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Expat guide: Spain
This guide offers information and advice if you are moving to Spain.
Click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.
Download this guide as a pdfMoving to Spain
Expats moving to Spain will find a country steeped in a rich and eventful history. The westernmost peninsula of Europe and the landmass closest to Africa has hosted the meeting of some of the world’s largest and most influential civilizations. The Iberian Peninsula has witnessed the rise and fall of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Moors and the gold-flush empire born of that Christian sailor who in 1492 famously took Europe to the Americas.
The Spanish Miracle of the 70s launched Spain into the modern era. One of the last countries in Europe to see the fall of fascism, Spain has become a resurgent economic force and is now the 8th largest economy in Europe, famous for its fashion, food, architecture, music and arts.
A popular expat destination
While salaries in Spain are low, so is the cost of living. It is the unhurried lifestyle and cheap beachside property which attracts many expats to spend their days on the Spanish coasts. With its vast coastline, Spanish beaches are amongst the most beautiful in the world. It is also the land of opportunity for many South Americans, whose historical colonial connection to Spain means their visa requirements are less stringent.
Shipping and removals
The most important thing to note when moving to Spain is that you may be subject to a 16% tax on the value of all the goods you are bringing into the country. However, if you move with a Spanish citizen and conduct the whole business in their name, or you are moving to Spain for good, the rules are different. As always, it is worth contacting the local Spanish consulate for paperwork to avoid any potential bureaucratic hiccups. While the removal company will have to deal with much of the bureaucracy on your behalf, it always pays to make sure there are no surprises. Compare movers before hiring as delays and lost goods can occur.
Bringing pets to Spain
Bringing pets into Spain is a relatively painless experience as long as you follow procedure. First of all, the animal needs a regulation tattoo or microchip. You will also be required to produce a veterinarian certificate detailing the breed, origin, description, identification of owner and rabies compliance.
This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities.
Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information.
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