Moving to Spain can be an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Having moved to Spain twice—first to Madrid in 2014 and then to Barcelona in 2019—I’ve learned firsthand what can go wrong if you’re not properly prepared. Here are the seven biggest mistakes people make when relocating to Spain and how to avoid them.
1. Underestimating Bureaucracy and Paperwork
Spain’s bureaucracy is infamous for being slow and complex. From visa applications to setting up utilities, expect multiple visits to government offices, long waiting times, and a lot of paperwork. Many expats struggle with the requirements for residency permits (TIE), NIE numbers, and social security registration.
How to Avoid It: Start gathering the necessary documents well in advance and consider hiring a gestor (a professional who helps navigate Spanish bureaucracy). Always double-check the latest requirements, as they frequently change.
2. Ignoring Tax and Financial Obligations (Including the 183-Day Tax Residency Rule)
Many expats don’t realize that spending more than 183 days in Spain per year makes them a tax resident, meaning they must declare their worldwide income. Spain also has additional taxes, such as the wealth tax (in some regions) and high income tax rates compared to other countries.
How to Avoid It: If you plan to live in Spain long-term, consult a tax advisor to understand your obligations. If you’re unsure whether you’ll become a tax resident, keep track of your days in Spain and plan accordingly.
3. Failing to Exchange a Non-EU Driver’s License on Time
If you’re from outside the EU, you usually have six months from obtaining residency to exchange your driver’s license. After that period, you may be required to take both the theory and practical driving tests, which can be costly and time-consuming.
How to Avoid It: Research whether your country has a reciprocal agreement with Spain for license exchanges. If not, start the process early to avoid retaking the driving tests.
4. Not Integrating Into the Local Culture
Many newcomers make the mistake of assuming that Spain operates like their home country. They expect shops and businesses to stay open all day and assume that most people speak English. However, siesta hours are still common in many places, and outside of tourist areas, English is not widely spoken.
How to Avoid It: Learn at least basic Spanish—it will make a huge difference in daily interactions. Adjust your expectations regarding business hours, and embrace Spain’s relaxed lifestyle instead of fighting against it.
5. Not Registering for the Empadronamiento (Municipal Registration)
The empadronamiento is Spain’s municipal registration, required for various legal and administrative processes, including residency applications and school enrollments. Some people skip it, thinking it’s unnecessary, only to run into problems later.
How to Avoid It: As soon as you find a long-term place to live, register at your local town hall. Some municipalities require an appointment and specific documents, so check the requirements beforehand.
6. Overpaying for a Long-Term Rental Without Researching Local Prices
Spain’s rental market varies significantly by city and even by neighborhood. Many expats overpay because they use platforms like Airbnb or fail to negotiate.
How to Avoid It: Research rental prices on Spanish platforms like Idealista or Fotocasa. If possible, visit apartments in person before signing a lease. Be prepared to negotiate, and watch out for scams asking for deposits before viewing the property.
7. Assuming International Debit/Credit Cards Work Everywhere
Many expats assume that their foreign bank cards will work seamlessly in Spain. However, some businesses only accept Spanish debit cards, and international cards may incur high transaction fees.
How to Avoid It: Open a Spanish bank account as soon as possible to avoid payment issues. Also, check if your home bank has partnerships with Spanish banks to reduce fees when using your foreign card.
Final Thoughts
Spain offers an incredible quality of life, but moving here requires careful planning. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll have a smoother transition and be able to enjoy everything Spain has to offer. If you’re considering moving to Spain and need personalized guidance, feel free to reach out!
