NIE Numer (Foreigner’s Identity Number)
– NIE is an indispensable identification number for foreigners to deal with most administrative and financial matters (e.g. opening a bank account, tax settlements, buying property).
– You can apply for it at your local Oficina de Extranjería or through the Spanish Consulate in the UK before you leave.
- Health insurance
Spain has a public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud), the use of which requires registration and a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria).
– Employees: if you are employed under an employment contract (contrato de trabajo), health insurance premiums will be paid automatically by the employer.
– Self-employed (autónomos): you must register in the system and pay contributions yourself.
– In addition, many people opt for private insurance to gain faster access to specialists or more extensive medical care.
- Bank account and financial issues
– Opening an account: Most banks require an identity document (passport) and NIE number.
– Income tax (IRPF): If you intend to work in Spain, familiarise yourself with the rules of the Spanish tax system. The rate depends on your income level and region.
- Renting or buying property
– Renting: Be prepared that landlords often require a deposit and proof of earnings or a letter of reference from a previous landlord.
– Purchase: Spain is a popular investment destination, but the purchase of a property by a foreigner involves additional formalities (e.g. obtaining an NIE number, possible permits). It is worth consulting a lawyer to avoid ambiguities.
4. Practical tips and advice for a good start
- Start learning the language even before you move: Even a basic knowledge of Spanish will make it easier for you to deal with paperwork and day-to-day interactions with locals.
- Get the most important administrative matters done first: NIE number, visa, health insurance – these are key to a legal and safe stay.
- Plan your budget: the cost of living in Spain varies from region to region (Barcelona or Madrid can be more expensive than smaller cities). Check the prices of rent, food and public transport.
- Be open to the culture and customs: Spaniards will appreciate your efforts to learn about their traditions. Participating in local fiestas and cultural events is a great way to integrate.
- Use the local expat community: social media groups or online forums are full of practical advice, and you can find people who have already gone through a similar relocation journey.
International removals
Spain offers many attractions, a sunny climate, delicious cuisine, a rich culture and hospitable people. However, for expats from England, especially after Brexit, the move requires some extra paperwork to be taken care of. The key to a successful start in Spain is to plan in advance for steps related to legal residency, health insurance, finances and learning the language. With the right preparation and an open-minded attitude, it will be much easier for you to find your way around your new reality and enjoy life in the sunny country.
