12 Nov
In recent years, more and more people have decided to move to Spain. And that’s easy to understand! Spain combines everything: great job opportunities, a super relaxed lifestyle and of course plenty of sunshine. Whether you work online, are self-employed or simply want a fresh start – Spain has something for everyone.
Here we show you the key advantages and a few helpful tips if you’re thinking about moving to Spain yourself. We’ll talk about what makes life here so special, what to look out for and how to prepare for a smooth new beginning.
Spanish culture and what it means for work and everyday life
Living in Spain means immersing yourself in a culture that is warm-hearted, open and full of joy. People here are friendly, and making connections – both professionally and privately – is easier than in many other countries.
- Experiencing festivals and community
Community is a big deal in Spain. Festivals like “Semana Santa” (Holy Week) or “Feria de Abril” (Spring Fair) are simply part of life. At these celebrations, people come together to enjoy good food and music and spend time with friends and family. This creates a real sense of belonging and brings you closer to the culture. - The Spanish work schedule – breaks that make sense
In Spain there’s often a longer lunch break, sometimes up to two hours. Many people use this time for a relaxed meal or to run a quick errand. This break helps make the workday more balanced and the afternoon more productive. Spaniards show you that work and leisure can be combined in a relaxed way – for more balance and joy in everyday life.
Legal information for expats: residency, work and taxes in Spain
If you’re considering moving to Spain and working here, there are a few things you should know – don’t worry, most of it is pleasantly simple for EU citizens.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re from the EU, you don’t need a visa for Spain. You can simply come, find a place to live and start working right away – super straightforward! If you’re from a non-EU country, there are also good options: the “Non-Lucrative Visa” is ideal if you want to live in Spain only and not work. For self-employed professionals, the “Freelance Visa” is a great choice.
And how about taxes?
Spain has some special tax rules for newcomers that can help. If you work here but don’t have permanent residence in Spain, you pay the “IRNR” tax. This rule is designed for everyone who earns income in Spain but doesn’t live here permanently.
Planning to stay in Spain long-term? Then the “Beckham Rule” might be of interest to you. Yes, it’s really named after footballer David Beckham! This rule was introduced when he moved to Spain and allows foreign professionals to pay lower taxes in their first years. The Beckham Rule only applies to employees of Spanish companies and not to the self-employed. The nice part: under this rule, you only pay taxes on the income you earn in Spain, and not on income from abroad.
Tip: If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t stress! You can always stop by the Spanish tax office (the “Hacienda”) – the staff are used to answering questions from newcomers and will be happy to help you thoroughly. A local tax advisor is also a good idea to find the best solution for your situation – then nothing stands in the way of your fresh start in Spain.
Popular industries and career fields for expats in Spain
In Spain there are many exciting career opportunities that can be particularly attractive for expats. You’ll find industries here that are growing, internationally connected and also offer room for career changers and freelancers. If you’re thinking about working in Spain, these are the areas that are often especially promising:
- Tourism and hospitality – endless opportunities
Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations worldwide, and that’s reflected in the job market. In tourist regions such as the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands or the Costa del Sol, there are many jobs in tourism and hospitality. Whether in hotels, with tour operators or in restaurants – this is especially interesting for people who enjoy working with others. Many companies are looking for multilingual staff, and if you’re good at engaging with people, you’ll have excellent chances here. - Technology and digital media – Spain’s digital growth
Spain, especially cities like Barcelona and Madrid, is developing strongly in the IT and media sectors. Many international companies and startups are setting up here, and demand for professionals in IT, digital marketing and media is rising. This industry is particularly interesting for digital nomads and remote workers, as there’s good infrastructure and many companies offer flexible working models. Barcelona is now even considered one of Europe’s hotspots for tech startups. - Freelance work – Spain as a base for your projects
For self-employed professionals, Spain is truly an interesting choice. Many use the country as a base for international projects because of its good infrastructure and quality of life, which make working more pleasant. Freelancers in design, consulting, translation or software development are often well positioned here. On top of that, there are some tax advantages that make Spain even more attractive for the self-employed. You can live a relaxed life in cities like Valencia or Málaga while still managing projects for international clients – a great combination.
Overall, Spain offers excellent prospects for expats and people working remotely. Whether in tourism, technology or freelance work – there’s a sector for many to truly take off both professionally and personally.
Challenges and tips for a successful life in Spain
Moving to Spain sounds like sunshine, new opportunities and lots of joie de vivre. But of course such a fresh start also comes with a few hurdles. No need to worry: with good preparation everything becomes much easier. Here are some tips that can really help you.
- Paperwork – a bit of bureaucracy is part of the deal
There are a few important things you need to arrange in Spain to officially live and work there. One is the “NIE”, your personal identification number. You’ll need it to sign contracts, open a bank account or rent an apartment. Then there’s the “Empadronamiento”, the registration certificate that proves you live in a particular city. Yes, it can sometimes take a while and the paperwork may seem complicated. But with patience, a good checklist of what you need, and perhaps some local support, you’ll get through it fine. - Learning Spanish – highly recommended for everyday life
In big cities like Barcelona or Madrid, many people speak English. But once you get into everyday life, you’ll notice: a bit of Spanish can be worth its weight in gold! Especially for small things like shopping, doctor’s visits or talking to neighbors. Even basic knowledge helps enormously to feel at home faster. A language course is a great idea – and you’ll see how much fun learning becomes when you can apply the language right away. With just a few sentences of Spanish, completely different doors open up, and people appreciate it when you make the effort. - Making connections – networks really help
A new country is always a big adjustment, but there are many ways to meet people. In cities like Barcelona, Valencia or Málaga there are international communities and meet-ups specifically for expats – people who are also new to Spain. There are also many coworking spaces where you can easily meet others who are new or work online. In these communities it’s not just about work, but also about sharing tips and exploring your new life together. Many say they’ve quickly formed friendships this way and don’t feel alone.
Spain welcomes you with open arms. If you embrace the country and its culture, learn a bit of Spanish and tackle the paperwork step by step, you’ll soon feel at home. Sure, it’s a change – but Spain really makes it easy to feel like you belong.
The best cities in Spain to live and work – where could your new home be?
Spain has so many great cities, each with something special to offer. Whether you’re looking for the excitement of a big city or a relaxed beach vibe, you’re sure to find the right place for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular cities and what you can expect there.
Barcelona – creative, international and right by the sea
Barcelona is for many the perfect mix: a big city and yet right on the beach. There are exciting job opportunities here, especially in the tech and creative sectors, and a colorful mix of people from all over the world. It’s easy to make connections in Barcelona because there are so many international people. The quality of life is top notch – a walk on the beach at lunchtime? No problem. And on top of that, there are festivals, art and culture on every corner all year round. A real city for people who like to be in the middle of things and enjoy life.
Madrid – the vibrant capital full of opportunities
Madrid is the heart of Spain. There’s always something going on here, and yet the city has a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. In Madrid you’ll find not only large companies and international organizations but also really good networking opportunities. Here you can advance your career while experiencing the warm, open nature of the Madrileños. Food, art, culture – Madrid has everything you could wish for. And the best part? The cost of living is often lower than in other European capitals, which makes life here even better.
Valencia – sun, sea and relaxed city life
Valencia may be a little smaller than Madrid or Barcelona, but it has a very charming, relaxed atmosphere. This coastal city attracts many people who are looking for a quieter life while still appreciating the amenities of a city. With lots of parks, a long beach and a beautiful old town, it has everything you could want. Valencia is also becoming a place for innovation and new ideas – and the cost of living here is often a real plus. If you like both nature and city life, Valencia is a great choice.
Málaga – sun, beach and living life to the fullest
Málaga is perfect for anyone who loves the typical Spanish lifestyle but also appreciates an international community. The temperatures here are mild all year round, and after work you can simply head to the beach or the mountains. Málaga is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads because of its many coworking spaces and lively cultural scene. It’s the perfect city for anyone who wants to live life to the fullest – with good food, friendly people and the sea right on your doorstep.
Seville – historic, charming and totally laid-back
Seville has that typical Spanish charm you feel immediately when you walk through the old town. Everything moves a little slower here, which can be really good in our hectic world. The city is cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid but still offers plenty of culture and a high quality of life. Seville is the right place if you want a relaxed atmosphere and to experience authentic Spain. The job market here is especially attractive for freelancers and remote workers, and the people have that contagious zest for life.
Each of these cities has its own character and charm.
➡️ Barcelona and Madrid are urban, vibrant and ideal if you want to really take off.
➡️ Valencia, Málaga and Seville score with a quieter lifestyle, sun, sea and often lower living costs.
Why Spain? The 10 best reasons for career and quality of life
Spain is a dream destination for many – and with good reason! There’s hardly another place that offers so much: from endless sunshine and delicious food to relaxed people. Here you’ll find the most important advantages that make Spain such a popular place to live and work.
- Endless sunshine and great weather ☀️
Imagine over 300 days of sunshine a year! Spain is ideal for people who love being outdoors. Whether you’re sitting in a café, working on the beach or taking a walk – life here is often sunny. Especially in winter, this is a real plus if you’re coming from colder countries. - Spain welcomes all cultures 🌎
In Spain you meet people from all over the world. Many cultures live together here. That’s what makes the country so colorful and exciting. In big cities like Barcelona or Madrid you’ll come across different languages, festivals and traditions. This diversity makes life here varied and interesting. - Lower taxes for the self-employed and freelancers 📉
Those who work self-employed in Spain often benefit from tax advantages. This means you pay less tax than in many other European countries. Especially for freelancers, this can be very attractive. The money you save can be used for living or traveling in Spain. - Good internet and fast connections 💻
For everyone who works online or travels a lot, Spain is well equipped. High-speed internet is available almost everywhere, even in smaller towns. This means you can work easily from home or even from the beach – perfect for digital nomads. - Affordable cost of living 💸
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Spain is often lower. Rents outside the big cities are often cheaper, and food and leisure activities cost less too. That means you can afford more and your quality of life increases. - A strong healthcare system for everyone 🏥
Healthcare in Spain is really good. Doctors and hospitals have high standards at fair prices. Most people in Spain have access to good medical care, which makes life here safer and more relaxed. - Work-life balance is a priority here ⚖️
Spaniards place great value on a good balance between work and leisure. Lunch breaks are often longer and working hours more flexible. In many jobs you can manage your time well and still have enough for family, friends and hobbies. - Mountains, sea and more – nature for everyone 💧🏞️
Spain isn’t just sun and beaches. There are beautiful mountains, great coastlines and even desert landscapes. Whether hiking in the Pyrenees, surfing on the Atlantic coast or skiing in the Sierra Nevada – there’s always something to do. The nature is so diverse that everyone finds something they enjoy. - International communities that stick together 👥
Spain has many expats and people from all over the world. This means you can easily make connections no matter where you are. In big cities there are even German or English groups that organize meet-ups and help newcomers settle in. This way you’ll feel welcome quickly. - A culinary paradise for food lovers 🍷🍤
Spain is a dream for anyone who loves good food. From fresh seafood on the coast and hearty paella to tapas in every bar – there’s something for every taste. Spanish value-for-money when it comes to food is often unbeatable. Especially nice: food here is a social affair. People meet with friends and family, enjoy together and let the day end in a relaxed way.
Summary: how to make your new start in Spain a success
A fresh start in Spain is an exciting adventure—and it can truly mark the beginning of a new chapter that’s incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. With a bit of planning, this step can become a real success. Here are some tips and steps that will genuinely help:
Choosing your location – coast or city?
Spain offers countless great places, from vibrant metropolises to quiet coastal towns. Think about which place suits you best. Do you prefer city life with lots of culture and entertainment, or are you drawn closer to the sea? Make a list of what matters to you in everyday life and explore regions that match those preferences.Preparing for bureaucracy – no panic!
Yes, moving abroad comes with bureaucracy, but with the right information it’s manageable. In Spain, the NIE number (tax ID for foreigners) and the empadronamiento (registration certificate) are especially important for signing contracts or renting an apartment. Take your time and plan to tackle these things step by step—it will be much easier.Building networks – finding community
Connections are worth their weight in gold in Spain. Get to know other expats, digital nomads, or locals. Many cities have groups and events specifically for international newcomers. Join these networks—not only to get a foothold professionally, but also to settle in personally. You’ll be surprised how quickly you feel connected.Enjoying and understanding Spanish culture
The Spanish way of life is relaxed and warm. Get to know the culture—the meal times, the fiestas, the siesta—and lean into it. If you’re open to it, you’ll find that Spain offers a quality of life that not only makes for good living, but also helps you grow.Position your business for success in Spain – with SEO-Helfer by your side
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FAQs
FAQs:Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions About Living and Working in Spain
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATIONDo I need a work permit in Spain as an EU citizen?
No, as an EU citizen you’re allowed to live and work in Spain without a work permit. However, one important requirement is the “NIE” number, your tax identification number. You’ll need it to sign contracts or rent an apartment. It’s a standard procedure and easy to arrange.
How can I find accommodation in Spain as an expat?
Most people use platforms like Idealista or Fotocasa. In bigger cities, demand is high – so you need to act fast. Sometimes personal connections or local Facebook groups can help. Many apartments are furnished, which is convenient when you’re just arriving.
How important are Spanish language skills for daily life?
Basic knowledge is definitely helpful, especially when dealing with authorities or small daily tasks like shopping and doctor visits. Many Spaniards speak English, especially in cities, but knowing a bit of Spanish makes settling in easier and often leads to a warmer welcome.
Are there tax benefits for foreigners?
Yes, Spain offers tax benefits for certain professions and new residents, such as the so-called “Beckham Law.” This rule reduces income tax in the first few years, making relocation attractive. Since the tax system can be complex, hiring a tax advisor is highly recommended – especially if you’re self-employed.
How important are networks and contacts in Spain?
Yes, using Pinteres Networking is invaluable here! Many jobs are filled through personal recommendations, and expats or digital nomads benefit greatly from connecting with others. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid have vibrant international communities that support your professional and personal integration. It’s definitely worth investing time in networking.t is generally free. However, businesses can run paid ads to gain more reach.
Is the healthcare system good?
Yes, Spain’s healthcare system is excellent. There are both public and private hospitals with high standards. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card for initial medical care. For longer stays, it’s advisable to consider getting Spanish health insurance.
What does a typical workday in Spain look like?
Work hours often differ from those in Germany. Many Spaniards take a longer lunch break and work a bit later into the evening. But don’t worry – work-life balance is especially valued here. Spaniards prioritize spending time with family and friends and enjoying life. That’s definitely a plus!
Which cities are particularly popular with Germans for living and working?
Barcelona and Madrid are very popular among expats and digital nomads because of career opportunities and international networks. Cities like Valencia and Málaga are also attractive for their relaxed lifestyle, abundant sunshine, and proximity to the sea.
How can I best prepare for moving abroad?
Important documents include the NIE number and the registration certificate (“Empadronamiento”) – organize these early. For finding housing and building connections, it’s helpful to learn some Spanish in advance or engage in online networks – this will help you feel at home more quickly.
What makes life in Spain special?
It’s the mix of great weather, friendliness, and a relaxed lifestyle. In Spain, people take time to enjoy life – whether it’s over coffee, meals with friends, or a walk by the sea. There’s often less stress here, and you can experience everyday life more mindfully.
