6 Helpful Tips for Expats Moving to Spain

So, you’ve got dreams of becoming an expat. You’re looking for more than just a few months hopping around as a digital nomad—you’re ready to settle into a place, immerse yourself in its culture, and let it change you. Well, how about Spain?

The second you land, you’ll notice that things move differently—slower, warmer, and with an emphasis on savoring life. Mornings are unhurried, afternoons come with permission to nap, and evenings? They stretch well into the night, filled with laughter, food, and conversations that feel like they could go on forever.

It’s a rhythm that might feel alien at first, especially if you’re coming from a fast-paced culture, but give it a little time. Spain has a way of convincing you to breathe, to take it all in, and to understand that life isn’t meant to be rushed. Whether it’s the language, the food, or the culture that calls to you, settling in Spain is a life upgrade you didn’t know you were waiting for.

Let’s break down what it takes to really make a life here and how to embrace all the quirks that come with it.

The Language Is Your Golden Ticket

Let’s get this out of the way: knowing some Spanish will change everything for you in Spain. Sure, you can get by with English in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, but that’s just surface-level living. To build friendships, connect with neighbors, and stop feeling like “that foreigner,” you’ve got to put in the effort.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be perfect. Spaniards are some of the most welcoming people you’ll meet, and they love when outsiders try—even if you butcher every verb tense. Start small.

• Use language apps like Duolingo or Babbel to get the basics down.
• Watch Spanish TV shows or movies with subtitles. La Casa de Papel or Gran Hotel are great places to start.
• Take local classes—it’s a double win because you’ll meet other people in the same boat.

The magic happens when you can walk into a neighborhood café and order una caña y una tapa (a small beer and snack) without reaching for Google Translate. Suddenly, you’re part of the scene instead of just watching it!

Bureaucracy: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

If there’s one thing you should prepare for when moving to Spain, it’s the country’s legendary bureaucracy. You’re about to become very familiar with paperwork, photocopies, and waiting in lines that seem to defy logic. Moving here comes with its own mini-quest:

• Get your NIE: This is your identification number as a foreigner. You’ll need it for just about everything—opening a bank account, renting a flat, or signing up for utilities.
• Register for healthcare: Spain has an excellent public healthcare system, but getting access takes paperwork and patience. You’ll also need private insurance during your first stretch as an expat.
• Learn the art of photocopying: Any document you need will require a copy. No exceptions.

Pro tip? Hire professionals to help you navigate the maze. There are relocation experts, lawyers, and even friendly locals who’ll make the process smoother. It might feel like a headache now, but once you’re settled, you’ll forget all about the red tape.

• Read our guide to the Spain Digital Nomad Visa!

Spain Isn’t One Place—It’s Many

Spain is a patchwork of regions, each with its own culture, traditions, and sometimes even language. It’s 17 unique communities wrapped into one.

• Catalonia (Barcelona): Proud, artsy, and fiercely independent. Learn a little Catalan, and don’t miss the architectural wonders of Gaudí.
• Andalusia: The land of flamenco, sun-soaked beaches, and charming whitewashed towns like Ronda and Mijas.
• Basque Country (San Sebastián, Bilbao): Gorgeous landscapes and arguably the best food in Spain. Tapas? No. Here it’s all about pintxos.
• Galicia: Rainy, green, and rugged with some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. It feels worlds apart from the usual tourist path.

Living in Spain means picking your region carefully—every area has its own flavor. Skip the tourist traps and dig into the local culture. Want to really blend in? Support neighborhood businesses, learn the local customs, and explore the quieter, hidden corners of your new home.

Embrace the Schedule or Be Confused Forever

Spain runs on its own time, and if you’re used to eating lunch at noon and dinner at six, you’re in for a shock. Here’s the schedule you’ll need to get used to:

• Lunch at 2 PM: Anything earlier and you’re probably eating alone.
• Dinner at 9 or 10 PM: Spaniards don’t just eat late—they make an event of it. Meals are long, relaxed, and social.
• Siesta hours: Shops often close mid-afternoon (around 2—5 PM) for a break.

At first, it might feel like the entire country is conspiring to mess with your internal clock. But once you embrace it, you’ll start to see the magic. Afternoons are for relaxing. Evenings are for socializing. And when you’ve got a late-night craving for churros con chocolate? Don’t worry—there’s probably a café open to satisfy it.

Life in Spain: The Everyday Joys

Once you settle in, you’ll start to notice the little things that make Spain so special.

• The food: Fresh, seasonal, and full of flavor. You’ll find regional dishes everywhere, from Andalusian gazpacho to Basque pintxos to Catalan crema catalana.
• The markets: Weekly markets are a ritual. Fresh produce, cheese, meats, and local treats are just a stroll away.
• The social culture: Friends, family, and neighbors are everything. Expect animated conversations, long dinners, and a genuine sense of community.
• The cost of living: Spain offers one of the best values in Western Europe. Rent, groceries, and dining out are affordable, especially outside the major cities.

A Few Tips to Help You Settle In

1. Get involved in local events: Festivals, markets, and neighborhood gatherings are a great way to meet people and feel connected.
2. Find your “go-to” café or bar: Becoming a regular somewhere helps you feel at home—and yes, they’ll remember your order.
3. Be patient with yourself: Adapting to a new culture takes time. You’ll get there.

From slow mornings to lively evenings, animated conversations to quiet siesta hours, you’ll learn to live differently here. Sure, there’s paperwork to wrestle and a language to learn, but once you settle into the rhythm, you’ll wonder how you ever lived any other way!

Featured image by Enrique from Pixabay