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 ...

Following the events of last year, many expats have been wondering where they stand in the political situation surrounding the bid for Catalan independence. Expats considering moving to the province in Northeastern Spain for the first time are often confused by the long-running dispute and how this may impact their lives should they make the move.   more ...

Following the Spanish government’s move a couple of years ago to crack down on households generating their own solar power, switching to the renewable energy has generally been seen as not being viable for the average individual.   more ...

At the end of May this year, the Spanish government updated the rules for companies hiring expat workers in the country. In light of this—and given the complexities of Spanish law for foreigners working in the European Union’s fifth-largest economy—we’ve put together a guide to work permits and employee documentation in Spain.   more ...

With its alluring blend of stunning shores, unexplored mountains, diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, Spain has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists and expats from all across the globe. The nation offers its residents high living standards, with access to good quality infrastructure, education and healthcare. The excellent weather, unique cuisine and hospitable people are added advantages.   more ...