Moving to a new country can be exciting and challenging, and unsurprisingly, Spain is consistently among the top ranked countries in Europe for expats. In general terms, expats already living in Spain express an all round positive experience, with factors such as the weather, lifestyle and cost of living having a positive impact. This is something confirmed by an annual survey carried out by HSBC where in 2019, Spain was voted 4th best country in the world for expats. Let’s find out why exactly Spain has gained this excellent reputation and have a look at some reasons to move to Spain as an expat.

  1. Quality of life
  2. Cost of living
  3. Culture
  4. Social life
  5. Property 
  6. Healthcare

Quality of life

An increasing number of expats in Spain claim that their mental wellbeing improved after moving to the country, feeling happier, healthier and better in general. The weather is an important factor when it comes to quality of life, as well as the fact that expats have peace of mind that Spain is also one of the safest countries in the EU. The country is also open and friendly when it comes to foreign professionals and tourists, has a good public and private education system, while expat communites are growing and provide the support network that many expats long for when moving abroad.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Spain can be much lower than other European countries, depending on where you choose to live. The country is generally very affordable, and while salaries are lower, things like eating in restaurants, buying groceries and paying rent are also considerably lower than in other countries, making it favourable to expats. According to the cost of living comparison site, Expatistan, the estimated monthly costs for a single person in Spain average at 1,551 euros.

Culture

Lovers of art, history, and culture will find beauty around every corner in Spain, as well as being treated to endless spectacular landscapes and travel opportunites. There are certain things that quintessentially define a country, and Spain has more than its fair share, from its large range of traditional food, to unique Spanish festivals and celebrations, Spain has something for every expat.

Social life

An important part of the Spanish culture also concerns socialising. Spain is famous for its exciting, vibrant nightlife and for having one of the best work-life balances Europe, leaving plenty of time to spend with friends and family. It’s also not uncommon for people to get together 2 or 3 times a week to eat tapas or have a beer together, a lifestyle which also attracts many expats.

Property 

Spain has so much choice when it comes to deciding where to live as an expat. Some of the best places to live in Spain for expats include the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Madrid and Alicante, amongst others, while all offer a range of housing options for sale and rent at prices for all budgets. Cheap property is widely available depending on the area you choose, with property prices on the Spanish coast also 0.4% lower than one year ago.

Healthcare

Spain has both public and private healthcare systems available to expats. The public system, which has a very good reputation in Spain and across Europe, provides free basic healthcare to those who contribute to the Spanish social security system and their families. For more information on healthcare in Spain for expats, check out our guide.