Life in Spain can be assessed as comfortable and affordable. The country’s economy is considered developed industrial, the annual GDP is at the level of 1.46 trillion EUR, in the last quarter there was an increase of 0.7%. Spain’s belonging to the EU and the EEA has a positive effect on all spheres – social, political, economic. The state receives appropriate subsidies and development strategies according to effective European standards.
Thanks to this, as well as the internal policy of the authorities, the country provides an optimal standard of living and social security, conditions for decent earnings. There are various immigration programs, within the framework of which you can initially obtain a residence permit in Spain , and in the future – permanent residence and / or citizenship. In addition to great visa freedom, a Spanish passport gives the right to live in any country of the European Union.
Standard and quality of life in Spain
The most objective way to assess the standard of living in Spain is to use various ratings. For example, the United Nations publishes such data every year. The UN compilation is based on the Human Development Index, which in turn is based on surveys and precise statistical samples. According to the latest published report, Spain ranks 27th out of 193 in the ranking and demonstrates excellent performance in all criteria, including:
- Life expectancy .
In Spain, the figure is 83.9 years, which is quite a lot for Europe and the world as a whole. For comparison, the oldest age in the selection is 84.3 years. The high life expectancy in Spain indicates that the country has well-developed medicine, clean ecology, and quality nutrition. - Expected and average period of study .
This criterion corresponds to the level of development and accessibility of education in the state. In Spain, these are 17.8 and 10.6 years, respectively, which is a fairly high result. Many residents of the country have higher education, and obtaining it is valuable for the younger generation. - Gross National Income per capita .
In Spain, it is at the level of 40,043 USD – one can say that this is an average result by European standards. GNI per capita reflects how much money each resident would receive if the entire gross national income of the country were divided equally between them, and in general is an important indicator of the economic development of the state.
Pros and Cons of Living in Spain
The pros and cons of living in Spain are quite conditional, because much depends on a person’s personal priorities, their requests, financial capabilities and the purpose of moving. Therefore, it would be more correct not to divide all aspects into positive and negative, but to consider them in general with the existing features. Thus, everyone will be able to highlight the advantages of living in Spain and prepare for possible disadvantages.
Mediterranean climate and ecology
The country, where 320 days a year are sunny, is attractive to many. Spain does not have a harsh winter or a gloomy autumn with prolonged rains, and the proximity of the sea allows you to organize a vacation without long trips. From this point of view, life in Spain for Russian migrants and those who move from other post-Soviet countries is quite comfortable. At the same time, the climate in the country is diverse, and even snow lovers can find ski resorts within Spain, for example, Sierra Nevada.
As for the environment, the situation is also favorable. At the legislative level, measures are being introduced for the disposal and recycling of waste, attention is being paid to the problems of water and air pollution. According to Yale University, Spain ranks 27th in the world in the Environmental Performance Index rating.
Mentality
The Spanish are very open and friendly people, which helps foreigners adapt quickly. Locals are always smiling, give compliments on the street, are ready to help if necessary, which creates an atmosphere of fun, ease, and support. It is worth considering that the Spanish value their national and family traditions, respect the older generation, love gatherings with loved ones and are happy to celebrate holidays in large companies.
It is relatively easy for foreigners to integrate into their society, especially if you follow current habits and customs, and share values. At the same time, you need to be prepared for the fact that in Spain there is a fairly free way of life, no one is in a hurry, everyone likes to be late and break promises.
Service
Due to the high tourist appeal of the country, there are many options for recreation and entertainment. However, the downside of living in Spain is that the service leaves much to be desired. The heavy workload on staff is combined with the measured and calm approach of the Spaniards to everything, including the performance of their work duties. In addition, as elsewhere in Europe, most shops and shopping centers are closed on Sundays. Spain also has many holidays, during which the service sector practically stops.
Language
There are a few nuances regarding the language. What seems difficult is that Spanish is completely different from Slavic languages and English. Local residents mainly communicate in their native language, so foreigners will definitely need to learn it to successfully adapt.
On the other hand, linguists rate Spanish as fairly easy to learn, its peculiarity is that it is read the same way as it is written, there are not many complex sounds, and there are clear stress rules. According to statistics, learning this language takes almost half as much time as English.
Connection
There are no problems with high-quality Internet in Spain. Today, 5G coverage covers almost 80% of the population, and it is planned to reach 90% in the near future. Broadband connection with a speed of 100 megabytes is available in 95% of urban areas and 80% in rural areas.
Food products
Spain is a land of fresh and high-quality fruits and vegetables. Local residents have almost year-round access to these products, which contain a large number of vitamins and useful microelements. The country also grows its own grain and legume crops. Spain has a well-developed meat industry, and Iberian pigs are bred here, whose meat is used to make a special type of jamon and fuet sausage.
Medicine and social protection
In the ranking of countries by the health index, Spain ranks 7th. The country has highly developed medicine, high-quality service and modern approaches, which contributes to the high life expectancy of men and women, as well as the popularity of medical tourism.
Reviews from foreigners who have moved to Spain confirm that insurance in the country is inexpensive and at the same time has maximum coverage. The social system also functions quite effectively; residents can count on financial support from the state in various life circumstances.
Apply for a Spanish residence permit and get new opportunities
- Life in a developed country
- Residence permit for all family members
- Prospects for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship
- Traveling around Europe without visas
Work of banks and government agencies
This aspect is not a plus of life in Spain, judging by the reviews of those who have moved. Bureaucracy in the country is still flourishing, so if you need to contact any government agencies, you should be prepared for a long process. It is important to follow all the rules for preparing documents, because any inaccuracies will lead to the fact that the procedure will have to be repeated.
Education
Based on the UN Quality of Life Ranking for 2024, which also evaluates countries by this criterion, we can draw conclusions about Spain’s leading positions. The country has many schools – public, private, international. In the educational process, each student is given sufficient attention due to the optimal ratio of students to teachers. Prices for foreigners to obtain higher education are usually 5,500-7,000 EUR per year, but there are scholarship programs and grants.
Housing and transport
There are no problems with real estate in the country – the variety of options for purchase and rent is quite consistent with the level of demand. In each case, housing is affordable, and favorable mortgage programs have been developed for its acquisition in Spain. Thanks to the widespread practice of lending, young families have the opportunity to acquire housing relatively quickly. Public transport is new, comfortable and runs strictly on schedule.
Employment and business environment
Spain has a fairly high unemployment rate — according to the latest data, the figure was 12.29%. Therefore, priority when selecting candidates is given to local residents. At the same time, foreigners can count on finding the best vacancy in the most popular industries — healthcare, education, logistics, IT. Many apply for a nomad visa in Spain — that is, they work remotely for a foreign company and on this basis receive the right to live in a comfortable European country.
The country has favorable conditions for doing business, for example, there are reduced tax rates for start-up entrepreneurs and special support programs from the state. New companies with a small turnover, industrial enterprises, and freelancers can receive specialized consultations, free services, and financing. The immigration legislation provides for a startup visa in Spain for start-up entrepreneurs.
The best cities in Spain to live
When planning a move to Spain, in addition to other factors, it is worth considering the living conditions in a particular city. Some people want to live in a metropolis with broad career prospects, while for others, ecology and a calm and measured environment are important.
The best regions of Spain to live in:
- Barcelona.
This is one of the most comfortable cities in Spain to live in, combining an active cultural and business environment, an international society and relatively affordable prices. Barcelona is considered one of the most popular startup centers in Europe. The city has many schools with various programs, including international ones, for the effective education of children. Among the possible disadvantages are a large number of tourists and a slightly specific Catalan language, which differs from classical Spanish. Monthly expenses for one are 780 EUR, and you can rent a one-room apartment for 900-1,200. - Madrid.
The capital is traditionally considered one of the best cities in Spain to live in. This place has the most opportunities for finding a job and personal development, an active business environment, and many cultural and educational events. It is easy to provide a child with comfortable education in any suitable program and interesting leisure. The cost of living in the capital is higher than average. One needs about 800 EUR per month, and renting a one-room apartment costs from 950 to 1,300. It is worth considering that the city has an active pace of life, a noisy center and often overcrowded transport. - Valencia.
The city is relatively small, but is actively developing and transforming. The location on the Mediterranean coast creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Valencia has a mild climate, developed gastronomy and a relatively affordable cost of living – one person needs no more than 700 EUR per month. Rent for a one-room apartment costs 700-900 EUR. Employment options are somewhat limited, but the region is promising for investment. It is easy to place children in a local kindergarten and school, but the options for studying under international programs may not be enough.
How much does it cost to live in Spain
In Spain, the cost of living is relatively low by European standards. According to the Numbeo service, a month of living in the country now costs about 700 EUR. This amount does not include rent, but in any case, the ratio of expenses to income is optimal. For this amount of money, a Spanish resident can afford quality food, rest, entertainment, and updating his wardrobe if necessary. You can evaluate what living conditions in Spain are in terms of prices by the following categories:
- Renting and buying a home.
Real estate in Spain is relatively inexpensive. You can rent a one-room apartment for an average of 700–900 EUR, but prices vary depending on the city and area. The average cost per square meter of housing for purchase is 2,700 EUR, and the mortgage interest rate is 3%. - Food.
A basic food basket for one person for several days costs 50–60 EUR. Lunch for two in a mid-range restaurant will also cost around 50 EUR. You can buy a cup of coffee for 1.80 EUR, and a bottle of water for 1.50. - Utilities and communications.
In Spain, utility bills are low, which is also partly due to the mild and warm climate. The monthly bill for electricity, water, garbage disposal, ventilation and heating is about 130 EUR for an area of 85 m 2 . Internet (30 EUR) and mobile communications (18 EUR) are paid separately. - Entertainment and personal care. A
monthly membership to a fitness club costs around 40 EUR, and renting a tennis court costs 8 EUR. A cinema ticket costs an average of 8 EUR. Buying new designer jeans will cost 70 EUR, and shoes 75–85. - Transport.
A ticket on public transport costs 1.50 EUR. Local residents often use subscriptions, which allow them to save 30 EUR per month. Owners of personal cars should take into account the price of petrol – 1.60 EUR per litre.
Wages
Salaries in Spain depend on a number of factors, including specialization, qualifications, and age of the employee. Obviously, applicants with higher education can apply for more prestigious and better-paid positions. As for age, it is more about experience – young specialists are offered lower salaries, and with the acquisition of skills, the income level increases. Gender inequality in wages is minimized in every possible way by the government, but much depends on the employer; cases of underpaying women who perform the same tasks as men are not excluded.
The average salary in Spain is about 2,500 EUR per month . The minimum income of the population is 1,130 EUR. You can more clearly assess the prospects for earnings, take into account which professions in the country are considered higher paid, and which bring in a low income, using the table:
| Profession | Salary in € |
|---|---|
| IT specialist | 2 300 |
| Lawyer | 2 200 |
| Accountant | 2,000 |
| Driver | 1 800 |
| Manager | 1 800 |
| Builder | 1,500 |
| Cashier | 1,400 |
| Nurse | 1 200 |
Taxes
Spain has a progressive tax system, whereby tax rates increase in line with profits. The income taxes for individuals can be estimated in the table below:
| Amount of income per year (€) | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 12,450 | 19% |
| From 12,451 to 20,199 | 24% |
| From 20,200 to 35,199 | 30% |
| From 35,200 to 59,999 | 37% |
| From 60,000 to 299,999 | 45% |
| From 300,000 | 47% |
For businesses, the general corporate tax rate is 25%. Newly established companies can benefit from a reduced rate of 15%.
Social Security in Spain
The concept of the middle class is difficult to define, but according to statistics and surveys in Spain, more than half of the residents consider themselves representatives of this category. This is the optimal indicator for developed countries, which indicates acceptable welfare of the population. Most residents receive an average income or above average, and those with a minimum income can also count on covering basic needs. An effective social system helps support the population in various life circumstances.
Providing for pensioners
The positive features of life in Spain include decent payments to pensioners. According to age, residents are usually sent to a well-deserved rest at 65 years, but there may be other conditions – for example, at 66 years and 6 months (depending on the duration of payment of insurance premiums) or, conversely, early. The exact amount of payments depends on a number of factors, including work experience, the amount of pension contributions throughout the entire professional activity.
Over the past year, the average insurance pension has increased by 3.8%, from EUR 1,197.9 to EUR 1,243.3 per month. The minimum payments for single individuals are EUR 11,552.80 per year, and for individuals with a dependent partner, EUR 14,466.20. Overall, pension benefits are in line with the country’s minimum wage, allowing older people to meet their basic needs.
Payments to parents
The Spanish social system provides benefits in connection with the birth and upbringing of a child. In the event of childbirth and temporary disability, parents are provided with assistance in the maximum possible amount of 4,495.50 EUR. Payments are also provided in the event of a child’s disability, for large families or single parents. You can count on state assistance even if the family income meets the minimum.
Fixed benefit amounts are not established and are calculated on an individual basis. For example, in low-income families, a child under 3 years of age may be entitled to a payment of 115 EUR, 3–6 years — 80.50 EUR, and 6–18 — 57.50.
Unemployment benefits
Spain has an unemployment protection system that people who have lost their jobs can count on. The amount of the benefit is calculated individually, but cannot be less than 560 EUR per month for single people and 749 for residents with children. The maximum limits are also set – 1,225 and 1,575 EUR respectively. The duration of payments varies between 120 and 720 days, depending on the period of time during which the applicant has paid insurance contributions over the previous 6 years.
Benefits for business
Spain is quite an attractive base for doing business. In addition to the basic tax rate, the country also provides for reduced fees for certain types of businesses. For example, new companies can pay 15% of their profits instead of 25%. A reduced rate of 23% is introduced for companies whose net turnover for the previous tax period did not exceed EUR 1,000,000.
Affordable options for moving to Spain
Spain is an attractive country for moving also because it offers interesting immigration programs. Favorable options are available to foreigners with different plans.
For example, those wishing to immerse themselves in the European business environment can apply for a residence permit for a startup and open their own business in an EU country without fixed financial investments. Those who work remotely and are satisfied with their earnings have the right to apply for a digital nomad visa, which in turn allows you to apply for a residence permit in Spain.
If a foreigner has a stable income from a business abroad or renting out real estate, for example, he can move based on his financial independence. This residence permit in Spain does not allow work , but allows you to live in comfortable conditions.
Under each of the programs, a foreigner can apply for permanent residence in Spain and citizenship in the future. Permanent residency becomes available after 5 years of continuous residence in the country. Spanish citizenship can be obtained after 10 years.