Critical Mistakes Moving to Spain

Based on common experiences, here are 15 of the biggest mistakes people make when moving to Spain (or the most frequently cited issues), the critical list about legal and financial issues:

Critical List: The “This Could End Your Dream” Mistakes

Not Securing the Correct Visa or Residency Before Arrival

• The Mistake: Assuming you can enter on a tourist visa and easily switch to a resident or work visa while in Spain (which is generally not allowed for non-EU citizens), or choosing the wrong visa (e.g., getting a Non-Lucrative Visa and then trying to work remotely).
• Why it’s a Problem: The legal pathways (like the Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa) must be applied for from your country of origin (e.g., the Spanish consulate in the UK or USA). You cannot switch from a tourist visa to a residence visa from within Spain. Overstaying your 90-day Schengen tourist limit makes you illegal, leading to potential fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering the Schengen area.
• The Fix: Research the specific visa and residency requirements for your situation well in advance (ideally 3-6 months), ensure all financial and documentation requirements are met, and apply before you move.

Not Validating Your Healthcare Plan

• The Mistake: Assuming your home country’s health insurance will cover you, or buying the cheapest Spanish policy you can find to satisfy a visa requirement.
• Why it’s a Problem: Many international policies are not accepted by Spanish authorities for residency because they have high deductibles or caps. A cheap policy might exclude pre-existing conditions or have poor coverage, leading to massive bills in an emergency.
• The Fix: Get a comprehensive Spanish private health insurance policy (cuadro médico amplio) from a recognized provider, with no copays and full coverage. If you are from an EU country, secure your S1 form and register for the public healthcare system (Seguridad Social) upon arrival.

Not Learning Spanish (or the Local Language)

• The Mistake: Believing you can get by perfectly with English, especially in “expat” areas.
• Why it’s a Problem: While you can survive, you will not thrive or integrate. For essential tasks like dealing with a plumber, understanding a medical diagnosis, reading a contract, or resolving an issue at the town hall (ayuntamiento), Spanish is non-negotiable. Relying solely on English isolates you from the local community and culture.
• The Fix: Start learning basic Spanish before you move. Continue with classes once you arrive. Practice with neighbors and in shops. Even broken Spanish is appreciated and will open doors.

Underestimating the True Cost of Living & Financial Proof

• The Mistake: Basing your budget on a two-week holiday or outdated information, and not having a significant financial buffer.
• Why it’s a Problem: Spain’s cost of living varies wildly (compare Madrid to a pueblo in Andalucía). The “non-lucrative visa” has strict financial requirements (currently around €28,800 per year for the main applicant, plus more for dependents), which is a good baseline for a modest lifestyle. Unexpected costs like a plusvalía tax when buying property, private health insurance premiums, or sudden car repairs can derail your finances.
• The Fix: Create a detailed, realistic budget. Spend time in your chosen area off-season to understand real costs. Have at least 6 months’ worth of living expenses saved as a safety net.

Rushing the Property Purchase or Renting Process

• The Mistake: Falling in love with a house online, buying it immediately on a tourist trip, or signing a long-term rental without understanding the contract.
• Why it’s a Problem: The Spanish property market has its own rules and pitfalls: unclear ownership, unexpected debts on the property, needing a certificate of occupancy (cédula de habitación), or confusing rental laws. What looks like a dream home might be impractical year-round (e.g., poorly insulated, in a noisy area).
• The Fix: Rent first! Live in an area for 6-12 months before committing to a purchase. This allows you to explore different towns and neighborhoods. Always, always use a independent lawyer (abogado) for a property purchase, not the estate agent’s lawyer.

The “Frustrating & Costly” List: The “Daily Headache” Mistakes

Underestimating the Bureaucracy and Paperwork

• The Mistake: Assuming administrative processes will be quick, straightforward, or entirely online. Spanish bureaucracy can be slow, require multiple in-person appointments, and demand numerous copies of documents, especially for non-EU citizens.
• The Fix: Start the required paperwork (like the NIE, empadronamiento, and visa applications) as early as possible. Be patient, organized, and consider hiring a local gestor (an administrative assistant) or lawyer to navigate complex processes.

Ignoring Financial and Tax Implications

• The Mistake: Failing to understand Spain’s tax residency rules, which often require residents (those spending more than 183 days a year in Spain) to declare worldwide income. Other oversights include underestimating closing costs for property or not understanding regional taxes (like wealth tax).
• The Fix: Consult with a bilingual financial and tax advisor before and during your move. Open a Spanish bank account early for local transactions.

Choosing a Location Based Only on Stereotypes or Tourism

• The Mistake: Moving to a region based solely on the image of “sun, beach, and tapas” or without realizing the immense regional diversity in climate, culture, and language. For example, moving to the north and being surprised by the cold and rain, or moving to a heavily tourist area and struggling to find local life.
• The Fix: Visit your prospective location during the off-season (especially winter) to get a realistic view. Consider all factors: job market, proximity to amenities, climate, and the local language/culture.

Neglecting to Build a Local Network

• The Mistake: Remaining exclusively in an “expat bubble” or failing to make an effort to connect with Spanish locals. This can severely limit integration and access to local knowledge.
• The Fix: Actively seek out opportunities to meet locals through language exchanges, hobby groups, volunteering, or community events. While expat communities offer valuable support, a mixed network is key to feeling truly at home.

Under-preparing for the Cultural Differences

• The Mistake: Expecting life to run on the same schedule as their home country (e.g., expecting early mealtimes, quick customer service, or shops to be open all day without a break). Not adjusting to the later social norms or the different approach to work-life balance can lead to frustration and isolation.
• The Fix: Embrace Spanish culture. Be prepared for later mealtimes (lunch around 2-4 pm, dinner around 9-11 pm), slower pace of service, and the general prioritization of leisure time and family/social life.

The “Quality of Life” List; The “This Will Affect Your Happiness” Mistakes

Not Understanding Driving Laws

• Driving a non-EU registered car long-term is illegal. Spanish driving laws and insurance requirements are strict.

Underestimating the Climate (Beyond the Sunshine)

• Climate varies dramatically. Coastal areas can be humid, inland areas (like Madrid) have extreme heat in summer and cold in winter. 

Staying in an “Expat Bubble”

• This leads to a superficial experience of the country and can contribute to feelings of isolation and homesickness. 

Ignoring Regional Differences

• Spain isn’t monolithic. Culture, language, and even laws differ between regions (Catalonia vs. Andalusia vs. Basque Country).

Choosing the Wrong Location

• Moving to a beach town for summer vibes can feel great—until you discover winter is dead quiet and services shut down.

Not Considering Proximity to Services and Healthcare as You Age

• What seems charming and peaceful at 65 can become isolating and impractical at 80.

Underestimating the Impact of Family Distance

• Holidays, birthdays, and family emergencies can trigger intense feelings of distance and guilt. The cost and time of frequent travel can be taxing.

Neglecting Your Exit Strategy or “Plan B”

• Life is unpredictable. Health issues, family needs, or a change in financial circumstances might necessitate a return. Having no contingency plan can lead to panic and difficult choices.