9 Tips When Moving to the Country in Spain
Moving to the Spanish countryside is a dream come true for many people, but only a few get the chance to realize it. If you’re among the few lucky ones, then make sure to check out these nine tips for a smooth moving process.
- Research Early On
Moving to a warm Mediterranean country, dancing flamenco, and sipping sangria while soaking in the sun all definitely sound fun. However, it’s important to research more than the best beaches or paella restaurants nearby if you’re planning to make a move.
Here’s a handy checklist of things you should research before moving to Spain:
Local education opportunities
Cost of living
Grocery prices in nearby supermarkets
Housing prices and opportunities
Sewer and water systems
Visa requirements
Job opportunities
Chances are, there’s a dedicated Facebook group or online forum with foreign expats in your future area of residence that has all the information you need.
- Hire a Moving Company
Whether you’re moving to the Spanish countryside from America or are already located in Europe, a professional moving company will save you time and nerves. Organizing transport for your boxes and furniture can be expensive, especially if you plan on shipping bulky equipment.
Three Movers is an international shipping company that can safely transport your belongings to the nearest port or straight to your new residence, depending on the location. The company serves more than 190 countries and has more than a million delivered services worldwide.
Three Movers can help plan the move, handle the logistics, and other tasks related to transferring your belongings. Learn more about their services in Spain and get a free quote by visiting this page https://threemovers.com/spain-international-moving-companies/.
- Aprende Tu Español
Learn your Spanish. Moving to the countryside in Spain means meeting plenty of people who may not know a word of English. If learning foreign languages doesn’t come easy for you, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Spanish is easier to learn for English natives than French or Russian.
Get a tutor online or enroll in a course – you’ll be surprised with your progress after just a few months. Don’t forget to download a playlist of your favorite Spanish songs for some extra exposure to the language.
Living in the countryside in Spain is the opportunity of a lifetime, especially when you become involved in the community. The only way to do that is if you can hablar Español (speak Spanish). In the meantime, rely on Google Translate to translate your messages or talk to people who don’t speak your language.
Note that Spanish (Castellano) isn’t the only official language in the country. If you’re moving to Catalonia, you’ll want to learn some Catalan. If your new home is in the Basque Autonomous Community, learn a few words in Basque. Doing so will do wonders for your integration into the local community.
- Talk to an Immigration Lawyer
Familiarizing with Spain’s local and national laws and regulations is necessary for every new resident. Learn when you need to pay taxes, how much you can expect to pay and find out about other legal obligations.
An immigration lawyer specializing in Spain is the most reliable person to answer all your questions. You can also find services that can handle your legal obligations for you.
As an EU or EEA resident, you can legally live in Spain thanks to the Freedom of Movement. If you’re from the U.K., U.S., or another country outside of the EU/EEA, you’ll need a proper visa to live and work in the country. If you still haven’t started your visa application, a legal professional can help you explore different options.
- Sort Out the Paperwork for Your Pet(s)
Are you moving to Spain from a non-EU country with your pet(s)? Make sure to plan their move ahead. The good part is that many relocation companies also offer to handle the paperwork and transport your four-legged friend.
If you’re coming from the U.S., check out the USDA’s requirements page for pet travel from the U.S. to Spain for more details.
- Consider a Wheel Upgrade
Living in the countryside in Spain (much like in any other country) means you’ll be heavily dependent on your car. You’ll likely have to recalibrate your definition of “nearby,” especially if you’re moving from a big city. While you hardly ever need to leave your big city neighborhood to grab a meal or a cup of coffee, life in the countryside often means driving for miles to get to a supermarket.
You want a reliable vehicle for all seasons. The weather in Spain is pleasant for most of the year, but the terrain can change drastically depending on your location. While you’re unlikely to get stuck in a snowdrift, you may often experience the countryside’s curvy and unpaved lanes, especially in the north.
It’s best to research vehicle requirements in your specific area in Spain before deciding on an upgrade.
- Get Familiar With the Wildlife
The Iberian wolf, the brown bear, the red fox, the Italian wolf, the wild boar, and the eagle owl. These are only some of the many wildlife animals residing in the Spanish fields, forests, and hills. These animals may be more or less common, depending on your area.
Learn how to interact with these indigenous species. Living in the countryside is all about being independent, but you also must know when to rely on your neighbors. Reach out to them when you arrive to learn more about common species in the area.
- Learn the Working Hours
Many businesses in Spain open later in the day and close later in the evening compared to other places in the world. The same goes for eating lunch and dinner – Spaniards often enjoy their dinner at 9 pm.
Get familiar with the general working hours in the country and your area to better understand your community and new neighbors.
- Enjoy Your Time and Space
The final tip for moving to the country is to enjoy all the benefits that are sure to follow. You get to slow your life down and finally commit to doing the things you always wanted to. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, roasting marshmallows, or swimming in your own swimming pool, you can do it all in Spain. Learn how to be on your own, but also enjoy the company of your charismatic Spanish neighbors.
Spain Is Waiting – Are You Ready?
With the big move just around the corner, it’s the right time to learn the ins and outs of living and moving to the Spanish countryside. As you familiarize yourself with local opportunities, laws, regulations, and the environment, you’ll give the next exciting chapter of your life a head start. Hopefully, this article helped speed up the process.