Living in Spain as an expat: A complete guide

From vibrant cities to coastal escapes, Spain offers a dynamic lifestyle that continues to draw expats from around the world. Whether you are moving for work, retiring in the sun or simply looking for a new experience, Spain has a lot to offer.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it’s like living in Spain as an UK expat. From healthcare and employment to the cost of living and settling in, here is what to expect once you’re there.

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Table of contents
Living in Spain - what you need to know Cost of living in Spain Career opportunities for expats in Spain Visa options for expats Finding accommodation in Spain Spain’s culture and laws Healthcare and health insurance Education in Spain Pros and cons of living in Spain

Living in Spain - what you need to know

Let’s go through some quick facts about Spain:

Currency	Euro (EUR)
Main language	Spanish
Population	47,884,494¹
Number of British expats	293,171²
Popular expat destinations	Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia

Cost of living in Spain

Living costs in Spain are generally about 25% lower than in the UK. Daily expenses like groceries, rent and utilities tend to be significantly more affordable, making it easier to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.³

Here's a general comparison of typical costs in Spain and the UK:

• A three-course meal for two people costs around £44 in Spain, while it’s £65 in the UK
• A monthly public transport pass is approx. £26, compared to £72 in the UK
• Rent for a one-bedroom city centre apartment is around £770, compared to £1,013 in the UK
• Utilities for a typical apartment are around £115 per month, compared to £238 in the UK³

📚 Read more: Moving to Spain from the UK: Complete guide

Career opportunities for expats in Spain

You’ll find a variety of career opportunities living as an expat in Spain, although the job market can vary significantly depending on the region and industry. While unemployment rates remain higher than in some other European countries, there is steady demand for skilled professionals in sectors like technology, tourism, education, agriculture and healthcare.⁴

English speakers are especially valued in international companies and in teaching roles, particularly in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Foreign language speakers in general are also in high demand in tourism and hospitality, especially in popular regions like Costa del Sol.⁴

Foreign workers account for around 16% of the total employed population in Spain. Various incentives exist to attract international professionals, including the Beckham law, which offers a lower tax rate for non-residents working in Spain. Additionally, highly skilled workers can also get an EU Blue Card easily.⁴

In Spain, there is a balance between dedication at work and taking time to recharge during the day. While working hours can be longer than in some countries, meetings often start later in the day and lunchtime breaks tend to be extended. Building good relationships with colleagues is important, as teamwork and trust are highly valued.⁵

Visa options for expats

The type of visa you will need to live in Spain depends on your reason for moving and how long you plan to stay. Any stay longer than 90 days requires a long-term visa, known as the National visa.⁶

There are many types of long-stay visas, including the following:

• Student visa
• Digital nomad visa
• Family reunification visa
• Residence and employment work visa
• Entrepreneur visa
• Non-working residency visa⁶

Work visa

The main work-related visa in Spain is the one for employed workers. This visa requires a job offer and authorisation, meaning approval that the position can’t be filled by a Spanish or EU candidate. You need to submit the work visa application at the Spanish consulate once the work authorisation is approved.⁷

The work visa allows you to live and work legally in Spain for the duration of your employment contract. There are different types of work visas, including seasonal work visas for temporary employment and visas for highly skilled professionals with simplified requirements.⁷

After arriving, you must register with the social security system and apply for a residence card within 30 days. The whole process can take several weeks, so it’s important to apply well in advance.⁷

Digital nomad visa

Spain’s Digital nomad visa allows remote workers and self-employed people to live in Spain while working online. The work must be for companies or clients based outside the country. This is a legal way to enjoy life in Spain without needing a local job.⁸

To apply, you must have a university degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience. You also need to prove a steady income and have private health insurance that covers your stay in Spain. Self-employed workers can take on Spanish clients, but this work must not make up more than 20% of their total income.⁸

You must apply for the visa through the Spanish consulate and obtain an NIE (foreigner identification number) beforehand. Close family members, such as your partner or children, can also be included in the application.⁸

Non-lucrative residence visa

The Non-lucrative residence visa allows you to live in Spain without working. It’s designed for people who can financially support themselves without needing to earn income, such as retirees.⁹

As part of the application, you must submit a completed visa form, a valid passport and supporting documents. These include proof of funds, private health insurance, a criminal record check, a medical certificate and proof of accommodation. Additional documents may also be required depending on your situation.⁹

Family members, such as your spouse, children or elderly relatives, can be included in the same application.⁹

Finding accommodation in Spain

Although expats can buy property in Spain, many start with short-term rentals before committing to a long-term contract. This allows time to explore neighbourhoods and get familiar with the local property market.

On average, rent prices are around 30% lower in Spain compared to the UK.³ In addition to this, there are laws allowing regional governments to impose rent caps in high-demand areas.¹⁰

Some of the most popular destinations for renting in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. While it’s possible to rent directly from property owners, working with an English-speaking real estate agent can help ensure the process runs smoothly and there are no misunderstandings.¹⁰

A rental agreement or contrato de arrendamiento can be either short-term or long-term. A short-term contract, known as contrato de arrendamiento de temporada, is intended for temporary stays, cannot be extended and can last up to one year. A long-term contract or arriendo de vivienda is designed for permanent residence and it has a minimum duration of one year. It’s usually renewed each year up to a maximum of five or seven years, depending on the landlord’s circumstances.¹⁰

Here are some of the most popular platforms for renting a house or apartment in Spain:

• Idealista.com
• Fotocasa.es
• Pisos.com
• Spotahome.com
• Flatio.es

Foreigners are allowed to buy property in Spain, but specific rules for expats can vary depending on the region. One essential requirement is obtaining an NIE (número de identificación de extranjero), which is a tax identification number for foreigners. However, some areas have additional restrictions.¹¹

For example, in the Balearic Islands, only Spanish residents are eligible to apply for buy-to-let licences. It is important to check local regulations before making a purchase, especially if you plan to rent out the property.¹¹

Spain’s culture and laws

Spanish culture is a blend of tradition and modern life. For expats, this balance offers a rich and welcoming experience, especially since Spaniards are friendly and open.

Cities like Granada, Barcelona and Toledo show Spain’s rich cultural heritage with historic customs and local festivals that are still very much alive. At the same time, creative and digital industries are developing in different parts of Spain, bringing a modern side to its culture.¹²

When living in Spain as an expat, you must exchange your UK or Gibraltar driving licence for a Spanish one within six months of becoming a resident. Licences from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man require passing both theory and practical tests.¹³

📚 Read more: Travel to Spain from the UK: Must-know travel advice

Healthcare and health insurance

Spain has a high-quality healthcare system that provides almost universal coverage. It’s organised at both national and regional levels.¹⁴

Public healthcare or asistencia sanitaria pública is mainly funded through taxes and it’s available to all residents for free. This includes employed and self-employed people, children, pregnant women and students under 26. Others may qualify through specific situations, such as receiving state benefits or retirement pensions.¹⁴

Many Spaniards and expats choose private health insurance to complement public services and ensure quicker access to care. Costs vary depending on the plan, but typically range between €50 and €200 a month.¹⁴

Education in Spain

Schools in Spain include public, semi-private and private options. Semi-private schools, known as colegios concertados, receive partial government funding. This makes them a more affordable choice compared to private schools while maintaining a high standard of education.¹⁵

Spain is well known for its excellent international schools, offering a wide range of educational choices. Education is compulsory from ages six to sixteen, and public schools are free, although lessons are usually taught in Spanish.¹⁵

Spain is home to many prestigious universities, like the University of Granada and University of Barcelona. Tuition costs are similar for locals and foreign students, ranging from €750 to €2,500 a year for Bachelor programmes.¹⁵

Pros and cons of living in Spain

Living in Spain as an expat provides plenty of opportunities and benefits, but there are also some drawbacks. Here’s a quick look at the main pros and cons of living in Spain:

Pros:

• Warm climate
• Friendly locals
• Great healthcare system
• Rich culture

Cons:

• Lower salaries compared to the UK
• Language barrier
• Many tourists during peak season
• Differences in work culture

📚 Read more: How to open a bank account in Spain as a British expat

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Sources used:

1. Worldometers - Spain population
2. INE - number of British expats
3. Numbeo - cost of living in Spain compared to the UK
4. Expatica - finding a job in Spain
5. Expatica - work culture in Spain
6. BLS International - Spain visa types
7. Exteriores.gob.es - Employee visa
8. Exteriores.gob.es - Digital nomad visa
9. Exteriores.gob.es - Non-lucrative residence visa
10. Expatica - renting in Spain
11. Expatica - buying a house in Spain
12. Global Citizen Solutions - Spanish culture
13. Gov.uk - driving in Spain
14. Expatica - healthcare in Spain
15. Global Citizen Solutions - Spanish culture

Sources last checked on date: 06-Oct-2025