Moving to Spain in 2024 Pros and Cons

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  • Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024

Комментарии • 99

  • @spainspeaks
    @spainspeaks  Месяц назад +3

    Learn languages the fun way with Lingopie! Start your free trial today: learn.lingopie.com/spain_speaks

    • @kamiborisova9831
      @kamiborisova9831 Месяц назад

      Hi, we're gathering information on moving to Valencia next year and hopefully buying a house in the outskirts of the city, we're a young couple with a dog who wants to start our family in Spain and we're beyond grateful for your channel and the videos you make, because they"re a huge help for us. Could you, please, talk more about expat life in Spain, you said there's not much xenophobia, do you mean in general? Is there situations where foreigners can't find high-profile jobs, like there is such situations in some Western European countries, is it harder to buy a home, is it harder to integrate, do you have to live in an expat neighborhood? Also, would you recommend using a relocation agent to help with the documents, are there many documents and requirements for people from the EU? And of course, is Spain pet-friendly, are you able to find a flat to rent with a dog or is it considered a liability? Thank you in advance, and again, thank you for your videos, they're really helpful and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and help people like us make the next step and move there carefree.

  • @leeyoung9469
    @leeyoung9469 Месяц назад +19

    Stu, I’ve had quite serious health issues in the last 12 months. I’ve been admitted to hospital on 3 occasions and am still receiving treatment therefore I can say from first-hand experience treatment is excellent.

  • @vecsy90
    @vecsy90 Месяц назад +11

    Hey Stu,
    Some live update from Valencia. I've moved here in January 2023 and found a 2 bed, brand new apartment in the city for €800 rent per month. Now we need 3 beds and apartments at the same standards are €1,500 at least. Just viewed an apartment yesterday in Alzira (50km from Valencia) which was "only" €1,000 per month; however, 20 years old and 45 mins from Valencia. The agency guy confirmed there's a one month agency fee (cause they are giving 11months contract to trick the new regulations of no agency fee for long term rent) and he was asking for 6 months safety deposit for an empty apartment with kitchen appliances that are 20 years old. I could only laugh at him and walked away.
    Long story short, rent prices are over the roof and landlords and agencies are greedier than ever.
    I didn't want to commit to buy property so soon but I have no other options. I cannot justify paying more for rent than I would be paying for mortgage on the same apartment with 15 years term.
    This comment is long enough already, but just want to mention also that bureaucratic procedures are a nightmare. The level of incompetence, ignorance and arrogance is out of this world. Especially at any civil registry offices. Not to mention the guarda civil at these locations...
    My quality of life is still way better than it was in the UK, but living here has its disadvantages.

    • @BattleAngelSound
      @BattleAngelSound Месяц назад +1

      Similar situation here. Now imagine that a few years ago flats were for €300. Rent prices are simply insulting. They're looking for suckers with money. We are not staying in Valencia. It's nice here but not worth it. The summer is unbearable here anyway :D

    • @vecsy90
      @vecsy90 Месяц назад +1

      @@BattleAngelSound I've just been to Madrid last weekend and it's hard to decide which is worst, the 40 degrees dry heat or the 34 degrees humid heat 😅 You definitely sweat more due to humidity but at least it's windy here in Valencia and we have the beach 🏖️
      We'll be moving slightly further outside of Valencia due to house/rent prices and tranquility...

    • @BattleAngelSound
      @BattleAngelSound Месяц назад +1

      @@vecsy90 I wouldn't move to Madrid. I would feel like I'm in the middle of a desert :D But we have only 39 humid heat here in Valencia now. I'm waiting when we get above 40. 45 would be nice for a walk in the mountains lol

    • @dudeleboski2692
      @dudeleboski2692 Месяц назад

      @@vecsy90 Yes, I was fined 200€ for having a “Falsified IDL International Driver’s Licence) Went to Town hall to file a Complaint and received an email from Policia Local stating they only accept AAA and IATA ( which went bankrupt 41. Years ago) Provided them with a personal letter from USA HOMELAND SECURITY saying it was valid. Then I asked them to show me where in their Law books it says that I must use THOSE 2 Companies to accompany my USA drivers Licence. No answer from the Town Hall, Nor Police, nor DGT (Spanish DMV) , but I find them VERY Effective when collecting CASH. Sorry NO VISA CARDS ACCEPTED!

  • @Carlos00762
    @Carlos00762 Месяц назад +5

    We will be relocating to Madrid from the U.S., on a non-lucrative visa. After visiting Spain every year for years, we are finally looking forward to enjoying our leisure time in a great country. We both speak fluent Spanish, and enjoy integrating with locals.

  • @stefanoprivetto6744
    @stefanoprivetto6744 Месяц назад +2

    Stewart, your hard work is much appreciated. I still look forward to your posts, diverse content, and interesting topics after all these years. Thank you so much, from a Brit who spends most of the year in the beautiful provenance of Maliga.

  • @allandonovan4620
    @allandonovan4620 Месяц назад +6

    We love living in El Puerto de Santa Maria. It has far exceeded our expectations.

    • @saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555
      @saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 Месяц назад

      Just spent a month in Jerez looking around the bay of Cadiz, we are seriously considering Puerto de Santa Maria to live, it's got a lot going for it. We looked at next door, Puerto Real too but what a difference!

    • @mariourrabazo7428
      @mariourrabazo7428 Месяц назад +1

      I lived el Puerto 22yrs ago working on construction of a offshore platform. Lived there 2 yrs (Veldelagrana area), Really enjoyed my time there. Hope to go back to see if it has changed much.

  • @antoniolopezlopez4236
    @antoniolopezlopez4236 Месяц назад +8

    About the burocratic problems.
    Believe me, I have lived in other countries like Germany and I have had friends living in France and Italy. From my personal experience and references Spain doesnt have the worst burocracy of Europe by far.
    Germany and France are specially horrible. In the first case you have to do the same thing two or three times in different places, and in the second case France is so dammed centralized in Paris that papers take looooong time (i mean... very long).
    Regarding Spain... Well, papers are complicated specially if you come from outside EU and you need to justify a lot of things, but once they are done things run quite smoother.
    Consider also that there are papers today you can get quite easy with the chip instaled in your DNI. You only need a card reader.

    • @joseantoniodavila2752
      @joseantoniodavila2752 Месяц назад +1

      You missed Italy. Another bureaucrazy system, but slower

    • @noneofyourconcern5448
      @noneofyourconcern5448 16 дней назад

      How difficult is it to migrate to Spain as a eu citizen? It it doable not speaking g that much Spanish..

    • @Deusexmaschera
      @Deusexmaschera 6 дней назад

      No. German bureocracy is not that bad. Annoying but working. I applied for a postdoc position and I had to spend 1000 euro, for then having to show a document that I cannot have because I have not lived in spain

  • @joseantoniodavila2752
    @joseantoniodavila2752 Месяц назад +3

    5:33 That map lacks the brown route, that that goes on 19th century rails. I'll take the train between Ciudad Real and Mérida tomorrow and it goes on those ancient rails, at 40 km/h. It's high speed to Puertollano, but then we have to change the train and it's worse because implies spending even more time. The journy is spectacular for nature lovers.

  • @Simon-jj2pu
    @Simon-jj2pu Месяц назад +1

    My local town (7,000 people) has three English speakers (two British) who act as liaison to the English speaking residents and are employed by the Council. They act as free translators and are the go to people for any questions or help , this is a very Spanish town

  • @madplanet3351
    @madplanet3351 Месяц назад +2

    Mainly reside in fuerteventura.
    Best thing we ever did.
    Life's FANTASTIC.

  • @dominiclavu193
    @dominiclavu193 Месяц назад +6

    Thanks for shedding some light on this. With all the current anti-tourism movements, which I think is mis-directed, my wife and I have our concerns. However, as you pointed out, us foreigners just need to adapt. I do see some correlations of the political situations in the US too. I suppose we need to redo our own pros-and-cons list. 🧐

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 Месяц назад +2

      The anti-tourism news is being blown out of all proportion. It's not the reality on the ground in 99.9% off tourist experience. I've been to Castile Leon, Madrid and Andalucia this year and had a wonderful and friendly experience.

    • @dominiclavu193
      @dominiclavu193 Месяц назад +1

      @@welshtoro3256 Good to hear! Appreciate it very much. We're visiting Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Valencia in the Spring! I figured it was all over-blown, but disheartening to constantly hear all the negative things.

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 Месяц назад +1

      @@dominiclavu193 I was married in Bilbao and my wife's father and sister live in that city. My brother in law works in Santander. I can virtually guarantee that you wont hear a thing about it in the north of Spain.

    • @dominiclavu193
      @dominiclavu193 Месяц назад

      @@welshtoro3256 I purchased Stu's "soy turista" t-shirt and was looking forward to strutting around Spain with it in my wheelchair! I think I will respectfully wear it while enjoying the sites along with a few pintxos. 😉
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  • @user-wp6co5cd6u
    @user-wp6co5cd6u Месяц назад +1

    Compact, informative, balanced presentation Stu. Muchas gracias. The cost of living pressures are everywhere. Wages and salaries in Australia are very good by comparison to most countries, but cost of living is also very high and standards of living are declining on a per capita basis. We have a serious housing crisis here. My daughter just moved to London for next two years - her rental property in Melbourne was just over A$2000 per month, and just back on the market for A$3240 per month! Her rent in London for a one bedroom apartment @A$3900 per month. Although Spain’s economy is reported as growing and strong, relatively, and unemployment has deceased somewhat it is still very high - especially in the 18-25ish bracket- which is a serious problem. Australia’s unemployment rate is sitting around 4%. Curiously this is also causes problems. Anyone considering moving to Spain should do their homework thoroughly. Much easier for anyone with a passport from an EU country of course.

  • @thomaslundi5110
    @thomaslundi5110 Месяц назад +7

    😢 I want to move to Spain now 😅😅😅😅

  • @janetlombardi2314
    @janetlombardi2314 Месяц назад +2

    Interesting, Stuart. There doesn't seem to be many cons as far as I can see. Hopefully, the anti tourist approach may get better. I guess if you're living in the country with respect, it may be a different scenario. Thank you 😊

  • @ladabrisudova7671
    @ladabrisudova7671 Месяц назад

    Hello Stu 😊 Thanks for all your wonderful videos. I hardly ever get to sit down and watch the livestream, but I try to get back to all your videos later… Going back to the topic of overtourism and anti-tourist feelings…I’ve been visiting Spain for the last 15 years, or so, every year, once or twice a year if I’m lucky. Be it as a tourist with my family (after the boys have turned teenagers, only with my husband), or as a teacher, with a group of students or alone on a course for teachers. I’ve seen tourists behave badly, in busy tourist centres, which eventually, we started to avoid. I’ve never seen locals treat tourists badly. I saw some kind of nervous apprehension in the eyes of inhabitants of Barcelona, going about their business on the Rambla, where my group of students was in their way, but other than that… no negative feelings on the part of the locals, always ready to help. I love going back whenever I can; somehow I feel at home there. I came back from Santander a week ago, and this Saturday, I’m going back again. First to Porto for a few days and then I’m spending almost a fortnight in the Picos and then Galicia with my husband. I can’t wait to feel at home again 😊 I will be a “tourist” and I’m sure I won’t be mistreated because of that.

  • @imanolsenderos9427
    @imanolsenderos9427 Месяц назад +1

    Great video Stuart, but I would take with a pinch of salt what the prime minister says. There is a push from tourism, but that won’t do the trick in the long term.

  • @moralesjjvideo
    @moralesjjvideo Месяц назад +2

    Living in Spain is pretty amazing. The only downsides would be the ability to earn competitive salaries and taxes. Now, for some jobs, Spain pays less, but your quality of life can still be better than other countries because the cost of living and services are so affordable and good. For for IT, Banking, etc you will make much more money in the US (as an example). For Spain, Taxes are high - BUT if you come from the US, the delta. over US taxes that you have to pay anyway is low and the quality of life increase is significant. And if you come from California or NYC, when you also include healthcare costs, Spain is a bargain tax wise. Clearly, if you come from other countries and can live in Andorra, the tax delta is huge (Since you would not need to pay your home country taxes). NOT,E, if you have significant world wide assets living in Spain is VERY expensive. The wealth tax is extremely high, much higher than anywhere else.

    • @user-pn8dq6vt4s
      @user-pn8dq6vt4s Месяц назад

      If you have assets, the wealth tax destroys Spain’s viability. 1.5-3% of your worldwide assets per year is extreme and unprecedented in the world. It makes Spain more expensive that Switzerland or top-tier US locations

  • @goldgeologist5320
    @goldgeologist5320 Месяц назад +2

    Excellent overview Stuart.
    But I want to know about the taxi action especially the wealth tax.

  • @actionjackson9385
    @actionjackson9385 Месяц назад +1

    Good to see you body surfing Stu. Back to those Ozzie roots.

  • @dudeleboski2692
    @dudeleboski2692 Месяц назад +14

    Stuart, I got hit by a car from behind whilst letting children pass on a Pedestrian Crossing on my Motorbike. It put me in a wheelchair and after paying Taxes here, was forced to sell everything and move to the UK, due to the fact that Servicios Sociales gave me only 15%,While the Judicial Doctor gave me a min. of 35%.( One needs a Min.of 33% to receive free Medical treatment in Spain). Due to BREXIT and having to leave for Medical treatment abroad,for over 6 Years, They will now, NOT renew my Residency, nor will the Insurance Co. pay me any Medical costes, because I went outside Spain for treatment, that was NOT available here……….what a Paradox!

    • @bradcobb3418
      @bradcobb3418 Месяц назад +1

      @dude leboski
      Same thing happened to me, so IF I stop at xing i always stop near the kerb, never in the middle of the lane, I was launched 10m and luckily the Ducati landed on me so not too damaged 😅 My leg was trapped under the very hot exhaust but as i always where boots and leathers I only suffered a charred leathers,and kind people ran to help me up!. A sprained clutch thumb was only injury and his insurance paid up.

    • @Simon-jj2pu
      @Simon-jj2pu Месяц назад +1

      We have a couple in the village who this happened to, had to move from Tenerife to a very cheap area in inland Spain. Money is still not coming for the hit.

    • @michaeljones3774
      @michaeljones3774 Месяц назад

      Surely your car insurance cover that ?

    • @dudeleboski2692
      @dudeleboski2692 Месяц назад

      @@michaeljones3774 No. did you not read my comment?

    • @lynchetts
      @lynchetts Месяц назад +4

      So you left UK but ran home for free treatment when it suited you and then blame Brexit LOL

  • @AndresCanive
    @AndresCanive Месяц назад

    Excellent video Stuart. Flying into Madrid next Thursday on my way to Bilbao. VIVA LA LIBERTAD!

  • @mikeandcheryl
    @mikeandcheryl Месяц назад +1

    The anti tourism stuff that's going at the moment has put us off going this autumn. We are going to try Greece and Turkey.

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 Месяц назад +1

      Don't let it put you off guys. It's only concentrated in a couple of tiny pinch points. I've been to Castile Leon, Madrid and Andalucia this year and had a wonderful time with no bother at all.

  • @Global-IRM-Madrid-Spain
    @Global-IRM-Madrid-Spain 15 дней назад

    Nice video!

  • @martymiguel4496
    @martymiguel4496 Месяц назад

    Hola Stewie. Good video.
    Am back in OZ and can tell you that I honestly think Spain is more expensive than Australia in many aspects.

  • @The45thoffoot
    @The45thoffoot Месяц назад

    We were looking to move at the end but f this year but have decided to pull back until the civil unrest is sorted.

  • @JonM-ts7os
    @JonM-ts7os Месяц назад +6

    If you have an income then you can live anywhere including Spain.

  • @sarniedonnelly2544
    @sarniedonnelly2544 Месяц назад

    Very interesting, thank you. 😊

  • @AvioftheSand
    @AvioftheSand Месяц назад +1

    Where in Spain are you in this video?

  • @intellectualnerd4544
    @intellectualnerd4544 Месяц назад

    Stu, I want to ask if you had a chance to do it all over again would you choose Spain over Australia?

  • @TheSilvercue
    @TheSilvercue Месяц назад +2

    Over 11% unemployment is HIGH unemployment!

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 Месяц назад

      That's the national average too. I've been to parts of Spain where the unemployment rates are sky high, especially youth unemployment. The fact that it's come down to 11% disguises short term and low paid jobs.

  • @philipokennedy1148
    @philipokennedy1148 Месяц назад

    Love that you’re doing this video on Spain in Portugal 😂

  • @jaykcarr3672
    @jaykcarr3672 Месяц назад

    Me, my wife and children are currently looking into moving to Spain from the UK, but the hardest part for us at the moment is working out. What area would be best for us ? Any recommendations for us to look into, please ? Thanks

  • @guayames
    @guayames Месяц назад

    Nice beach, but too cold compared to South Beach here in Florida! And here I have Walmart 24/7 to buy good price olive oil, lol

  • @anvesh23
    @anvesh23 Месяц назад

    Hi, where is the video shot, with the surfers visible in the background etc

  • @adriantello1927
    @adriantello1927 Месяц назад

    Can someone tell me where this video’s thumbnail is showing?

  • @adrianincapetown7043
    @adrianincapetown7043 Месяц назад

    Hi Stuart, Are you able to recommend an English speaking gestor in Madrid that specializes in visa and immigration matters?

  • @user-pn8dq6vt4s
    @user-pn8dq6vt4s Месяц назад

    The wealth tax killed it for us (after we already owned a house there). It’s perverse that it makes the cost of living in Spain higher than Southern California.

  • @MediaFaust
    @MediaFaust Месяц назад

    Except for the "camino" oriented tourists, the north of Spain seems almost criminally underrated.

  • @leonorlopez7932
    @leonorlopez7932 Месяц назад +1

    Texas USA 👋

  • @gamechanger85
    @gamechanger85 Месяц назад +1

    I wanna come to Spain for study and then settle there.
    Is it a good option in your opinion?

    • @anthonyferris8912
      @anthonyferris8912 Месяц назад

      @gamechanger85 Did you not hear him? Unemployemant is currently 11.5%

    • @gamechanger85
      @gamechanger85 Месяц назад +1

      @@anthonyferris8912 I don't care I will come there for bachealors which is of at least 4 years
      I want to know the future of spain

    • @teresafernandez73
      @teresafernandez73 20 дней назад +1

      Future doesn't exist

  • @joseantoniodavila2752
    @joseantoniodavila2752 Месяц назад +3

    We have some better pros and worse cons.
    In my opinion, the best Spanish speaker country to live is Spain and the best English speaker, Canada.
    My sister in law is British. Once I asked her why she decided upon making her living in Spain. She told me she felt in love with the landscape when landing in Madrid. In the summer. I can't understand it yet. It's blue sky and mostly brown ground.

  • @anthonyferris8912
    @anthonyferris8912 Месяц назад

    The anti tourism issue shouldn’t really affect settlers to Spain...

  • @meaco247
    @meaco247 Месяц назад

    Why nobody is taking about taxes that the Gov. of Spain taking the money from your Savings, Union Pensions, SSA and your private portfolio !? is it really nice to live there after tax on $1,500 for two people?! I do have duel citizenship EU and US

  • @edwardospells7477
    @edwardospells7477 Месяц назад +5

    Pensioners yes , young and workers no . Taxes are a joke and health care state is so expensive .
    Pensioners get good healthcare if expats because their goverment pays , if your a worker trust me you will now be months to have anything done . Spain really is an over 65 country now .

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 Месяц назад

      Absolutely. Visual Economic just did a very good video about Spain's demographic collapse and what a disaster it is for younger people.

  • @necessarypenson5365
    @necessarypenson5365 19 дней назад +1

    I watch your vids consistently pero, que mucho te quejas! Christ! Be grateful for your Spanish wife and kids.

  • @oscarsantas6528
    @oscarsantas6528 5 дней назад

    He estado leyendo algunos comentarios y la verdad que me hace mucha gracia.
    Qué pasaría si fuera al reino Unido sin hablar inglés?
    Qué pasaría si yo estuviera criticando costumbres, cultura, política, sanidad o cualquier otra cosa del Reino Unido y estuviera beneficiándome de ella?
    Qué pasaría en el Reino Unido si todos los días del año ves a personas borrachas tiradas en el suelo gritando sin respeto sin camiseta etc?
    A ver, estamos cansados que nos hablen en inglés los que viven aquí, no los turistas...creo que los que viven aquí se les debería exigir que hablaran español, como muchos países.
    Estamos hartos que España sea "aquí vale todo", vienen de países que se supone que son 1 mundo y todo lo contrario.
    Un poquito de conciencia porque me da la impresión que cuando llegan aquí se liberan, da la sensación como que vienen de dictaduras.
    Si quieren ver algo que es bastante vergonzoso "pongan en el buscador de google "ingleses en Magaluz".

    • @jpk2742
      @jpk2742 2 дня назад

      My family wants to move to Spain in the future. We are now learning Spanish.

  • @kayleung5722
    @kayleung5722 Месяц назад

    Strange why Spain has the digital nomad visa when spaniards cannot compete for housing due to low salaries.

  • @kevtheargonut
    @kevtheargonut Месяц назад

    Spain a political basket case? Spending money on vanity projects? Have you seen the U.K. lately Stu? Mind you, at the rate the new Labour government is going they will run out of other people’s money pretty quickly. 😁

  • @PauMaz
    @PauMaz Месяц назад +1

    An 11% unemployment rate is still way too high. Try less Socialism and add more free market capitalism.

  • @TheSilvercue
    @TheSilvercue Месяц назад

    The anti tourism is a smokescreen. The majority of tourists in Barcelona are Spanish and the majority of outsiders buying property there are also Spanish, yet no anger is directed to them, the anger is directed at Northern Europeans and Brits in particular. It smells more like racism to me.