Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Moving to Spain
Last update: February 28, 2025
Reading time: 8.3 min
No Time to Read It All? Here’s the Quick Summary:
🔹 Visas & Residency: Non-EU citizens need a visa before arrival. Overstaying the 90-day limit can lead to fines or deportation.
🔹 Taxes: Living in Spain 183+ days/year makes you a tax resident, requiring worldwide income declaration. Wealth and property taxes may apply.
🔹 Housing: Rental contracts favor tenants (5-year leases). Buying property? Check for hidden debts and legal issues before signing.
🔹 Banking & Finances: A Spanish bank account is essential; foreign cards incur high fees. Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates.
🔹 Language & Culture: English is limited outside tourist hubs. Learning Spanish is crucial for bureaucracy, healthcare, and daily life.
🔹 Healthcare: Public healthcare isn’t free for all. Non-working expats need private insurance, which gets costly with age.
🔹 Cost of Living: Spain is affordable, but Madrid & Barcelona are pricey. Electricity bills soar in summer; budget wisely.
🔹 Employment: Jobs are scarce; Spanish fluency is a must. Work visas are hard to get unless you have specialized skills.
🔹 Social Integration: Making friends takes effort. Join language exchanges, local clubs, and expat groups to settle in faster.
Avoid These Mistakes for a Smooth Move to Spain
Moving to Spain is an exciting adventure, offering a vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and a high quality of life. However, many expats encounter unexpected challenges that can make their transition stressful. From visa and tax issues to housing and cultural adaptation, there are several pitfalls that can lead to frustration or even legal trouble.
This guide outlines the most common mistakes people make when moving to Spain—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a new adventure, following these tips will help you settle in smoothly and enjoy everything Spain has to offer.
Visa and Residency Issues
1. Choosing the Wrong Visa Type
One of the biggest mistakes is arriving in Spain without the correct visa. Non-EU citizens must apply for a visa before arriving. Options include:
- Non-Lucrative Visa – Ideal for retirees, but does not allow any work, even remote work.
- Digital Nomad Visa – Allows remote work but has specific tax implications.
- Work Visa – Must be sponsored by a Spanish employer before arrival.
- Golden Visa – Requires a €500,000 property investment but grants residency.
How to Avoid This: Research visa types thoroughly and apply early. If unsure, consult an immigration lawyer to ensure you meet all requirements.
2. Overstaying the 90-Day Rule
For tourists from non-EU countries, Spain enforces the Schengen Zone’s 90-day rule. Staying longer without the right visa can result in fines, deportation, or difficulty returning.
Solution: If planning to stay long-term, apply for residency before your 90-day limit expires.
3. Not Registering for Residency (TIE & Empadronamiento)
Once in Spain, residents must obtain:
- TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) – A foreigner ID card required for long-term stays.
- Empadronamiento – A local registration at the town hall, required for healthcare, schooling, and even getting a bank account.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Register as soon as you move. Many services require proof of residence, so delaying this can make everyday tasks more difficult.
Tax Mistakes Expats Make
1. Not Understanding Tax Residency
Expats often assume they only pay tax on Spanish income, but Spain taxes residents on worldwide income. If you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you are automatically a tax resident.
Avoid This Mistake By:
- Keeping track of your days in Spain if you want to avoid residency.
- Consulting a tax expert to determine your tax obligations before moving.
2. Ignoring Double Taxation Agreements
Spain has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation, but you must file the correct paperwork to benefit from them.
Solution: Speak with a tax advisor who understands both Spanish and home-country taxes to ensure compliance.
3. Overlooking Wealth and Property Taxes
Spain imposes regional wealth taxes, and some areas tax foreign property purchases more heavily.
How to Avoid Issues: If investing in property, check the tax rates for your region. Some regions, like Madrid, have lower taxes compared to others like Catalonia.
Housing and Rental Pitfalls
1. Buying Property Too Quickly
Spain’s property market varies widely. Buying too fast can lead to overpaying, hidden debts, or legal issues.
Solution: Rent for at least 6-12 months first to learn the market before committing to a purchase.
2. Not Understanding Rental Laws
Spanish rental contracts are tenant-friendly, often lasting 5 years by default. Landlords cannot easily terminate a lease before this period.
Tip: Have a lawyer review your rental contract before signing, especially if it’s only in Spanish.
3. Falling for Rental Scams
Scammers often post fake listings, requesting deposits for apartments that don’t exist.
How to Protect Yourself: Never send money before visiting the apartment and verifying the landlord’s identity.
Banking and Financial Mistakes
1. Not Opening a Spanish Bank Account Early
Many services in Spain require a Spanish IBAN (rent, utilities, mobile plans). Relying on a foreign bank card leads to high fees.
Solution: Open a local bank account soon after arrival. Popular expat-friendly banks include Santander, BBVA, and CaixaBank.
2. Ignoring Foreign Exchange Fees
Transferring money from abroad can be expensive due to poor exchange rates and high fees.
Tip: Use currency exchange services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut for better rates.
Language and Cultural Integration Challenges
1. Assuming You Can Get By with English
While English is common in tourist areas, most official business is conducted in Spanish.
Solution: Start learning Spanish before moving and practice daily to integrate faster.
2. Misunderstanding Spanish Social Norms
Spaniards are more direct in conversation, and daily schedules differ from many other countries (dinners at 9–10 PM, siestas in the afternoon).
Tip: Observe and adapt to local customs, and embrace the relaxed Spanish lifestyle.
Healthcare Confusion
1. Not Having Proper Health Insurance
Public healthcare is not free for all expats. You need either:
- A job that contributes to Spanish social security.
- Private health insurance (required for some visas).
Solution: Research your healthcare options before moving and get insured immediately upon arrival.
2. Not Registering for Public Healthcare
If eligible, you must register at your local health center and obtain a Tarjeta Sanitaria to access Spain’s public system.
Employment and Business Setup Challenges
1. Assuming It’s Easy to Find a Job
Spain has high unemployment, and most jobs require fluency in Spanish.
Solution: Research job markets in your region and improve your Spanish skills before moving.
2. Not Understanding Business Regulations
Starting a business in Spain involves complex bureaucracy and high social security costs for self-employed workers (autónomos).
Tip: Hire a gestor (local business advisor) to ensure proper registration and compliance.
Cost of Living Miscalculations
1. Underestimating Expenses
Spain is affordable compared to Northern Europe, but major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are expensive. Rent can consume 40% or more of your salary.
Tip: Research living costs in your chosen area and budget accordingly.
2. Not Factoring in Utility Bills
Electricity prices are high, and homes often lack central heating.
Solution: Budget for energy costs, especially in winter. Look for well-insulated apartments.
Social and Lifestyle Adaptation Problems
1. Expecting Friendships to Form Instantly
While Spaniards are friendly, deep friendships take time.
Tip: Join local clubs, attend events, and participate in language exchanges to integrate.
2. Staying in an Expat Bubble
Relying only on expat friends can slow down integration.
Solution: Balance your social life by making an effort to connect with Spaniards.
Make Your Move to Spain a Success
Moving to Spain is a life-changing experience, but avoiding common mistakes will make your transition smoother. By handling visas, taxes, housing, and cultural integration correctly, you can fully enjoy Spain’s incredible lifestyle. Plan ahead, stay informed, and embrace the adventure—bienvenido a España!
From Europe
From the UK
From the US