For many people, living in Spain is a dream and a privilege. For those who have travelled a lot it is easy to see why Spain is one of the most popular countries to live or visit. After France, Spain is the second most popular holiday destination in Europe. The standard of living in Spain is very high, the weather in Spain is the best in Europe and the cost of living is cheaper.

For further information, please download our Living in Spain Factsheet (PDF format)

Cost of living in Spain

Comparing the cost of living in Spain to other European countries is a difficult questions to answer. Prices can vary substantially depending on the area, generally the cost of living is higher in urban centres such as Madrid or Barcelona than in rural villages and towns.

Permits and Taxes in Spain

You are liable for income taxes when you reside 183 days per calendar year in Spain, or if you have your main business interest in Spain. In some cases paying for Permits and Taxes in Spain may be advantageous since there are deductions that may not apply in other countries.

Obtaining a residence permit in Spain

Obtaining a residence permit in Spain is necessary for anyone planning to live indefinitely, study, work in Spain, they must apply for a residence card within 15 days of arriving in Spain. Children under 18 years of age can be included on the parents' residence card.

Working in Spain

There are many jobs in Spain for foreigners, nevertheless, throughout the coastal areas most jobs are seasonal. Working in Spain depends to a large extent on what you can and are be able to do. Most of the qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom and Europe are recognized in Spain.

Banking in Spain

The Banking in Spain system has been relatively profitable by European standards, as operating income has been above the Euro Area average. Capital adequacy roughly equals the EU average, although Banco de Espana requires somewhat stricter capital standards than many EU countries. See our 'Financial Advice section' for more information

Schools in Spain

There are many very good intenational schools and colleges in Spain with tailored packages to suit your needs. All are bilingual in English and Spanish and many are co-educational.

Healthcare in Spain

If you pay social security, healthcare in Spain is free or low cost, (families and retirees are also included). Like many countries however, the health service in Spain has a waiting lists to see specialists and for non-urgent operations.

Travelling to Spain

Information about airports in Spain, flight arrivals and flight departures in Spain, scheduled airlines flying to Spain, major charter airlines flying to Spain and low cost budget airlines flying to Spain.

Embassies and Consulates in Spain

Information about Embassies and Consulates in Spain, by city location, address, telephone and fax, opening hours and available services of Embassies and Consulates in the Balearic islands, the Canary islands and Spain.

Lawyers in Spain

When people have a legal problem or issue outside their own country, they need accurate and useful legal information. We can assist you in finding legal respresentation in Spain.

Driving Regulations in Spain

Drivers licence and driving regulation information for Non-Residents and EU residents, road tax in Spain, ITV stations, Insurance, road speed limits, parking, traffic fines, seatbelts.

Buying Cars in Spain

In order to buy a Spanish registered car you need a residence card, a deed (escritura) or rental contract for a Spanish property, or a certificate of residence (certificado de empadronamiento) in Spain.

Bringing Pets to Spain

Information about pets International Vaccination Health Certificate or Pet Passport showing they can be imported into Spain without a quarantine. The health certificate must be issued no more than 15 days prior to bringing your pet into the country.

TV in Spain

Information about differences in transmission, tv's and video recorders operating on the British (PAL-I), French (SECAM) or North American (NTSC) systems. Satellite TV reception is excellent and is particularly popular among the expatriates.

Telephone in Spain

The telephone service is controlled mainly by Telefónica which owns several other companies (including Terra and Teleline). When you get your telephone installed expect a fee of about 150 Euros to be charged for this service.

Internet in Spain

Dial up internet is free in spain, until you get your phone bill. Your local calls are not free and will cost you by the minute. This can be avoided by paying for a flat-rate service with the ISP (internet service provider) rather than pay for local calls.

Utilities in Spain

Immediately after buying or renting a property you should sign a contract with the local electricity company. This will entail a visit to the local office in order to register. You need to take with you some identification (passport or residence card).

Public Transport in Spain

Public transport is generally very good in Spanish cities most of which have efficient bus and rail systems. Further information about trains in Spain, buses in Spain, taxis in Spain and the metro in Spain.

Shopping in Spain

The majority of Spanish stores are small family run affairs although many more hypermarkets and supermarkets have begun to spring up. Information about shopping hours, local markets and advice on the best products to buy in Spain.

For further information, please download our Living in Spain Factsheet (PDF format)