The banking industry in Spain experienced significant expansion in the early 21st century, only to take a huge knock when the 2008 housing crisis hit. During this economic slump, many regional savings banks either closed or merged with other banks. However, Spain’s economic growth seems to be improving, with the country’s GDP growing by 2% in 2019. This figure might start to taper off rather than increase if the political situation remains unstable.   more ...

Spain is a European country that dominates much of the Iberian Peninsula. It encompasses 17 autonomous regions, and it boasts a diverse set of landscapes, cultures and even languages. The capital city, Madrid, is home to the Royal Palace and Prado museum, while Segovia has a medieval castle and an intact Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is peppered with the ethereal abstract architecture of Antoni Gaudí.   more ...

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not need a visa to visit, live and work in Spain. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other countries – those that have a treaty with the Schengen area (of which Spain is a member) – do not require a visa to visit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This applies whether you are travelling for tourist or business purposes. However, if you want to stay longer, or if you want to take up employment or education in the country, you will need a temporary residence permit and a long-stay visa. A full list of eligible countries can be found on the Schengen Area website. Citizens of all other countries must have a valid visa before they may enter Spain.   more ...

If you are an expat trying to find a job in Spain, you may notice that there are currently very few jobs to go around, particularly if you are restricted to vacancies suitable only for English-speakers. However, it is still possible to secure employment in Spain, especially if you have certain skills.   more ...

Many people spend a long time before a big move weighing up the pros and cons – fretting about making mistakes or whether they will be happy in their new home. Whether they’ll be able to pick up a new language, whether they’ll make friends, whether the kids will get on ok in a new school. There are so many factors to take into consideration that it can be an overwhelming time. You’ll often hear vastly different stories from people who have done the same thing, some good and some bad, which helps to make your uncertainty even worse.   more ...

If you’re planning on relocating to Spain, you may be looking forward to the finer things in life - sunshine, food, drink. And the beach! Plenty of newcomers look forward to hitting the beaches in a Spanish summer, but if you’re not a fan of large crowds and you happen to live in a city such as Barcelona, it can be far from a relaxing experience, to say the least.   more ...

Barcelona is a hotspot destination for many expats and students alike. Plenty of people come here on a short-term basis and never want to leave. One of the things that you may be unsure of when you first arrive, particularly if you don’t speak Spanish or have any contacts in the city, is how to go about renting somewhere to live.   more ...

Spain is known for having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and is ranked as one of the top European countries for numbers of doctors per capita; it currently has around four doctors per 1,000 residents. Until now, Spain has operated both a state healthcare system, paid for in part by social security payments, and a private system. However, on 27th July 2018, a new royal decree law about access to healthcare was approved. How will this change the current situation and how does it affect expats and migrants? Let’s take a look.   more ...

We all hate paperwork and applications. One of the most tedious and often frustrating aspects of being an expat is the paperwork — the visa applications, the work permits, the tax numbers and so on and so forth… when will it end? It’s an unfortunate fact of life, paperwork. However, we’ll do our best to lessen the blow for you and make life a little easier, with one of our handy expat guides!   more ...

Barcelona is a famously bright and vibrant city, from its beautiful historic Gothic Quarter to the stunning iconic building of Sagrada Familia; from the Gaudi buildings and Park Guell to the plethora of art museums, as well as the beach where local people and expats blow off steam after work with a game of volleyball. The Catalan culture is a distinct one, and the pace of life easy-going. The food is delectable: paella, tapas, Iberian meats, Crema Catalana and decadent Catalan hot chocolate.   more ...