Stu, Great video. As you know, my wife and I moved from Florida to Madrid in 2021. As you said, Spain is a great country, and we're enjoying every minute of discovering all that it has to offer. The fantastic food, the wine, the weather, the diversity, the culture, the history, and especially the wonderful people. What I see as the biggest challenges facing a retired couple from North America upon moving to Spain will be immigration, housing, and paying taxes. They will probably need to hire an immigration specialist to deal with that complex process. Finding an VRBO or AirBnB will be easy, but securing a long term rental contract can be very challenging here, especially without a Spanish source of income. And if you become a resident, paying Spanish taxes might be a dealbreaker for most. Do your Homework! Salud.
I completely agree, when I moved within Madrid and even with having a savings in an US account, I still found it difficult to secure housing without a Spanish nomina (at the time I didn't). Hiring a specialist is sound advice when it comes to taxes and bureaucracy, even if you speak the language.
You pay taxes just when you have income. No incomoda, no tax. That simple. If you receive a pensión you will have to pay taxes as any spaniard does. No double taxation.
@@YakMadrid1not true, there are various circumstances which is why it is important to have a professional who is knowledgeable about taxes both US ( if that's your country) and Spain.
@@YakMadrid1 depending on the type of pension you do not pay tax on it here. There are many nuances which is why getting a professional is so important.
absolutey agree and that's why after 2 months I'm leaving Spain.Although I have an EU passport, I'm a freelancer and I'm not even trying to find a long term housing, I know it will be a mission pretty much impossible and I cannot be bothered with this stress. On top that the Spanish tax office wants to tax my property in Europe...
We retired from California to Sitges 5 years ago bought a house sold a house and paid taxes…. It’s a small price to pay for great health care, good roads, a much cheaper cost of living and of course less anger, drama and guns! I can’t imagine living back in the USA ever 😊
My wife, daughter and I were so excited to move from the US to Spain in just a few weeks. We sold our house, vehicles, most of our belongings, had our Non Lucrative Visa approved and were about to make an offer on a property we liked in Marbella, but my dad who lives in TX just developed health complications so we're now going to move there instead to take care of him. I'm so bummed and I feel guilty about it. I hope he's around for many years, but I am not giving up on my dream of raising my now 6 year old daughter in Spain someday 😢
You COULD suggest to the old gentleman to spend a few months in Marbella and see if he would like to live there, although that's a long shot. I'm a Texan and ol' Mother Texas is hard to give up, although I wouldn't mind spending half the year in Spain
@@Helen14R it can be, for sure. We went through all the research, multiple trips over to Spain to look at different areas, did all the paperwork, etc only to not move, but I hope we can still do it sometime. For now, my father needs us around ❤️
I’m going to disagree with a few points here that are very applicable if you’re coming here to retire: 1) healthcare quality is very location dependent. Where I am, there’s a shortage of doctors due to the popularity of the location. The government keeps merrily handing out visas, but doesn’t seem to understand the concurrent need to expand services. The public transport is crammed 8 months out of the year, the bureaucracy is worse and worse, and wait times both in private and public are very long due to the doctor shortage. 2) there is almost no feasible way for a retiring non-Spanish speaker to ever get enough facility with the language to integrate in any way. Retirees from the USA in particular have almost no idea how very difficult it is to learn another language, and the vast majority of those that I meet gave up trying years ago.
Our local town hall provide two translators free of charge for visits to health, the police etc. The council wants you on the Padron as they get more money. The best language learning app, is actually a American professor from Georgia U, he has a RUclips channel called The Language Tutor, free of charge and over 140 videos
Agree with just about everything you say, I first encountered Spain in 1990, Galicia when sailing ,fell in love with it , tried many other parts of the country , but always returned here , to A Mariña ,the weather is not fantastic, for sure , warm and wet, there are no expats here of any nationality ,which I love , It's pure , rural, natural and friendly Spain . been here for 18 years now .
@@pedroalvarez2119 Born in the province of Lugo, do not know if I could stand that climate when retired. Otherwise a beautiful place I will always treasure.
Hi there Stu. I really enjoy your videos. We are moving to Spain in 2025. We have watched many a video talking about the pros and cons of moving to Spain. No one mentions the people as a reason to move there (although it’s implied in your videos). I can’t fathom moving to another country just because of the weather and finances only to hang out in an expat community. The people are what make our move a priority (along with the other pros.). Thanks for your hard work - news, travel and food.
I moved whit my family from the Dominican Republic to spain . As a belgain it was easy for me . Because my wife and daughter are Spanish speaking we came so the daughter could study here and my wife work and help the family back on Hispaniola! We love it . Luckily i got my pension because i wouldn't like to work here ! And becoming part of the community is important ! So Spanish is important.
I just got back from Bilbao/Madrid and it's no contest. The cons are insignificant when measured against the massive cons here in the bigger cities. The only thing that would be a surprise to many Americans and possibly a barrier to entry would be the astonishingly low salaries in Spain. They are somewhat balanced by a lower cost of living, but I understand the frustration of locals when it comes to ever being able to own a home. Unless they want to live in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere.
I live in the USA in a southern state and we are facign the same issue. People from California, New York etc come move here and raise the prices on homes. As ,uch as we wish they would stay in their state its a free world and people can move where they please.
The problem with foreigners moving to Spain is that a lot of them are still working for their native country companies, and therefore earning much more than the locals, therefore outpricing the property market. There is more and more hostility as a result, and it is understandable. I dont have the answers to this problem, but it is something that needs to be addressed.....and soon!
@@moxiejohnson4090 we're all dealing with the same issue all over the world. In the USA like it goes like this people who own a home in California for example sell and then move to cheaper states and overbid on homes causing locals to be priced out. We have to deal with people from higher cost of living states moving in driving prices up as well as foreigners overbidding paying cash for homes again driving prices up and the government does nothing.
Spain's health system is absolutely excellent! Im irish our system is an absolute disaster, cant get an appointment, cant get a phone call even, so Spain it is for me .
Thank you Stu. 2025 is the year I make the move. Been working in getting all my ducks in order as it were for the past 2 years. The nightmare beurocracy has been a challenge for sure. Hope I can buy you a beer some day.
Stu not sure how many times you hit the "nail on the head " with this video but it does help if you don't have to work and have a bit money ...that way when the guards are not looking you can escape off the Expat Community into the campo and have an explore😁 and when it comes to bureaucracy the Spanish will always win the Gold medal
One con item that you didn't mention is paying Spanish taxes. If you are a resident of Spain you have to pay taxes to the Spanish government, regardless of what country the income is derived from. This is over and above what ever taxes that you pay in the origin country. By the standard of many countries, Spanish taxes are quite high and retirement income like pensions is not exempt.
In France, Germany, Denmark and another northern countries, taxes are even higher. When i was living in DEU i was paying 46% for all the benefits. In 2022, according to the latest data available from the European statistical office (Eurostat), Spain's tax burden stood at 38.3%, below the EU average (41.1%) and 11 other countries, including France (48%), Belgium (45.6%), Germany (42.3%) and the Netherlands (39.7%). I had a german friend, selfemployed owning a small company, and he saved up to 60% of his yearly income just in case the german goverment claims for that amount from the tax return declaration (it was usually lower, over 50%). And don´t even think they will spare one cent, because if they detect that you evaded some tax, forget about your life in the country. We had a child in Germany, and didn't want to take any goverment help (kindergeld), but in the tax declaration we had to pay as if we had those benefits anyway. Its very unfair. And wait for France, because there its even worse. You are free to choose. If you want lower taxes you can go to Chile, or the USA, or to Argentina as now they are more economically liberal, but in exchange you will not have public healthcare or the same safety in the streets, not even the same public transportation quality. As i said it´s up to you depending on your preferences. I have lived in Chile 2 years and the medical bills and problems with the insurance companies were a hell of a mess. You can easily go to bankrupt and die if you get seriously sick. In Europe, in general, taxes are higher than another parts of the world... That's it. If you can´t live with it, just choose another place.
You want to live in Spain, benefit from healthcare, infrastructure and climate, but you don't want to contribute to the host country. Typical of many Anglo-Saxons.
@@antoniolopezlopez4236 France has a dual tax treaty with the U.S. Which from what I have read and heard is good for retirees. So, most retirees from the U.S are probably better served in France than spain at least from a tax perspective. Also the healthcare in France seems to be better than Spain.
Thank you. This is helpful because I want to retire in Spain. Today was the first day of snow in Toronto. As I wheeled my “wheely” work bag through the snow, my thoughts were: “Nada mass”!
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Very informative and well explained video Stuart. You've sumed it up very well. Beaurocrcy aside, I still think the pros far out weigh the cons. I wish I still lived there. Lo echo muchísimo de menos. Saludos desde Londres SE. 😀👍
Just a couple of years ago I had an intent to come to Spain on a one year visa and possibly extend beyond for another couple of years, but due to the summer heat waves (and over tourism) I eventually ruled out summers As I'd like to avoid cold as well, ruling out winters too means I can just as easily arrive on tourist visas in Spring and/or Fall and avoid the quite significant hassle of applying for the one year visa Also, for some, the Spanish tax system could be prohibitive. I currently will have to avoid tax citizenship in Spain due to some of the rules, though eventually I would be amenable to it if I decided that I would like to live in Spain longer term.
Excellent video! It´s true after many years, I still have to wrap my head around how things work here sometimes. LOL! Even with the challenges, I do not regret my decision to move here. Happy Puente Stu!
Interesting Stu, many thanks. The language... I've been here for about 9 months now busy doing constant renovations, my wife a couple of months less. I have some really basic Spanish language to do what I need... buying building materials, shopping, home services etc as that is all I have been doing. Unlike my wife I haven't made time to take formal classes yet with the renovation workload. I went to the pharmacy with her today and this was the first time I had heard her speak and understand Spanish. She has made amazing progress but she has put a lot of effort in through formal 1 tutor to 4 student classes, extra gatherings with her group of students to practice and further online work. I really want to catch her up. She is going to have a word with her tutor and hopefully my classes start in January. It is more important than the renovations now most of the big stuff is done. 👍
Portugal did something interesting to help with housing. Rustic land is being turned into “buildable” but 70% must be built with affordable housing or moderate priced homes. I guess they’ll need to improve transportation systems to move people to their jobs.
That was a nice overview. Were you walking around your neighborhood in the suburbs of Madrid? Crisp weather but nice and sunny! I would say many of the pros and cons you discussed about Spain would be also true in Portugal where I live in Lisbon. I think Portugal has an edge on the weather because it entirely borders the Atlantic ocean and with that gets the moderating effects of the current and winds whereas parts of Spain can get very very hot and very very cold. You don’t see that quite as much in Portugal, at least in the major cities and other areas along the coast. It is a much smaller country, but it is loaded with surprises and historical finds, architectural jewels, and good food. I could just as well live in Spain. I go there a lot and really like it.
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Thank you for a very informative video. I was planning on retiring in France in 2026 (from Australia), but the amount of Taxes were starting to frighten me. I'm beginning to think Spain looks more attractive. I know another Australian who has retired/moved to Spain and they are loving it. Kind regards, Stuart
Stuart, this video is spot on. Great video. When you said that still you don´t know Spain I started to laugh, because I´m older than you and you know better my country ( for sure it´s also yours, no doubt about it ) than I do. Thanks for the video.
We had slow pressure water problem last week. Checked our side, no problems. Called the local council who provide our water. 2 hours later they turn up and replace the water meter, all okay and our water is 30 euros a quarter. Brilliant service
Why are so many young people unemployed? Is third level education very inaccessible? Or is there a lack of jobs in rural areas? Interested to hear thoughts and opinions
I think there is two main reasons in my opinion. It has to do with the transition from the educational system to the labour market;most of the young people who join do not usually have previous work experience and because that (and this is the second one ) young people who finished University careers are much more focused on obtaining a qualification for civil or public service (funcionarios) wich usually takes a long time to secure a permanent and well-paid position and obviously they return to the labour market much later and live with their parents until they are 30 years old. To make matters worse, private companies do not offer advantages to inexperienced young people either, on the contrary, since they have no experience in the first years they are paid little. Those young people who have less patience go directly abroad. I believe that this problem will gradually improve due to the improvements in vocational training (Formación profesional )that are easier for students and that today are spreading a lot in the country. Now employers look for more professionals with professional studies than people with a degree.
My family and I are planning to move to Spain; probably in 3 years time. We’re pretty happy with all the pros and cons, though the drought situation in the south will effect where we move to. My main concern is that I’m a foody and a vegetarian. It seems like although the Spanish food is great, it’s incredibly meat-centric. When we visited in January anywhere we ate just gave us fries and pre-sliced cheese. Maybe we were going to the wrong places, but I need more than that to consider the food I’m eating to be good.
Happy Cow lists over 10,000 restaurants around Spain that offer vegan and vegetarian food and almost 600 that are fully vegan or vegetarian. Look up "Vegan Spain" or 'vegan' and any significant city in Spain and you'll find all kinds of travelers and expats recommending restaurants. In Spain you may have to be strategic about what restaurants you patronize, but there are a lot out there.
Here you have all type of vegetables mostly from Spanish agriculture and very affordable, and many vegans restaurants aswell. I dont think that would be a con whatsoever
It is a con. I live in a suburb of Malaga and I hardly eat out. Sure, you can go into the city and find a few vegan restaurants but where I live we have two options - one a Thai food franchise and the other a Chinese restaurant. In a regular restaurant I usually end up eating fried eggs on chips or a salad. You can only have so much of either. 😂
@@annic2527 I think it's important to situated yourself in an area that has multiple restaurants and a health food store in walking distance. You are more likely to find social camaraderie in that environment as well.
The food is not good here I am Italian and trust me. Maybe for the American standards it is good they put pineapple on the pizza 😢😢 This government is the worst Spain ever had😢 People from Valencia don’t think those communities would be fixed in the years 😢 Good luck. I am moving out in January. And I hope at the beginning of the month somehow I will manage that. Have my life here last couple of months. And I do speak Spanish and have friends here. But it became impossible for me.
Aloha and Hola I'm Dennis Gonzalez and I'm definitely looking to move to Spain as soon as I can work out my NLV. I'm 69 a retired electrician although I don't usually comment this video interest me, coming from you. Being from Hawaii the past 20 years, I'm very much used to a slower pace of life especially since I retired October 1, 2023. I'm not fluent as I should be but totally understand most everything in Spanish. I thank you for your RUclips videos they are very informative and honest...
Interesting you talk about Spain being more secure. But if you look at the house behind you at around 08:45, you can see it seems to have recently had security grills put over its door and windows. The walls of the house are yellow, but around the doors and windows you can see fresh cement render.
Spain has a problem dealing with squatters “okupas.” Squatters can take over your home and they have rights. It’s hard to have them removed from your own home.
Hi Stuart. I’m wondering if it’s the same in Spain as it is in Italy. For as long as I remember young Italians let’s say have been leaving for better work opportunities claiming there is no work whatsoever however after spending 8 years in Italy I’ve found this to be misleading since work opportunities do exist, depending on location and skill ofcourse like anywhere.. So, the complete there’s no work claim I’ve found to be a bit false since even a factory job position exists in just about every corner of the country. Sure, it may not be the college career you wanted but it’s still a job at the end of the day. I’m wondering if it is the same in Spain? Thanks for your video.
A good summary. However, unless you speak Spanish, you will struggle, and learning a language, especially if middle aged or older, is difficult. The famed weather is not all it's cracked up to be either, away from the Med. Uncomfortably hot for two months in summer and bitterly cold in winter, though nice in between. Housing is typically whitewashed concrete, and often not aesthetically pleasing. One size as they say doesn't fit all. Definitely try first before committing absolutely. And remember on past trends, you might end up stranded if after a few years you can no longer afford a house back in your home country. Without doubt, cons as well as pros.
Colin your comment is spot on with the weather and poorly built cold houses I live in Granada Province the winter is freezing at 900 metres . Tek care . 👍🏴🦊
Exactly this Colin. After 6 years I am finding Spain antiquated in everything. I speak good Spanish but I will always be a foreigner here. Been priced out of my hometown in England which would mean relocating . Would I be happier? My villa is freezing in the winter and my dehumidifier pulls out litres of water daily. Don't like the intense heat either. The decision to remain or go back to England is on my mind all the time. I see the elderly really struggling around me when they get older, can no longer drive, unfortunately alone etc. It's a tough one xx
@@moonmist9I really don't know what to do to be honest. Ill health is making regular visits to see family difficult which is not helping either. It's a tough one although I do have 5 year permanente so could come back to Spain if it didn't work 😂 decisions. I love the weather here though if it stays around 22 degrees! Merry Christmas 🎄
I know many people living in Spain (Costa Blanca) who are facing precisely the same dilemma as you. They took early retirement and were living the dream in Spain, then Brexit made life a bit more difficult, but they sorted out their residency etc, but it made everything more difficult. Living in an expat community they have had to wave goodbye to so many British friends and neighbours who failed to sort out their post Brexit paperwork etc and chose to sell up instead. Those with family in the UK are going back when age/health issues rob them of many of the benefits of their ‘life in the sun’ which due to climate change they often find simply too hot these days. They have had few problems finding buyers, but these are rarely Brits any more. The Germans are steadily taking over together with lots of other Northern Europeans to the extent that what was once a ‘little England’ urbanisation is changing and many of the properties returning to holiday home use for only part of the year. So several are now telling me it’s not the same anymore and they are feeling more isolated. If you can do it, try living back in the UK without selling up in Spain. One old friend said he was thinking of coming back to the uk for the reasons you mentioned, but after spending a month here was shocked at the traffic, the overcrowding, inflated property prices and how much he felt England had changed for the worse. He says he will stick with Spain, at least you can get to see a doctor there!
Very good especially about speaking spanishn you have to decide if you are coming here to live in spain or a colony of British ect. In the sun. Havinh lived in spain 48 years you will find if speaking spanish your life will be enhanced living here. Plus dealing with the beauocracy is noot that difficult
Im an emergency manager USA, also a nurse, im already getting social security, im wating on consulate for Spanish citizenship, LMD, my granfather was Gallego. I really want to help with emergency plans, after what I saw in Valencia, its really needed. Community response to disasters should be planned during blue skies. I hope to help, even at a volunteer basis. Good information. P.S. Im bilungual, so thats not a problem
Good luck. It is a process You need to get validation of your title form Ministerio de Sanidad it depends where are you from, and then you have this exam, EIR. If you want to work in the public job. The doctors have to most of the times do this, MIR. And since the pandemics, the robot choses for you you need to make a list of some hospitals / centers you would like to work. So un transparent and shady.
Stu, I've visited just about every state in the US. There is something for everyone. Life is what you make it. One doesn't have to change countries to enjoy a good quality of life. Believe it or not, there are very cheap places to live in the US as well. I lived in Spain many years ago. It's absolutely beautiful and I love the cuisine- I wouldn't want to live there again, mainly because of the racism. I'm working age, although not young- I know that there is age discrimination. Last, but not least- I never compare the US to small countries like Spain and Portugal. I have never been a victim of any crime in the US, but I was robbed in Portugal and I was a victim of home invasion in Alicante, though I was not harmed. Every place has safe and unsafe places.
Si bien en todos los países hay racismo, España es uno de los que menos racismo tiene. Ignoro en qué año vivió usted en España, ni sus experiencias personales, pero parece evidente que la cosa ha cambiado.
"Believe it or not, there are very cheap places to live in the US as well" - care to mention these places ? Speaking as a Texan, with marginal difference in real estate. The fraud that is American Healthcare and Studen loan based education is everywhere in the U.S! So, I am really curious to know where are these cheap places you are alluding to and what exact metrics are you using to define them. Cause like I mentioned above with the exception of California and NewYok, the real estate is more or less the same everywhere with maybe marginal differences and the other challenges that I also mentioned before still remain.
I'll just say this : 1. Okupas taking over your property and 2. salaries half for what you'd get in other countries while prices are only marginally lower.
This. Overrated. The quality of life and services and the food are better in Greece right now. At least you have real food, I don’t know what those people have always mumbled about Spanish food it is sooo bad ( I am half Italian and they have like three dishes that are worth of try and only in particular areas). Everything is 😢😢😢 after the pandemics. Even the weather it is not sunny like it used to be 😢 at least this year.
Hi Stuart. Brilliant video tonight. Spot on in every aspect. We've been residents in Menorca as you know for seven years now and as residents, we enjoy Imserso discounted holidays, and 75% travel discount to the mainland and other islands. Best move we made! Keep up the brilliant vlogs . Angela y Jon. 👍
Not the public mental health system. I heard to claim benefits system is not so good. The alcohol is cheap so con some get to be a alcoholic. .the rest i agree with your pros steve
We're finally making our move to Oliva in 2025. We bought a home in 2019, but things were delayed for a permanent move. Everything is finally lined up and the one way flight booked.
España es un país maravilloso. Me encanta. No quiero vivir allí por el clima, pero me gusta visitarlo. Me gusta el sol pero no me gusta el calor. Creo que es muy importante aprender el castellano. El español no era muy popular en Irlanda cuando yo era un joven, aprendí el irlandés y el francés. Pero ahora asisto una clase muy divertida. Me gustaría pasar más tiempo allí después de jubilarme. Pros: los ingredientes para cocinar, la gente, el sol, el vino, la cultura, los precios, la variedad de las Comunidades Autónomas. Cons: la comida (demasiado carne), a veces la gente cerradas, el calor durante el verano. Un saludo amigo. Sláinte
Ve a vivir al Pirineo catalan o aragones o Girona, y no tendras calor en verano, pero recuerda que con el cambio climático este pasado verano incluso en Alemania y hasta en Rusia se han alcanzado temperaturas infernales incluso superiores a las de muchas regiones de España.
Hablas muy bien español! Estoy de acuerdo con tus ventajas y desventejas, excepto que no sólo se come carne en España, también se come mucho pescado, verduras, legumbres y arroz.
@@shanon72327 De verdad tienes razón, especialmente en la comunidad valenciana la comida es variada. Pero cuando pido por una ensalada hay atún, cuando quiero un estofado de judías hay chorizo. Gracias
You should ONLY move to Spain if you are retired and don't need to work, have a contract (digital nomad) from abroad and / or are independently wealthy. Spanish salaries are abysmal and are not keeping up with the cost of living. Hence, the protests from thousands of young Spaniards who can't afford to buy much less rent a flat. According to Real Institute El Cano, youth unemployment is the highest in Europe at 28.%. The average age at which young people leave the nest is 32.3 years old and creeping up. Spain's birthrate is the lowest in Europe and one of the lowest in the world thus the country is facing the consequences of a demographic winter. This should matter to anyone who pays taxes as they're only going to go up. Finally, the only bone I have to pick with this video is the issue of mental health. It's been well publicized that Spain has the highest use of "ansiolticos" (behavioral meds for anxiety, depression etc ...) in the world, suggesting that things aren't so rosy after all.
It is so bad. I am half Italian and I am moving from Spain. It is so unsustainable and discomforting. I feel so bad for the Spaniards their governments and employers prefer cheap immigrants and lower quality service. I lived here before the pandemics and I can see the difference. I was in Greece this summer and Croatian coast and the quality of life is better there for me right now. I used to love Spain so much and it is heartbreaking for me.
@ Well I was only to Istria and some places in Dalmatia. I live in Spain now. It has become terrible, in Madrid you have zones that are so dirty and it is better not to go, the problematic ones are immigrants form Center America, so basically the zones of Tetuán, Bellas Vistas, Puente de Vallecas. But the center is also become pretty dirty, people on the streets aren’t smiling anymore, whole vibe and pulse is gone (I was here before the pandemics and this government, and finding the job in particular for their people has been difficult - there is no stability here). But now you literally have trash on the streets even in good zones and basically people going through this trash and leaving it. You don’t have that there, and their lifestyle is quite comfortable similar to Northern Italy- you don’t have this big towns (only Milano and kinda Torino in Italy, but a lot of smaller places like Verona, Vicenza etc). They are progressing and Spain is going backwards. Greece is recovering and growing as well. That was my point. I think for sure Portugal is better option. Either way it is hard for someone to find many friends in Spain - people used to be friendly in quite superficial way, nobody will really help you when you need it, they are ok, but people form Portugal are also ok less open, but don’t think it is easy to find friends or circle of friends in Spain that is all superficial. Also, finding a place to live it it extremely expensive and hard right now. It is just not worth bcs a lot of places have 0 quality. Too small, too expensive, bad infrastructure, too noisy. Even the weather whole fall has been bad, cloudy. The food here for me was never good, I mean it is not really Mediterranean you get most of the fish from the Atlantic and they fry a lot. Italian and French cuisine is way better. I only liked the fruit and vegetables in particular and some cheeses. But it used to be good lifestyle now after the pandemics and especially this year, everything is is so more expensive that it is just not worth the price. IMO.
The income taxes are equal to what you would experience in New York or California but every else is a fraction of what those items cost in the USA - health care, property tax, groceries etc
I grew up in Spain and left for job opportunities. The place is great for retiring but if you have to work there and pay taxes it's a real bad idea. Economy is not blooming and won't do it soon. Also if your children have to grow in that culture which doesn't reward ambition and high standards you should think twice about their future. If you can afford It better get a private health insurance. Public is really slow. The country is beautiful and has a lot to offer. Enjoy PD: don't buy a home under a dam. You are welcome.
A "culture which doesn't reward ambition and high standards." Wow isn't that the truth! That's bound to happen in countries which promise certain benefits to people, like housing, but are not able to deliver them. The people expect the government to do things for them and don't take steps to be more independent.
@@moonmist9 I mean. There is smart and ambitious people still in Spain but government is doing everything in it's power to kick them out of the country by punishing them with high taxes. They want loyal servants. The spanish dream has been working for the state for at least 2 decades... Perpetuating the state...
Hey Stu, you should be the face of the Spanish tourism advertising campaigns!! I can understand you being defensive about all things Spanish but i have to disagree on some points you raised. One of them is expats hanging around in their gated communities and nowhere else, you say is a con because they won't mix with Spanish locals. I disagree with that. The only con i see is if that expat has to go shopping or to the medical centres, not knowing the language is going to make that side of things very difficult. But as to meet new local friends, believe me, you're not missing out on anything. Most locals aren't interested in socialising with British expats unless there's something in it for them. It's even worse in places like Galicia where the towns talk Gallego and keep to themselves. The Spanish health system is good if you compare it to the USA but you'll need to book an appointment just to see your normal GP and that can range from one day to a week. As for specialists, i can't really tell you as i've never seen one in Spain. You see, Stu has a big reason to why he lives in Spain and that is because his partner is Spanish. In all seriousness, why would he be living in Spain if it weren't for his Spanish partner? We have to be honest about these things. My background is mostly Gallego but i'm Australian born and bred. I will never go live in Spain for the work let's just say. I could maybe retire there one day but it would be around the Mediterranean coast where it's more cosmopolitan, open and ethnically diverse. To sum up, one doesn't have to get out of their way to speak Spanish to the locals, remember, the Spanish immigrants did the exact thing in Australia. I barely knew any of the old folk that could mutter a word of coherent English and many just hung around their Spanish clubs when socialising after work hours. It works both ways.
Thanks, great video. One question though. If there is so little crime why do so many ground level house windows in Spain require security bars? Another problem for older Brits is their state pension is not index -linked. That's one reason many Brits are returning to the UK. Another is it's much more difficult to stay below the tax radar than it used to be for both IRPF and IBI.
Si a usted no le gusta soportar temperaturas de 40°C debe evitar los meses de julio y agosto. Si viaja en esos meses es mejor todo el norte de España o los pueblos de la costa mediterránea.
The climate is pretty bad. I am for instance asthmatic. Spain is terrible populated, you have some areas around center - so Madrid and half way to Barcelona you have Zaragoza. You have some small towns around center - like Toledo, Salamanca, Avila, etc. other zones beside Anadalucia that is terrible hot to die in the summer even worse then Madrid are costal and it is terrible humidity in most of those areas- and beside the summer that is good there - still hot, you have a lot of rain during the rest of the year. I can’t tell for Malaga and Cadiz maybe there is better. I would always choose Portugal instead. It is nicer, cleaner, every single service in Spain right now is 10-20 x worse and more expensive. And the Spaniards are not working. Bcs their government and their employers prefer cheap labour and immigrants. I can tell you that Madrid had never been this dirt full of trash, people going through the garbage and emptying it and leaving on the streets. And I see this in good neighborhoods even like Salamanca and good side of Tetuán on the stadium side of Bravo Murillo. As per food never has been good enough for me but I am Italian. As for medical care. Never this bad. And the sad part is I hear really tragic stories. It used to be way better before the pandemics. Valencia won’t be recovered in years, people form there say. I mean affected areas
@@enriquedeldod7193 El tema no es Italia porque yo hablaría de Italia aquí? Que en contrario es un país con mucha riqueza, más comodidades y de calidad ni hablar porque no es comprable y por supuesto mejor comida. Además ahora vivo en España (no por mucho) y he vivido antes de la pandemia. Además soy de norte de Italia. Al menos en el norte, tenemos ciertos estándares
@@pinagrrrr2280 Me cuesta creer que usted haya vivido en ambos países, porque si es así sabría que las infraestructuras en España son mucho mejores que en Italia. Y si es de Roma hacia el sur es que no hay comparación posible. En cuanto a comida es precisamente al revés, de Roma hacia el sur la calidad de la comida italiana es comparable a la de España y es porque esa zona estuvo bajo el dominio y la influencia española durante más de 350 años. En el norte de Italia la comida es mediocre. Pero usted a lo suyo.
Hola Stuart, Que tal? I am visiting Madrid this weekend from the UK. My stepson and I are staying in the east side of the city. Any recommendations for good food?
@@114jt In that area you have El Figón in the Street Rodrigo Triana. But I recommend you to go to Sol or La Latina or Opera but you´re right because it´s going to be packed. Go then or Ibiza, or Ponzano, or the posh Jorge Juan, or Huertas. Sorry that I don´t know many places in Pueblo Nuevo. Please, this long weekend in Spain in Madrid is going to be packed with people, be aware of pickpockets. Be welcome and good luck.
Portugal has (i) cooler Summers (ii) warmer Winters (iii) a land registry with better integrity (iv) more friendly locals (v) a prettier coastline (vi) slightly lower crime levels In Spain’s respect; it has better drivers, (safer roads) warmer seas, more sophisticated eating, dining and entertainment options and it’s easier to learn the language!
En el año 2022 la tasa de homicidios por cada 100.000 habitantes fue del 0,7 en España y del 0,9 en Portugal. Lo niveles de criminalidad son ligeramente mayores en Portugal.
Spain is from a financial perspective a disaster. The government doesn’t trust its people, and the people doesn’t trust the government. Lot’s of taxes, salary, property etc and an aggressive tax office to make sure to collect it. No good controls on illegal immigration, and increasing crime rates due to that, especially in the bigger cities. Law’s that protect criminal behavior, such as occupants, if someone breaks into your house, suddenly it becomes their right to stay, and a long process to kick them out. If they have kids, almost impossible. If you are there for low prices, good weather and food. It’s other countries offering the same.
@kristinrae1 Depends on the autonomous community that you live in. Some waive the wealth tax. That's the thing about Spain, some taxes are set at regional or even local discretion. Some autonomous communities do not currently charge the wealth tax. Then if course you do need enough wealth to tax.
@sergiomunizaragon5405 Oh, you mean from 1936 to 1975, when it was a fascist state? You're right! Back then it was more like nazi Germany, not Venezuela.
I think learning the language is key to staying long term, calling the handyman to explain a problem or personal discussions at doctor visits. Best advice I got, is learn the local language and dialect of that region, then stay there and don't move again, just the differences between northern and southern Spanish to a new learner will be difficult to understand.
The Taxes are BRUTAL, especially if you have a lot of money. Income tax, sales tax, wealth tax, solidarity tax, etc. Please get a Spanish tax expert to do a simulation tax estimate for you before moving, not after.
@@mikesuar8842 But the living costs are not. Especially if he wants to live in popular area. Spain is heavily depopulated and populated weirdly, so it is actually complicated and every single thing is now 1000000% worse then before the pandemics. I am coming back home cause I find it terrible. I am btw European, half Italian and used to certain standard. The food is terrible and expensive, well I never liked that much Spanish food really, nor I considered flan or bizcocho specialties, coffee has always been terrible, but I loved the people and the weather and easy life. Well, that is gone. And it is said that Spanish government and employees prefer to payed less to some immigrants and have way worse service. Spain did smart thing in advertising herself, but lower quality in everything is noticeable. It is happening everywhere but in Spain way more then everywhere I have been, Greece including.
This was an excellent video! Can you talk about the wealth tax? Are there certain areas in Spain that don’t have it? What is it exactly and is it a concern?
In Spain everything right now is terrible. The country is in the depression and mess, services have never been this bad and on the low. I don’t know what do you expect but the pandemics separated everything now it is not like before Christ and after, but before and after covid. The government is terrible, local governments are terrible even the weather has never been this bad in years, too much clouds. I can’t even recognize the country right now. This is the trend in whole Europe but in Spain you can really see degradation of everything, food including and the prices so high. It is not worth this. I mean I am European and half Italian so I am used to a certain standard. Spain needs to control immigration, Spain needs to assure their own people to work, to be productive and to be able to move from their parents and have family on their own. This way, no, I am actually moving from here in January. Also medical care is not good, not like it used to be and I have heard sad stories really. I have been in Greece this summer the quality of life there is better, they are progressing, and Spain is just moving backwards. Also, you won’t see happy faces and fiestas now in Spain. It is depressive. Maybe it won’t be to you, if you didn’t know Spain from before. But yeah this is the reality. Spain is also full of the immigrants and a some of them don’t integrate. I am in Madrid but people say that Barcelona is even worse now. I have seen total degradation here and especially this year, in terms of the prices and quality. And it breaks my heart really, Spain was my happy place. I am from Northern Italy, btw.
I lived in many countries in Europe and real estate in 4. Greece (and Portugal) beats Spain on all criteria. Spanish people are not as friendly & welcoming as romantics think
To make these moves and in particular to a different culture and so completely not USA or UK , one has to be so openminded to adapting and accepting,not comparing nor wanting what is comfortable (ie your norms). Returung for many is about a seemingly effortless life. This move takes effort in many forms.
Stu, I absolutely agree with you. Have lived in Spain for over 60 years on and off, and the situation is still related to what you say without going back in history. The only problem I had before I retired were the work-related timetables... at least in my last years. Now, I can enjoy life with a good pension - earning more than whike working!!! I would add another Con: life can be very noisy. That's the one thing I still.find hard, mainly when you go for dinner with a big bunch of people and everybody talks at the same time which makes become silent and wanting to get out.
Yes, I would agree about the noise. Why talk when you can shout? Children screaming in restaurants is tolerated by nonchalant parents and waiters manage to make a huge racket when drying plates and saucers
Hola stu and guests. A very pertinent subject … hola dana, buena noches golden visa, and tourist protests all make things a bit difficult then the government demands my very private data to block crimes which makes me vulnerable to crimes. Spain was my first choice to retire to, now that has sadly changed unless i decide to go the NLV route. I would have been a source of free money going into spain, but now it seems so unwanted. Lovely place though.
If you live in Spain learn Spanish. Hardly a con. Red tape is crazy. Economy decentish but costs/prices have risen. Climate not an issue really. Culture is a learning curve. Here 20 years now and still learning!!
I strongly disagree about the quality of Spanish healthcare. I nearly died in childbirth in Barcelona due to a botched c-section. Pediatric care isn't great either - our doctor handed out expired baby food samples, missed pneumonia more than once and never took throat cultures, for example. Notably, my son who needed ear tubes waited a long, long time because the first 'expert' I saw said to swim in the ocean (in winter, at 18 months old!) to solve the problem. I've been here eleven years and am disappointed with public schools too.
Hi Stuart Good video Stuart. Love Spain. Loved living on Lanzarote for a few years but took telefonica 3 months to connect my internet or the days I spent getting a NIF number mainly going back and forth with ID and paperwork to the local police station. But it is what it is and for the lifestyle it's worth it I think!
@@alvaromenendez4139 The internet issue was somewhat because the costa hotel nearby took most of the 40 internet lines from the local hub. I know they have improved the infrastructure since then so hopefully not an issue now!
Very fair assessment of the pros and cons, including the swing from vacas gordas to vacas flacas economy. Have to say I've never known a time when it was good for youth employment. I think it's as you say still a good option for Brits with a good enough pension to qualify for a visa.
No problems with spanish health service. Been using 24 years now. Yes at times you have to wait for an appointment... But Happy with my doctor and specialists.👍
Regarding the climate crisis and your advice to research where it's safe: There is no safe place. Who would have thought that Valencia would be hit by this massive floods. This can happen almost everywhere.
Lovely country but I'd miss the culture in the UK. The theatre scene is amazing, music, ,Ballet, Opera, and easy to fly anywhere in the world directly. Work option s are very limited in Spain even for the Spanish. Its Anti business which is my passion. Great to retire or holiday but challenge for those of working age to live there these days if from a non EU country. Also noticed most Spanish we have met keep to their large families or very established friends and the average Spaniad although usually friendly, don't seem to make good friends with non Spanish, buy that's just our experience over the last 5 years
Stu, Great video. As you know, my wife and I moved from Florida to Madrid in 2021. As you said, Spain is a great country, and we're enjoying every minute of discovering all that it has to offer. The fantastic food, the wine, the weather, the diversity, the culture, the history, and especially the wonderful people. What I see as the biggest challenges facing a retired couple from North America upon moving to Spain will be immigration, housing, and paying taxes. They will probably need to hire an immigration specialist to deal with that complex process. Finding an VRBO or AirBnB will be easy, but securing a long term rental contract can be very challenging here, especially without a Spanish source of income. And if you become a resident, paying Spanish taxes might be a dealbreaker for most. Do your Homework! Salud.
I completely agree, when I moved within Madrid and even with having a savings in an US account, I still found it difficult to secure housing without a Spanish nomina (at the time I didn't). Hiring a specialist is sound advice when it comes to taxes and bureaucracy, even if you speak the language.
You pay taxes just when you have income. No incomoda, no tax. That simple. If you receive a pensión you will have to pay taxes as any spaniard does. No double taxation.
@@YakMadrid1not true, there are various circumstances which is why it is important to have a professional who is knowledgeable about taxes both US ( if that's your country) and Spain.
@@YakMadrid1 depending on the type of pension you do not pay tax on it here. There are many nuances which is why getting a professional is so important.
absolutey agree and that's why after 2 months I'm leaving Spain.Although I have an EU passport, I'm a freelancer and I'm not even trying to find a long term housing, I know it will be a mission pretty much impossible and I cannot be bothered with this stress. On top that the Spanish tax office wants to tax my property in Europe...
We retired from California to Sitges 5 years ago bought a house sold a house and paid taxes…. It’s a small price to pay for great health care, good roads, a much cheaper cost of living and of course less anger, drama and guns! I can’t imagine living back in the USA ever 😊
¡Nos encanta Sitges tambien!
My wife, daughter and I were so excited to move from the US to Spain in just a few weeks. We sold our house, vehicles, most of our belongings, had our Non Lucrative Visa approved and were about to make an offer on a property we liked in Marbella, but my dad who lives in TX just developed health complications so we're now going to move there instead to take care of him. I'm so bummed and I feel guilty about it. I hope he's around for many years, but I am not giving up on my dream of raising my now 6 year old daughter in Spain someday 😢
Hope you can help your father and still do what you want for your daughter. Life is so hard sometimes.
@@therealkakitron Guau, what a move that would be from USA to España. Good luck with your plans and the very best to your father
You COULD suggest to the old gentleman to spend a few months in Marbella and see if he would like to live there, although that's a long shot. I'm a Texan and ol' Mother Texas is hard to give up, although I wouldn't mind spending half the year in Spain
@@Helen14R it can be, for sure. We went through all the research, multiple trips over to Spain to look at different areas, did all the paperwork, etc only to not move, but I hope we can still do it sometime. For now, my father needs us around ❤️
@@peteymax thank you so much for the good wishes 🙏
I’m going to disagree with a few points here that are very applicable if you’re coming here to retire: 1) healthcare quality is very location dependent. Where I am, there’s a shortage of doctors due to the popularity of the location. The government keeps merrily handing out visas, but doesn’t seem to understand the concurrent need to expand services. The public transport is crammed 8 months out of the year, the bureaucracy is worse and worse, and wait times both in private and public are very long due to the doctor shortage. 2) there is almost no feasible way for a retiring non-Spanish speaker to ever get enough facility with the language to integrate in any way. Retirees from the USA in particular have almost no idea how very difficult it is to learn another language, and the vast majority of those that I meet gave up trying years ago.
Our local town hall provide two translators free of charge for visits to health, the police etc. The council wants you on the Padron as they get more money. The best language learning app, is actually a American professor from Georgia U, he has a RUclips channel called The Language Tutor, free of charge and over 140 videos
Agree with just about everything you say, I first encountered Spain in 1990, Galicia when sailing ,fell in love with it , tried many other parts of the country , but always returned here , to A Mariña ,the weather is not fantastic, for sure , warm and wet, there are no expats here of any nationality ,which I love , It's pure , rural, natural and friendly Spain . been here for 18 years now .
Me 24yrs. Never regretted it x
The coast of Lugo is way closer to other Atlantic places than to the South of Spain. Not many foregeins are aware of that
An expat who does not
want expats, keep it pure......sure !!!!!
@@pedroalvarez2119 Born in the province of Lugo, do not know if I could stand that climate when retired. Otherwise a beautiful place I will always treasure.
He's a special Expat
@@ClaudeHeroux-li3we
Hi there Stu. I really enjoy your videos. We are moving to Spain in 2025. We have watched many a video talking about the pros and cons of moving to Spain. No one mentions the people as a reason to move there (although it’s implied in your videos). I can’t fathom moving to another country just because of the weather and finances only to hang out in an expat community. The people are what make our move a priority (along with the other pros.). Thanks for your hard work - news, travel and food.
I moved whit my family from the Dominican Republic to spain . As a belgain it was easy for me . Because my wife and daughter are Spanish speaking we came so the daughter could study here and my wife work and help the family back on Hispaniola! We love it . Luckily i got my pension because i wouldn't like to work here ! And becoming part of the community is important ! So Spanish is important.
I just got back from Bilbao/Madrid and it's no contest. The cons are insignificant when measured against the massive cons here in the bigger cities. The only thing that would be a surprise to many Americans and possibly a barrier to entry would be the astonishingly low salaries in Spain. They are somewhat balanced by a lower cost of living, but I understand the frustration of locals when it comes to ever being able to own a home. Unless they want to live in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere.
I live in the USA in a southern state and we are facign the same issue. People from California, New York etc come move here and raise the prices on homes.
As ,uch as we wish they would stay in their state its a free world and people can move where they please.
The problem with foreigners moving to Spain is that a lot of them are still working for their native country companies, and therefore earning much more than the locals, therefore outpricing the property market. There is more and more hostility as a result, and it is understandable.
I dont have the answers to this problem, but it is something that needs to be addressed.....and soon!
@@moxiejohnson4090 we're all dealing with the same issue all over the world.
In the USA like it goes like this people who own a home in California for example sell and then move to cheaper states and overbid on homes causing locals to be priced out.
We have to deal with people from higher cost of living states moving in driving prices up as well as foreigners overbidding paying cash for homes again driving prices up and the government does nothing.
Spain's health system is absolutely excellent! Im irish our system is an absolute disaster, cant get an appointment, cant get a phone call even, so Spain it is for me .
Trust me after the pandemics this has worsen 10x.
Thank you Stu. 2025 is the year I make the move. Been working in getting all my ducks in order as it were for the past 2 years. The nightmare beurocracy has been a challenge for sure. Hope I can buy you a beer some day.
Stu not sure how many times you hit the "nail on the head " with this video but it does help if you don't have to work and have a bit money ...that way when the guards are not looking you can escape off the Expat Community into the campo and have an explore😁 and when it comes to bureaucracy the Spanish will always win the Gold medal
One con item that you didn't mention is paying Spanish taxes. If you are a resident of Spain you have to pay taxes to the Spanish government, regardless of what country the income is derived from. This is over and above what ever taxes that you pay in the origin country. By the standard of many countries, Spanish taxes are quite high and retirement income like pensions is not exempt.
I was about to say the same. The taxes are very high here.
In France, Germany, Denmark and another northern countries, taxes are even higher.
When i was living in DEU i was paying 46% for all the benefits.
In 2022, according to the latest data available from the European statistical office (Eurostat), Spain's tax burden stood at 38.3%, below the EU average (41.1%) and 11 other countries, including France (48%), Belgium (45.6%), Germany (42.3%) and the Netherlands (39.7%).
I had a german friend, selfemployed owning a small company, and he saved up to 60% of his yearly income just in case the german goverment claims for that amount from the tax return declaration (it was usually lower, over 50%).
And don´t even think they will spare one cent, because if they detect that you evaded some tax, forget about your life in the country.
We had a child in Germany, and didn't want to take any goverment help (kindergeld), but in the tax declaration we had to pay as if we had those benefits anyway. Its very unfair.
And wait for France, because there its even worse.
You are free to choose. If you want lower taxes you can go to Chile, or the USA, or to Argentina as now they are more economically liberal, but in exchange you will not have public healthcare or the same safety in the streets, not even the same public transportation quality.
As i said it´s up to you depending on your preferences. I have lived in Chile 2 years and the medical bills and problems with the insurance companies were a hell of a mess. You can easily go to bankrupt and die if you get seriously sick.
In Europe, in general, taxes are higher than another parts of the world... That's it. If you can´t live with it, just choose another place.
You want to live in Spain, benefit from healthcare, infrastructure and climate, but you don't want to contribute to the host country. Typical of many Anglo-Saxons.
@@antoniolopezlopez4236 France has a dual tax treaty with the U.S. Which from what I have read and heard is good for retirees. So, most retirees from the U.S are probably better served in France than spain at least from a tax perspective. Also the healthcare in France seems to be better than Spain.
@@sunmand6136
It is better. Things have worsen here after the pandemics big time.
Thank you. This is helpful because I want to retire in Spain. Today was the first day of snow in Toronto. As I wheeled my “wheely” work bag through the snow, my thoughts were: “Nada mass”!
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It’s really heartbreaking to see how inflation and recession impact low-income families. The cost of living keeps rising, and many struggle just to meet basic needs, let alone save or invest. It’s a reminder of the importance of finding ways to create financial opportunities. You've helped me a lot sir Brian! Imagine i invested $50,000 and received $190,500 after 14 days
Absolutely! Profits are possible, especially now, but complex transactions should be handled by experienced market professionals.
Spanish CGT is minimum 21% tax on the profit of BTC with no allowances. I don’t use BTC but live of my investments
Some persons think inves'tin is all about buying stocks; I think going into the stock market without a good experience is a big risk, that's why I'm lucky to have seen someone like mr Brian C Nelson.
Finding yourself a good broker is as same as finding a good wife, which you go less stress, you get just enough with so much little effort at things
Very informative and well explained video Stuart. You've sumed it up very well. Beaurocrcy aside, I still think the pros far out weigh the cons. I wish I still lived there. Lo echo muchísimo de menos. Saludos desde Londres SE. 😀👍
Just a couple of years ago I had an intent to come to Spain on a one year visa and possibly extend beyond for another couple of years, but due to the summer heat waves (and over tourism) I eventually ruled out summers As I'd like to avoid cold as well, ruling out winters too means I can just as easily arrive on tourist visas in Spring and/or Fall and avoid the quite significant hassle of applying for the one year visa Also, for some, the Spanish tax system could be prohibitive. I currently will have to avoid tax citizenship in Spain due to some of the rules, though eventually I would be amenable to it if I decided that I would like to live in Spain longer term.
Agree totally , we always feel safe in Spain .
If Spain is so safe why do all ground floor properties have bars on the windows?
Excellent video! It´s true after many years, I still have to wrap my head around how things work here sometimes. LOL! Even with the challenges, I do not regret my decision to move here. Happy Puente Stu!
Interesting Stu, many thanks. The language... I've been here for about 9 months now busy doing constant renovations, my wife a couple of months less. I have some really basic Spanish language to do what I need... buying building materials, shopping, home services etc as that is all I have been doing. Unlike my wife I haven't made time to take formal classes yet with the renovation workload.
I went to the pharmacy with her today and this was the first time I had heard her speak and understand Spanish. She has made amazing progress but she has put a lot of effort in through formal 1 tutor to 4 student classes, extra gatherings with her group of students to practice and further online work.
I really want to catch her up. She is going to have a word with her tutor and hopefully my classes start in January. It is more important than the renovations now most of the big stuff is done. 👍
That video had some great points. Thank you. We want to travel there in a few months.
Portugal did something interesting to help with housing. Rustic land is being turned into “buildable” but 70% must be built with affordable housing or moderate priced homes. I guess they’ll need to improve transportation systems to move people to their jobs.
That was a nice overview. Were you walking around your neighborhood in the suburbs of Madrid? Crisp weather but nice and sunny! I would say many of the pros and cons you discussed about Spain would be also true in Portugal where I live in Lisbon. I think Portugal has an edge on the weather because it entirely borders the Atlantic ocean and with that gets the moderating effects of the current and winds whereas parts of Spain can get very very hot and very very cold. You don’t see that quite as much in Portugal, at least in the major cities and other areas along the coast. It is a much smaller country, but it is loaded with surprises and historical finds, architectural jewels, and good food. I could just as well live in Spain. I go there a lot and really like it.
My cell phone AI language translator is absolutely brilliant. I have used mine in China and have enjoyed deep conversations with my Chinese friends. Additionally, I am trying to learn Mandarin, but for in depth and complicated conversations AI is awesome. Lean on this technology, it comes in any language, and can become your best friend, and remove much of the anxiety of moving into a foreign country. Good luck!
Thank you for a very informative video. I was planning on retiring in France in 2026 (from Australia), but the amount of Taxes were starting to frighten me. I'm beginning to think Spain looks more attractive. I know another Australian who has retired/moved to Spain and they are loving it. Kind regards, Stuart
Stuart, this video is spot on. Great video. When you said that still you don´t know Spain I started to laugh, because I´m older than you and you know better my country ( for sure it´s also yours, no doubt about it ) than I do. Thanks for the video.
We had slow pressure water problem last week. Checked our side, no problems. Called the local council who provide our water. 2 hours later they turn up and replace the water meter, all okay and our water is 30 euros a quarter. Brilliant service
Excellent and very well measured Stu.
I’d like a little info on tax. A tad at least.
Why are so many young people unemployed? Is third level education very inaccessible? Or is there a lack of jobs in rural areas?
Interested to hear thoughts and opinions
I think there is two main reasons in my opinion. It has to do with the transition from the educational system to the labour market;most of the young people who join do not usually have previous work experience and because that (and this is the second one ) young people who finished University careers are much more focused on obtaining a qualification for civil or public service (funcionarios) wich usually takes a long time to secure a permanent and well-paid position and obviously they return to the labour market much later and live with their parents until they are 30 years old. To make matters worse, private companies do not offer advantages to inexperienced young people either, on the contrary, since they have no experience in the first years they are paid little. Those young people who have less patience go directly abroad. I believe that this problem will gradually improve due to the improvements in vocational training (Formación profesional )that are easier for students and that today are spreading a lot in the country. Now employers look for more professionals with professional studies than people with a degree.
Bcs their government and employers prefer cheap immigrants and worse service I can assure you.
My family and I are planning to move to Spain; probably in 3 years time. We’re pretty happy with all the pros and cons, though the drought situation in the south will effect where we move to. My main concern is that I’m a foody and a vegetarian. It seems like although the Spanish food is great, it’s incredibly meat-centric. When we visited in January anywhere we ate just gave us fries and pre-sliced cheese. Maybe we were going to the wrong places, but I need more than that to consider the food I’m eating to be good.
Happy Cow lists over 10,000 restaurants around Spain that offer vegan and vegetarian food and almost 600 that are fully vegan or vegetarian. Look up "Vegan Spain" or 'vegan' and any significant city in Spain and you'll find all kinds of travelers and expats recommending restaurants. In Spain you may have to be strategic about what restaurants you patronize, but there are a lot out there.
Here you have all type of vegetables mostly from Spanish agriculture and very affordable, and many vegans restaurants aswell. I dont think that would be a con whatsoever
It is a con. I live in a suburb of Malaga and I hardly eat out. Sure, you can go into the city and find a few vegan restaurants but where I live we have two options - one a Thai food franchise and the other a Chinese restaurant. In a regular restaurant I usually end up eating fried eggs on chips or a salad. You can only have so much of either. 😂
@@annic2527 I think it's important to situated yourself in an area that has multiple restaurants and a health food store in walking distance. You are more likely to find social camaraderie in that environment as well.
The food is not good here
I am Italian and trust me. Maybe for the American standards it is good they put pineapple on the pizza 😢😢
This government is the worst Spain ever had😢
People from Valencia don’t think those communities would be fixed in the years 😢
Good luck.
I am moving out in January. And I hope at the beginning of the month somehow I will manage that. Have my life here last couple of months. And I do speak Spanish and have friends here. But it became impossible for me.
You have a good and clear prononciation people can learn from you .
Aloha and Hola I'm Dennis Gonzalez and I'm definitely looking to move to Spain as soon as I can work out my NLV. I'm 69 a retired electrician although I don't usually comment this video interest me, coming from you. Being from Hawaii the past 20 years, I'm very much used to a slower pace of life especially since I retired October 1, 2023. I'm not fluent as I should be but totally understand most everything in Spanish. I thank you for your RUclips videos they are very informative and honest...
Interesting you talk about Spain being more secure. But if you look at the house behind you at around 08:45, you can see it seems to have recently had security grills put over its door and windows. The walls of the house are yellow, but around the doors and windows you can see fresh cement render.
Spain has a problem dealing with squatters “okupas.” Squatters can take over your home and they have rights. It’s hard to have them removed from your own home.
I found a 2 euro wine that is very good, I'm debating myself if cheap good wine is a good thing or a bad thing... 😅
Es el que consumimos la mayoría de los españoles a diario , no en celebración osea que es bueno 🙄
Hi Stuart. I’m wondering if it’s the same in Spain as it is in Italy. For as long as I remember young Italians let’s say have been leaving for better work opportunities claiming there is no work whatsoever however after spending 8 years in Italy I’ve found this to be misleading since work opportunities do exist, depending on location and skill ofcourse like anywhere.. So, the complete there’s no work claim I’ve found to be a bit false since even a factory job position exists in just about every corner of the country. Sure, it may not be the college career you wanted but it’s still a job at the end of the day. I’m wondering if it is the same in Spain? Thanks for your video.
Very good video. Thank you mate.
A good summary. However, unless you speak Spanish, you will struggle, and learning a language, especially if middle aged or older, is difficult. The famed weather is not all it's cracked up to be either, away from the Med. Uncomfortably hot for two months in summer and bitterly cold in winter, though nice in between. Housing is typically whitewashed concrete, and often not aesthetically pleasing. One size as they say doesn't fit all. Definitely try first before committing absolutely. And remember on past trends, you might end up stranded if after a few years you can no longer afford a house back in your home country. Without doubt, cons as well as pros.
Colin your comment is spot on with the weather and poorly built cold houses I live in Granada Province the winter is freezing at 900 metres . Tek care . 👍🏴🦊
Exactly this Colin. After 6 years I am finding Spain antiquated in everything. I speak good Spanish but I will always be a foreigner here. Been priced out of my hometown in England which would mean relocating . Would I be happier? My villa is freezing in the winter and my dehumidifier pulls out litres of water daily. Don't like the intense heat either. The decision to remain or go back to England is on my mind all the time. I see the elderly really struggling around me when they get older, can no longer drive, unfortunately alone etc. It's a tough one xx
@@rebeccalothian123 It looks like you want to go back 🥺
@@moonmist9I really don't know what to do to be honest. Ill health is making regular visits to see family difficult which is not helping either. It's a tough one although I do have 5 year permanente so could come back to Spain if it didn't work 😂 decisions. I love the weather here though if it stays around 22 degrees! Merry Christmas 🎄
I know many people living in Spain (Costa Blanca) who are facing precisely the same dilemma as you. They took early retirement and were living the dream in Spain, then Brexit made life a bit more difficult, but they sorted out their residency etc, but it made everything more difficult.
Living in an expat community they have had to wave goodbye to so many British friends and neighbours who failed to sort out their post Brexit paperwork etc and chose to sell up instead.
Those with family in the UK are going back when age/health issues rob them of many of the benefits of their ‘life in the sun’ which due to climate change they often find simply too hot these days. They have had few problems finding buyers, but these are rarely Brits any more. The Germans are steadily taking over together with lots of other Northern Europeans to the extent that what was once a ‘little England’ urbanisation is changing and many of the properties returning to holiday home use for only part of the year. So several are now telling me it’s not the same anymore and they are feeling more isolated.
If you can do it, try living back in the UK without selling up in Spain. One old friend said he was thinking of coming back to the uk for the reasons you mentioned, but after spending a month here was shocked at the traffic, the overcrowding, inflated property prices and how much he felt England had changed for the worse. He says he will stick with Spain, at least you can get to see a doctor there!
Well said !
Very good especially about speaking spanishn you have to decide if you are coming here to live in spain or a colony of British ect. In the sun. Havinh lived in spain 48 years you will find if speaking spanish your life will be enhanced living here. Plus dealing with the beauocracy is noot that difficult
Great video Stu!! Thanks so much.
Im an emergency manager USA, also a nurse, im already getting social security, im wating on consulate for Spanish citizenship, LMD, my granfather was Gallego. I really want to help with emergency plans, after what I saw in Valencia, its really needed. Community response to disasters should be planned during blue skies. I hope to help, even at a volunteer basis.
Good information.
P.S. Im bilungual, so thats not a problem
Good luck.
It is a process
You need to get validation of your title form Ministerio de Sanidad it depends where are you from, and then you have this exam, EIR.
If you want to work in the public job. The doctors have to most of the times do this, MIR. And since the pandemics, the robot choses for you you need to make a list of some hospitals / centers you would like to work. So un transparent and shady.
Stu, I've visited just about every state in the US. There is something for everyone. Life is what you make it. One doesn't have to change countries to enjoy a good quality of life.
Believe it or not, there are very cheap places to live in the US as well.
I lived in Spain many years ago. It's absolutely beautiful and I love the cuisine- I wouldn't want to live there again, mainly because of the racism. I'm working age, although not young- I know that there is age discrimination.
Last, but not least- I never compare the US to small countries like Spain and Portugal.
I have never been a victim of any crime in the US, but I was robbed in Portugal and I was a victim of home invasion in Alicante, though I was not harmed.
Every place has safe and unsafe places.
Si bien en todos los países hay racismo, España es uno de los que menos racismo tiene.
Ignoro en qué año vivió usted en España, ni sus experiencias personales, pero parece evidente que la cosa ha cambiado.
@teddydavis2339: You are so right. And yes, the US cannot be compared to Europe. The big open skies, the open road...
"Believe it or not, there are very cheap places to live in the US as well" - care to mention these places ? Speaking as a Texan, with marginal difference in real estate. The fraud that is American Healthcare and Studen loan based education is everywhere in the U.S! So, I am really curious to know where are these cheap places you are alluding to and what exact metrics are you using to define them. Cause like I mentioned above with the exception of California and NewYok, the real estate is more or less the same everywhere with maybe marginal differences and the other challenges that I also mentioned before still remain.
Weird you think he’s comparing it to the USA- he’s not even American. He only mentions the USA a couple of times.
A España se ha de venir con un buen dinero de jubilación , si no no vengan.😊
si tienen una jubilacion de a partir de 2000 euros al mes no tienen problema.
@@mickybcn7453Mejor por barba 😂
Totally agree!
an excellent summary Stu!
Very professional Stuart 👏
Hi Stuart. Your comments are very well balanced, well done. 👏
I'll just say this : 1. Okupas taking over your property and 2. salaries half for what you'd get in other countries while prices are only marginally lower.
This. Overrated. The quality of life and services and the food are better in Greece right now. At least you have real food, I don’t know what those people have always mumbled about Spanish food it is sooo bad ( I am half Italian and they have like three dishes that are worth of try and only in particular areas). Everything is 😢😢😢 after the pandemics. Even the weather it is not sunny like it used to be 😢 at least this year.
@@pinagrrrr2280
Evidentemente usted no conoce la comida española.
No sé si sus comentarios dan más risa o más pena.
Hi Stuart. Brilliant video tonight. Spot on in every aspect.
We've been residents in Menorca as you know for seven years now and as residents, we enjoy Imserso discounted holidays, and 75% travel discount to the mainland and other islands.
Best move we made!
Keep up the brilliant vlogs .
Angela y Jon. 👍
Would you please say more about the "Imserso" discounted holidays and 75% travel discounts? I've not heard about these perks before. Thank you!
Not the public mental health system. I heard to claim benefits system is not so good. The alcohol is cheap so con some get to be a alcoholic.
.the rest i agree with your pros steve
Thank you, Stuart, for a most informative video.
Excellent video and on point summary - thank you
We're finally making our move to Oliva in 2025. We bought a home in 2019, but things were delayed for a permanent move. Everything is finally lined up and the one way flight booked.
España es un país maravilloso. Me encanta. No quiero vivir allí por el clima, pero me gusta visitarlo. Me gusta el sol pero no me gusta el calor. Creo que es muy importante aprender el castellano. El español no era muy popular en Irlanda cuando yo era un joven, aprendí el irlandés y el francés. Pero ahora asisto una clase muy divertida. Me gustaría pasar más tiempo allí después de jubilarme. Pros: los ingredientes para cocinar, la gente, el sol, el vino, la cultura, los precios, la variedad de las Comunidades Autónomas. Cons: la comida (demasiado carne), a veces la gente cerradas, el calor durante el verano. Un saludo amigo. Sláinte
Ve a vivir al Pirineo catalan o aragones o Girona, y no tendras calor en verano, pero recuerda que con el cambio climático este pasado verano incluso en Alemania y hasta en Rusia se han alcanzado temperaturas infernales incluso superiores a las de muchas regiones de España.
Has aprendido Español que para un Angloparlante nativo aprender otro idioma es mucho felicidades.
@@Benito-lr8mz Gracias. Felicidades a ti, y feliz navidad 🎄
Hablas muy bien español! Estoy de acuerdo con tus ventajas y desventejas, excepto que no sólo se come carne en España, también se come mucho pescado, verduras, legumbres y arroz.
@@shanon72327 De verdad tienes razón, especialmente en la comunidad valenciana la comida es variada. Pero cuando pido por una ensalada hay atún, cuando quiero un estofado de judías hay chorizo. Gracias
Thanks Stuart for a good balanced review
You should ONLY move to Spain if you are retired and don't need to work, have a contract (digital nomad) from abroad and / or are independently wealthy. Spanish salaries are abysmal and are not keeping up with the cost of living. Hence, the protests from thousands of young Spaniards who can't afford to buy much less rent a flat. According to Real Institute El Cano, youth unemployment is the highest in Europe at 28.%. The average age at which young people leave the nest is 32.3 years old and creeping up. Spain's birthrate is the lowest in Europe and one of the lowest in the world thus the country is facing the consequences of a demographic winter. This should matter to anyone who pays taxes as they're only going to go up. Finally, the only bone I have to pick with this video is the issue of mental health. It's been well publicized that Spain has the highest use of "ansiolticos" (behavioral meds for anxiety, depression etc ...) in the world, suggesting that things aren't so rosy after all.
Highest use in the world? Really?
It is so bad. I am half Italian and I am moving from Spain. It is so unsustainable and discomforting. I feel so bad for the Spaniards their governments and employers prefer cheap immigrants and lower quality service.
I lived here before the pandemics and I can see the difference.
I was in Greece this summer and Croatian coast and the quality of life is better there for me right now. I used to love Spain so much and it is heartbreaking for me.
@@pinagrrrr2280Hi, could you please elaborate on Croatia and give some examples? I was thinking about Spain recently
@
Well I was only to Istria and some places in Dalmatia. I live in Spain now. It has become terrible, in Madrid you have zones that are so dirty and it is better not to go, the problematic ones are immigrants form Center America, so basically the zones of Tetuán, Bellas Vistas, Puente de Vallecas. But the center is also become pretty dirty, people on the streets aren’t smiling anymore, whole vibe and pulse is gone (I was here before the pandemics and this government, and finding the job in particular for their people has been difficult - there is no stability here). But now you literally have trash on the streets even in good zones and basically people going through this trash and leaving it.
You don’t have that there, and their lifestyle is quite comfortable similar to Northern Italy- you don’t have this big towns (only Milano and kinda Torino in Italy, but a lot of smaller places like Verona, Vicenza etc). They are progressing and Spain is going backwards. Greece is recovering and growing as well. That was my point. I think for sure Portugal is better option.
Either way it is hard for someone to find many friends in Spain - people used to be friendly in quite superficial way, nobody will really help you when you need it, they are ok, but people form Portugal are also ok less open, but don’t think it is easy to find friends or circle of friends in Spain that is all superficial. Also, finding a place to live it it extremely expensive and hard right now. It is just not worth bcs a lot of places have 0 quality. Too small, too expensive, bad infrastructure, too noisy. Even the weather whole fall has been bad, cloudy. The food here for me was never good, I mean it is not really Mediterranean you get most of the fish from the Atlantic and they fry a lot. Italian and French cuisine is way better. I only liked the fruit and vegetables in particular and some cheeses. But it used to be good lifestyle now after the pandemics and especially this year, everything is is so more expensive that it is just not worth the price. IMO.
@@pinagrrrr2280 thank you for your insights
The income taxes are equal to what you would experience in New York or California but every else is a fraction of what those items cost in the USA - health care, property tax, groceries etc
I grew up in Spain and left for job opportunities. The place is great for retiring but if you have to work there and pay taxes it's a real bad idea. Economy is not blooming and won't do it soon. Also if your children have to grow in that culture which doesn't reward ambition and high standards you should think twice about their future.
If you can afford It better get a private health insurance. Public is really slow.
The country is beautiful and has a lot to offer. Enjoy
PD: don't buy a home under a dam. You are welcome.
You generalize too much about the culture and ambitions of almost 50 million people.
@angelpereira5278 I think you are right Ángel. I wish the best to spanish people. Saludos
@@angelpereira5278 Nevertheless if things were rosy with the Spanish economy there would be less Spaniard youth leaving.
A "culture which doesn't reward ambition and high standards." Wow isn't that the truth! That's bound to happen in countries which promise certain benefits to people, like housing, but are not able to deliver them. The people expect the government to do things for them and don't take steps to be more independent.
@@moonmist9 I mean. There is smart and ambitious people still in Spain but government is doing everything in it's power to kick them out of the country by punishing them with high taxes. They want loyal servants. The spanish dream has been working for the state for at least 2 decades... Perpetuating the state...
Hey Stu, you should be the face of the Spanish tourism advertising campaigns!! I can understand you being defensive about all things Spanish but i have to disagree on some points you raised. One of them is expats hanging around in their gated communities and nowhere else, you say is a con because they won't mix with Spanish locals. I disagree with that. The only con i see is if that expat has to go shopping or to the medical centres, not knowing the language is going to make that side of things very difficult. But as to meet new local friends, believe me, you're not missing out on anything. Most locals aren't interested in socialising with British expats unless there's something in it for them. It's even worse in places like Galicia where the towns talk Gallego and keep to themselves.
The Spanish health system is good if you compare it to the USA but you'll need to book an appointment just to see your normal GP and that can range from one day to a week. As for specialists, i can't really tell you as i've never seen one in Spain.
You see, Stu has a big reason to why he lives in Spain and that is because his partner is Spanish. In all seriousness, why would he be living in Spain if it weren't for his Spanish partner? We have to be honest about these things. My background is mostly Gallego but i'm Australian born and bred. I will never go live in Spain for the work let's just say. I could maybe retire there one day but it would be around the Mediterranean coast where it's more cosmopolitan, open and ethnically diverse.
To sum up, one doesn't have to get out of their way to speak Spanish to the locals, remember, the Spanish immigrants did the exact thing in Australia. I barely knew any of the old folk that could mutter a word of coherent English and many just hung around their Spanish clubs when socialising after work hours. It works both ways.
Better Canary Islands than Marbella even about taxes
Thanks, great video. One question though. If there is so little crime why do so many ground level house windows in Spain require security bars? Another problem for older Brits is their state pension is not index -linked. That's one reason many Brits are returning to the UK. Another is it's much more difficult to stay below the tax radar than it used to be for both IRPF and IBI.
Yeah! It happens a lot... In fact, I'm a 57 year-old Spaniard and I'm not used to some Spanish customs yet...
😂😂😂
What would you recommend looking out for regarding the climate issues? Are there certain areas that should be avoided?
Si a usted no le gusta soportar temperaturas de 40°C debe evitar los meses de julio y agosto.
Si viaja en esos meses es mejor todo el norte de España o los pueblos de la costa mediterránea.
The climate is pretty bad. I am for instance asthmatic. Spain is terrible populated, you have some areas around center - so Madrid and half way to Barcelona you have Zaragoza. You have some small towns around center - like Toledo, Salamanca, Avila, etc. other zones beside Anadalucia that is terrible hot to die in the summer even worse then Madrid are costal and it is terrible humidity in most of those areas- and beside the summer that is good there - still hot, you have a lot of rain during the rest of the year.
I can’t tell for Malaga and Cadiz maybe there is better.
I would always choose Portugal instead. It is nicer, cleaner, every single service in Spain right now is 10-20 x worse and more expensive. And the Spaniards are not working. Bcs their government and their employers prefer cheap labour and immigrants. I can tell you that Madrid had never been this dirt full of trash, people going through the garbage and emptying it and leaving on the streets. And I see this in good neighborhoods even like Salamanca and good side of Tetuán on the stadium side of Bravo Murillo.
As per food never has been good enough for me but I am Italian.
As for medical care. Never this bad. And the sad part is I hear really tragic stories. It used to be way better before the pandemics. Valencia won’t be recovered in years, people form there say. I mean affected areas
@pinagrrrr2280
Un italiano que no conoce su pais hablando de España.
Las tonterías que hay que escuchar
@@enriquedeldod7193
El tema no es Italia porque yo hablaría de Italia aquí? Que en contrario es un país con mucha riqueza, más comodidades y de calidad ni hablar porque no es comprable y por supuesto mejor comida.
Además ahora vivo en España (no por mucho) y he vivido antes de la pandemia. Además soy de norte de Italia. Al menos en el norte, tenemos ciertos estándares
@@pinagrrrr2280
Me cuesta creer que usted haya vivido en ambos países, porque si es así sabría que las infraestructuras en España son mucho mejores que en Italia. Y si es de Roma hacia el sur es que no hay comparación posible.
En cuanto a comida es precisamente al revés, de Roma hacia el sur la calidad de la comida italiana es comparable a la de España y es porque esa zona estuvo bajo el dominio y la influencia española durante más de 350 años.
En el norte de Italia la comida es mediocre.
Pero usted a lo suyo.
What kind of camera do you use for your videos? Thanks.
Hi, GoPro 12 with a Media Mod.
Definitely more pros than cons although bureacracy is challenging to say the least!
Hola Stuart, Que tal? I am visiting Madrid this weekend from the UK. My stepson and I are staying in the east side of the city. Any recommendations for good food?
@ muy bien Muchas gracias 🙏 I will write that one down. I am staying in ‘Pueblo Nuevo / San Blas’ area of the city.
@@114jt In that area you have El Figón in the Street Rodrigo Triana. But I recommend you to go to Sol or La Latina or Opera but you´re right because it´s going to be packed. Go then or Ibiza, or Ponzano, or the posh Jorge Juan, or Huertas. Sorry that I don´t know many places in Pueblo Nuevo. Please, this long weekend in Spain in Madrid is going to be packed with people, be aware of pickpockets. Be welcome and good luck.
Coming from Australia to live in Spain in 2024 it’s absolutely shocking the health care the roads and the housing
7:38 Stuart , violent crime in Barcelona is a massive problem. Don’t let your viewers misjudge it.
Cuáles son los delitos violentos?
@@enriquedeldod7193 ¿De verdad estás haciendo esa pregunta?
@@aquilaxxi7953
Por supuesto.
Piensa usted que todo el mundo tiene el mismo criterio?
Violent crime IS not a massive problem . A problem but inflated. I live here in Barcelona and dont fear for my safety ever when i leave the House
Portugal has
(i) cooler Summers
(ii) warmer Winters
(iii) a land registry with better integrity
(iv) more friendly locals
(v) a prettier coastline
(vi) slightly lower crime levels
In Spain’s respect;
it has better drivers, (safer roads) warmer seas, more sophisticated eating, dining and entertainment options and it’s easier to learn the language!
En el año 2022 la tasa de homicidios por cada 100.000 habitantes fue del 0,7 en España y del 0,9 en Portugal. Lo niveles de criminalidad son ligeramente mayores en Portugal.
Spain is from a financial perspective a disaster. The government doesn’t trust its people, and the people doesn’t trust the government. Lot’s of taxes, salary, property etc and an aggressive tax office to make sure to collect it. No good controls on illegal immigration, and increasing crime rates due to that, especially in the bigger cities. Law’s that protect criminal behavior, such as occupants, if someone breaks into your house, suddenly it becomes their right to stay, and a long process to kick them out. If they have kids, almost impossible. If you are there for low prices, good weather and food. It’s other countries offering the same.
Another "con" would be tax. You should have mentioned it, as a Norte-Americano.
Agreed! I want to know more about the wealth tax.
@kristinrae1 Depends on the autonomous community that you live in. Some waive the wealth tax. That's the thing about Spain, some taxes are set at regional or even local discretion. Some autonomous communities do not currently charge the wealth tax. Then if course you do need enough wealth to tax.
Fact: If Spain wasn't part of the EU, it would be no better off economically than Venezuela.
Wrong, I lived in spain before it join the EU as a kid and it was nothing like Venezuela
@sergiomunizaragon5405 Oh, you mean from 1936 to 1975, when it was a fascist state? You're right! Back then it was more like nazi Germany, not Venezuela.
If you like corruption, lack of liberties and irrational modus vivendi. Spain is your cup of tea.
Jajajaja
What do you mean by "irrational modus vivendi"?
I think learning the language is key to staying long term, calling the handyman to explain a problem or personal discussions at doctor visits. Best advice I got, is learn the local language and dialect of that region, then stay there and don't move again, just the differences between northern and southern Spanish to a new learner will be difficult to understand.
The Taxes are BRUTAL, especially if you have a lot of money. Income tax, sales tax, wealth tax, solidarity tax, etc. Please get a Spanish tax expert to do a simulation tax estimate for you before moving, not after.
Taxes are very important to keep wealth fare. Better you go back to your country. We don’t like fascist
The total taxes in Spain are lower than most European countries, so sorry, but you are wrong.
@@mikesuar8842 How is he wrong, he didn't say that Spain's taxes are the highest in Europe. All he said was that they are brutal.
@@mikesuar8842
But the living costs are not. Especially if he wants to live in popular area. Spain is heavily depopulated and populated weirdly, so it is actually complicated and every single thing is now 1000000% worse then before the pandemics. I am coming back home cause I find it terrible. I am btw European, half Italian and used to certain standard. The food is terrible and expensive, well I never liked that much Spanish food really, nor I considered flan or bizcocho specialties, coffee has always been terrible, but I loved the people and the weather and easy life. Well, that is gone. And it is said that Spanish government and employees prefer to payed less to some immigrants and have way worse service. Spain did smart thing in advertising herself, but lower quality in everything is noticeable. It is happening everywhere but in Spain way more then everywhere I have been, Greece including.
Then you don't know about the taxes in Canary Islands,Ceuta Melilla...with a huge discount over 40%-50%
This was an excellent video! Can you talk about the wealth tax? Are there certain areas in Spain that don’t have it? What is it exactly and is it a concern?
Andalusia but there is a new wealth tax imposed by the central government
Well said Stuart, an excellent video with precise comments 👏🏾🍷
In Spain everything right now is terrible. The country is in the depression and mess, services have never been this bad and on the low. I don’t know what do you expect but the pandemics separated everything now it is not like before Christ and after, but before and after covid. The government is terrible, local governments are terrible even the weather has never been this bad in years, too much clouds. I can’t even recognize the country right now. This is the trend in whole Europe but in Spain you can really see degradation of everything, food including and the prices so high. It is not worth this. I mean I am European and half Italian so I am used to a certain standard. Spain needs to control immigration, Spain needs to assure their own people to work, to be productive and to be able to move from their parents and have family on their own. This way, no, I am actually moving from here in January. Also medical care is not good, not like it used to be and I have heard sad stories really. I have been in Greece this summer the quality of life there is better, they are progressing, and Spain is just moving backwards. Also, you won’t see happy faces and fiestas now in Spain. It is depressive. Maybe it won’t be to you, if you didn’t know Spain from before. But yeah this is the reality. Spain is also full of the immigrants and a some of them don’t integrate. I am in Madrid but people say that Barcelona is even worse now. I have seen total degradation here and especially this year, in terms of the prices and quality. And it breaks my heart really, Spain was my happy place. I am from Northern Italy, btw.
Finally a rational & honest comment, and from an European, without romanticism
I lived in many countries in Europe and real estate in 4. Greece (and Portugal) beats Spain on all criteria. Spanish people are not as friendly & welcoming as romantics think
To make these moves and in particular to a different culture and so completely not USA or UK , one has to be so openminded to adapting and accepting,not comparing nor wanting what is comfortable (ie your norms). Returung for many is about a seemingly effortless life. This move takes effort in many forms.
4:07 Their is more to Spanish food than Paella and Tapas. 4:15: Tapas
Thanks for your information. would you please make a video comparing living in UK vs living in Spain?
Sinceramente no te recomiendo españa
Spain is perfect for me 😎
Well sold !! If I didn't live here I would be really gutted 🎉😂
Stu, I absolutely agree with you. Have lived in Spain for over 60 years on and off, and the situation is still related to what you say without going back in history. The only problem I had before I retired were the work-related timetables... at least in my last years. Now, I can enjoy life with a good pension - earning more than whike working!!! I would add another Con: life can be very noisy. That's the one thing I still.find hard, mainly when you go for dinner with a big bunch of people and everybody talks at the same time which makes become silent and wanting to get out.
I bet most of them talk 5hite too!! 😆
Yes, I would agree about the noise. Why talk when you can shout? Children screaming in restaurants is tolerated by nonchalant parents and waiters manage to make a huge racket when drying plates and saucers
Your mic has the name "RØDE" Do you know what RØDE means ?
I know it's an Aussie company that makes microphones and that it means "red" in Danish but I assume you're alluding to something else. Do tell.😊
@@TheRealJoseramirez Correct RØDE is Plural red. Very cool You know - not many do. Can you point at good Spainish tutors ?
@@allanfrost2855 Sadly not. I suppose it all depends on where you live. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Hola stu and guests. A very pertinent subject … hola dana, buena noches golden visa, and tourist protests all make things a bit difficult then the government demands my very private data to block crimes which makes me vulnerable to crimes. Spain was my first choice to retire to, now that has sadly changed unless i decide to go the NLV route. I would have been a source of free money going into spain, but now it seems so unwanted. Lovely place though.
If you don't need to work Spain is a wonderful country to live in.
If you live in Spain learn Spanish. Hardly a con. Red tape is crazy. Economy decentish but costs/prices have risen. Climate not an issue really. Culture is a learning curve. Here 20 years now and still learning!!
What does it say on the building at 8:55?
I think its calling some politician a thief
@slimynaut ok. I tried an online translator but it just gave me the same words as results so I figured they were someone's names.
Ningun español venderia mejor España que este señor . Le felicito
My mum was born in Lugo, Galicia
I have a house in spain but ive been told because of brexit you have to have £70,000 in your bank to support yourself for 3 years?
Thank you
I strongly disagree about the quality of Spanish healthcare. I nearly died in childbirth in Barcelona due to a botched c-section. Pediatric care isn't great either - our doctor handed out expired baby food samples, missed pneumonia more than once and never took throat cultures, for example. Notably, my son who needed ear tubes waited a long, long time because the first 'expert' I saw said to swim in the ocean (in winter, at 18 months old!) to solve the problem. I've been here eleven years and am disappointed with public schools too.
I think the healthcare is as overrated as the food.
A question.... where did you make this film? Looks an interesting town.
Hi. Belmonte de Tajo.
@spainspeaks That's what I thought... but haven't been back to Madrid ans surroundings for about 20 years so changes make it difficult to remember!
We plan to move to Los Pocilos
Hi Stuart
Good video Stuart. Love Spain. Loved living on Lanzarote for a few years but took telefonica 3 months to connect my internet or the days I spent getting a NIF number mainly going back and forth with ID and paperwork to the local police station. But it is what it is and for the lifestyle it's worth it I think!
There are plenty of competition now, afortunatly. ask for internet and it will be installed and working in like 48 hours, sometimes 24 hours
@@alvaromenendez4139 The internet issue was somewhat because the costa hotel nearby took most of the 40 internet lines from the local hub. I know they have improved the infrastructure since then so hopefully not an issue now!
Very fair assessment of the pros and cons, including the swing from vacas gordas to vacas flacas economy. Have to say I've never known a time when it was good for youth employment. I think it's as you say still a good option for Brits with a good enough pension to qualify for a visa.
The public health service is a lot worse than 15 years ago. There are waitinglist of months!
A friend of mine was in a care home within 10 days in Spain, due to dementia
No problems with spanish health service. Been using 24 years now. Yes at times you have to wait for an appointment... But Happy with my doctor and specialists.👍
Regarding the climate crisis and your advice to research where it's safe: There is no safe place. Who would have thought that Valencia would be hit by this massive floods. This can happen almost everywhere.
Lovely country but I'd miss the culture in the UK. The theatre scene is amazing, music, ,Ballet, Opera, and easy to fly anywhere in the world directly. Work option s are very limited in Spain even for the Spanish. Its Anti business which is my passion. Great to retire or holiday but challenge for those of working age to live there these days if from a non EU country. Also noticed most Spanish we have met keep to their large families or very established friends and the average Spaniad although usually friendly, don't seem to make good friends with non Spanish, buy that's just our experience over the last 5 years
A con for some could be the high-rises and cramped living spaces.
Property taxes in Spain are a fraction of anyplace in the USA