How to … in Spain

Business in Spain

Information about business in Spain and Spain’s economy, including Spain’s business outlook and key business opportunities and pitfalls.

Dreamer

Start a Bar in Spain

Here you’ll find practical information on starting a bar in Spain, including tips on buying an existing bar and starting a bar in Spain from the ground up.

Dreamer

Business Etiquette in Spain

Learn essential business etiquette and business culture in Spain. Topics include greeting, dress, table manners, time and scheduling, and space.

Dreamer

The Types of Business Entities in Spain

Here you'll find general legal, financial, and set-up information on the ten types of business entities for companies in Spain.

Dreamer

Five Ideas for Supporting Yourself in the Spanish Economy

Spain Expat presents five ideas for making a living in Spain and how to go about it.

Dreamer

Banks in Spain and Spanish Bank Accounts for Expats

Banks and banking for expatriates living in Spain. Includes information about: accounts for foreigners, Transferwise, Revolut, VISA cards, debit cards, transaction fees, online banking, cajas and foreign-owned banks.

Expatriator

Cost of Living in Spain

Can you live on 1000€ per month? How much does a family need to live comfortably on the coast? What's the best city in Spain from a cost of living standpoint? Here we offer a cost of living breakdown focused on Madrid and Alicante, including the basic necessities and a detailed guide for estimating your costs.

Expatriator

Filing Taxes as a US Expat in Spain

Information about filing taxes for Americans in Spain, including filing Spanish taxes, filing US taxes, tax rates, special tax rates, income credits, residency determination and typical scenarios.

Expatriator

Spain Returns to the Peseta

What would happen in a worst case scenario and Spain were to return to the Peseta? Is this even likely?

The Editor

Spain, So Just How Much Are We Talking About?

A great article from Mark Wilkens of the Rights Group regarding the actual costs of buying property in Spain 2007.

Expatriator

Currency Exchange and Solutions for Expats

Information on exchanging currency from sterling and dollars to euros for expatriates living in Spain.

Expatriator

Taxes in Spain

Information on income taxes and income tax rates in Spain, paying tax in Spain, special taxes, VAT/IVA, double taxation, taxes on property and real estate, and US forms and publications for expatriates living in Spain.

Dreamer

Mastering the Spanish Accent

Good news for expats living in Spain – it is, in fact, possible to change your pronunciation and accent as an adult. Whether your goal is to be better understood, less embarrassed, or even get them to stop asking you where you're from, feel the empowerment that comes from learning to choose the way you speak. Here are key tips and tricks from a professional expat accent coach.

Kayla Belush

Spanish Slang

Spain Expat's quick guide to everyday Spanish slang and informal vocabulary you may or may not find in your dictionary. As with most slang, these Spanish slang words are largely the province of informal situations.

Dreamer

The Best Ways to Learn Spain’s Other Languages

Ideas and resources to help you learn or improve your knowledge of the Basque, Catalan, Galician, and Valencian languages.

Dreamer

Certifying Your Language Skills

It’s all about proving what you know: here you’ll find information about the language certifications available for Spanish, Basque, Catalan, Galician, and Valencian.

Dreamer

The Languages of Spain: More Than Spanish

A look at the variety of languages in Spain (including Basque, Catalan, Galician, and Valencian), the status of official languages in Spain, and how to say some simple phrases in these languages.

Dreamer

Castellano vs. Español

Information about some of the differences between the Castillian Spanish of Spain (Castellano) and Latin American Spanish (Español).

Dreamer

Sworn Translations in Spain

Everything you'd ever want to know about sworn translations in Spain.

Dreamer

The Best Ways to Learn Spanish

Tools to learn Spanish effectively. For every level.

Dreamer

Important Lessons for Expats Learning Spanish

Information on learning Spanish for foreigners and expatriates. Free options, schools and other ways to learn the local language are all discussed.

Expatriator

Gestor, Gestoria, Asesoria?

Gestores and Asesorias are often mentioned on the forum and articles around the site when discussing issues of bureaucracy. We realized many of you don't know what a gestor is or how to find one. This article is to inform you about what a gestor is and what he/she can do for you.

algrif

Instructions for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros) Application

A step by step guide through the forms (with translations), documents, payments, appointments/citas previas, lotes, and process of getting your TIE.

Expatriator

Embassies and Consulates for English Speaking Countries

Spain Expat's helpful list of embassies and consulates for your home country and Spain. Includes American, Canadian, British, Irish, Australian, and Dutch embassies in Spain.

Expatriator

Applying for Residency in Spain as a non-EU Spouse

Information which would be helpful to you if you are planning on applying for residency in Spain as a non-EU Spouse

Expatriator

Consumer Complaint Forms / Hojas de Reclamaciones

This article is about what are, and how to use, the official consumer complaint forms, known as Hojas de Reclamaciones, which allow any consumer who has a complaint against a Spanish restaurant, bar, shop, service provider, and many other businesses, to enter the complaint officially and easily.

algrif

Social Security in Spain

Information about Social Security in Spain. How to get a Social Security number in Spain and where to get it. How much Social Security costs. Healthcare, unemployment, and retirement benefits.

Dreamer

Spanish Traffic Accident Reports

This article is about the correct way to fill the Traffic accident Report form in the event of a road accident. You might find it useful to print and keep with you in the car.

algrif

Getting Married in Spain - Non-EU Foreigners Marrying a Spaniard

A quick guide for what you will need to get married to a Spaniard as a non-EU citizen. This is based on a Madrid-based experience with a US citizen.

Expatriator

Voting in Spain

Voting as a foreigner: Who can vote in Spain's elections and how to register to vote. Voting from abroad: Who can and how to vote in your home country's elections.

Dreamer

Empadronamiento: Town Hall Registration in Spain

The padrón is the single most important evidence of residency – you might even need it before you get a visa or residency. Brits just learned this the hard way with Brexit in 2020. Learn how to empadronarse, the benefits of the padrón, the pitfalls and the documents you'll need to present to complete and renew the empadronamiento in your town or city.

Dreamer

Wills: The Legal Will & Inheritance in Spain

Information about Spanish wills.

Expatriator

TIE, NIE, DNI, NIF, CIF, Social Security

Information on getting your TIE, NIE, social security number and other forms of identification for expat residents of Spain.

Expatriator

Driving in Spain: Licenses and Regulations

Information on driver’s licenses and regulations in Spain.

Dreamer

Getting Married, Weddings & Giving Birth in Spain

Information about getting married, registering a wedding, eloping and giving birth for expatriates in Spain.

Expatriator

Spanish Art & Culture

An introduction to Spanish art and culture – past and present – including architecture, dance, fashion, film, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.

Dreamer

You know you’ve lived in Spain when….

A humorous look at how one's view of life, and life itself can change after living for a while in Spain.

algrif

Jewish Spain

This article is about being Jewish in Spain; where to eat, pray and go to see Jewish monuments. It also focuses on the history of the Jews in Spain from before the Spanish inquisition until present day.

Sammie

Weather in Spain

An overview of the weather in Spain, including information on Spanish weather by season, region, and major city. Also learn about the author's favorite times and places to be in Spain.

Dreamer

Fiestas in Spain

Information about the best Fiestas in Spain. Where they are at what time of year and how to prepare for the best parties in the country.

Sammie

The Vegetarian’s Survival Guide to Spain

How to survive - and thrive - as a vegetarian in Spain's markets, tapas bars, restaurants, and while traveling.

Dreamer

Spanish Holidays

When Do You Get Time Off In Spain? A Great Guide to Spain's National and Regional Holidays - information about both regional and national holidays throughout the country, focused on how Spain celebrates and explaining the significance of some of Spain's prominent holidays.

Sammie

Spanish Recipes and Cuisine

Spanish recipes, information about Spanish cuisine, and reasons why you should cook Spanish food at home. The anatomy of a Spanish lunch and recipes for Spanish classics tortilla de patata and sangría.

Dreamer

Spanish Cultural Commentary

Spain Expat's cultural notes. The culture of Spain and cultural differences discussed by expatriates living in Spain.

Expatriator

Shopping! in Spain

Information about where and how to shop for groceries, expat goods and other important items for expats in Spain.

Expatriator

English Church Services in Spain

Spain Expat's list of English speaking churches in Spain

Expatriator

Health Insurance in Spain: A Semi-Insider’s Guide

Pitfalls, problems, complications, solutions and insider recommendations for purchasing private health insurance in Spain. A guide based on semi-insider information, interviews with insurance agents, direct insight from consulates and diligent research.

Expatriator

Doctors in Spain

Information about doctors in Spain including both public doctors through the public clinic system and making private doctors appointments. See the extensive list of English speaking doctors in Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga, Spain.

Expatriator

Where to live in Barcelona

A guide to where to live in Barcelona according to The Expatriator, originally written in 2007 and recently updated.

Expatriator

Getting Your University Degree Recognized in Spain

How to get your degree recognized in Spain through the homologation process (homologación) or the professional recognition process (reconocimiento professional).

Dreamer

Pregnant in Spain!

Information about the pregnancy process in Spain, how to get health insurance, learn about your benefits and rights and help for getting the best pre-natal and post-natal care

Sammie

Villas in Spain

Information and tips about holidaying in, renting, and buying a villa in Spain.

Dreamer

University Exchange Programs in Spain

Information about applying for exchange programs in Spanish universities, how to transfer credits, taking the selectividad exams and the best places to do an exchange program in Spain.

Sammie

Universities In Spain

Information about colleges in Spain and how the system works, what degrees to get, how long they take and a list of universities across the country for all courses and subject areas

Sammie

Buying and Selling a Second Hand Car in Spain

This article is about the processes involved in buying and selling second hand cars in Spain. It will also look briefly at some of the pitfalls and problems to avoid, concentrating mostly on the buyer's point of view. As a seller, it would obviously be in your best interests to prepare things so that a buyer of a second hand car in Spain can actually buy your car.

algrif

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Spain

Contact information for emergency services with the police department, fire department, ambulance and your embassy, and in case of domestic abuse and credit card theft. A short guide to Spain's emergency services.

Dreamer

Comunidad de Propietarios: Part 2, The Nitty Gritty

In-depth information about the Comunidad de Vecinos refering to the legal powers and responsibilities of both the committee and the Administrator. The Budget. Complaints and problems with the neighbours. It is based on the Spanish law known as Ley de Propiedad Horizontal.

algrif

The Comunidad de Propietarios for Property Owners

Information about the Comunidad de Propietarios or committee of neighbours in the urbanisation or apartment block where your Spanish property is located. It tells you how they are elected to the property's committee, how you can be elected, what they can/cannot do and are supposed to do, and the function of the Administrator of your Neighbourhood Committee.

algrif

Sending/Receiving Mail and Packages in Spain

How to receive and send packages and mail to/from home, particularly for the USA and Canada. Shares the generally negative experiences with the postal service in Spain and how to avoid these problems in the future.

Expatriator

Schools and Higher Education in Spain

Information about the Spanish and International school systems for children of expatriates living in Spain. Also provides information on higher education exchange programs with the EU (Spain) and the USA and Canada.

Expatriator

Real Estate in Spain

Information on real estate and property in Spain. Including links to further information and real estate sites for Spain.

Casi Cielo

Public Healthcare in Spain

Information on public health care in Spain and how to get access to it.

Expatriator

Apartments in Spain

Information on renting apartments in Spain. Includes comparative information on furnished, unfurnished apartments, finding a room to rent with flatmates, and factors that affect the price of apartments in Spain.

Expatriator

How a Canadian couple moved to Spain and found a home

Frank and Lissette moved to Spain after 6 years of slow travel around the world. Here's the story of the couple's first chapter of their new life in Spain on a nonlucrative visa: finding a home and figuring out which part of the country to settle themselves.

Frank Thomae

Furniture and Furnishing Your Home in Spain

The what, where and how much of moving and buying furniture, furnishing and decorating your new home in Spain.

Expatriator

Importing Cars

Information about importing cars and vehicles into Spain from the UK and North American (Canada, US). Read about insurance, residency status and your license, shipping information, getting estimates for vehicle removals to Spain and the taxes associated with importing cars.

Expatriator

Importing Pets to Spain

Information about how to import animals and pets into Spain. Includes: certifications, verterinarians' certificates, regulations, pet passports, most specifically importing pets from the US and Canada. Also note the regulations for owning a dangerous animal.

Expatriator

Cheap Flights to Spain

Information about cheap flights and airlines that service Spain. There are many options and potential pitfalls; we provide information based on our personal experience about flying to Spain, and a note about flying into Spain and your legal status.

Expatriator

Moving to Spain: To Do List

The Moving to Spain TO DO list (checklist) of things you will need to take care of before moving/ relocating. Information and preparations like: learning Spanish, business, visa, changing your home residency status, getting health insurance, a foreign bank account, purchasing electronics, and finding accommodations.

Expatriator

Moving to Spain

Information about moving to Spain and annecdotal advice for those about to move. Moving/removal companies, different services, lists of boxes, shipping, customs, ports, valuating your goods, and getting your empadronamiento for expatriates in Spain.

Expatriator

Camping in Spain

This article talks about some basic considerations when looking for camp sites in Spain, and about camping in Spain generally.

algrif

Beaches in Spain

Information about Spain’s beaches, Spain’s main types of beaches, the Balearic and Canary Islands as beach destinations, and tips for going to nudist beaches in Spain.

Dreamer

Tennis In Spain

Information about tennis in Spain. Where to play, how much it costs and some of the best private and public courts across the country

Sammie

The Hottest Way To Find Spanish Love

Information about online dating in Spain. Where to look, the best way to write a profile and overall tricks of the trade for online spanish dating.

Sammie

Dating in Spain Tips

Information about dating in Spain, where, how and when to find a partner in Spain. Note that some of the dating tips here are presented with a touch of sarcasm.

Sammie

Gay In Spain

Information about the gay and lesbian scene in Spain.

Sammie

Sports In Spain

Getting active in Spain: go outside, inside and on the water. Information about the most popular sports in Spain, where to watch them and where to play them. Also information about the incredibly diverse range of sporting options available throughout the country

Sammie

Skiing In Spain

Who Told You To Leave The Gear Behind? This is your guide to some of the best skiing in Spain, especially for expat ski bums who might be looking for a seasonal job at a ski resort in Spain.

Sammie

Dating in Spain

Information about dating in Spain, including online dating sites, dating ideas, relationships, and insight into the dating scene in Spain.

Expatriator

Guide to Spanish Mobile SIMs and Providers in Spain (2021)

Everything you need to know to get the right mobile phone provider for your new life in Spain. Offers detailed information covering technologies/frequencies, prices, plans, MVNOs and the major providers (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo and Lobster. Learn which Spanish mobile providers are the fastest and which are the most popular among expats. Read one expat's plan for the best way to get a Spanish SIM before and after arriving in Spain.

Dreamer

Electricity in Spain

Information on your electronics, electrical appliances and setting up electicity for your flat or house.

Expatriator

TV in Spain, Satellite and more

Information on general TV in Spain, English language television in Spain, including foreign language, satellite/Sky TV, digital, online TV and other options for expatriates living in Spain.

algrif

Spain Internet: ADSL, Cable and Wireless

Information on Internet services in Spain, for expatriates living in Spain. Free Internet via dialup, ADSL and Cable modem services through various providers like Telefonica, Auna, ONO, ya.com and Wanadoo. Further information about wireless (wifi) Internet, and wardriving in Spain.

Expatriator

Spain Telephones, Telefonica & Cheap Calls from Spain

Information on both local calling and cheap calls internationally. Telefonica, Re-seller phone services, phone cards, and long distance calling from cellular/mobile phones.

Expatriator

North American Cultural Ambassadors

A unique, paid teaching opportunity with a temporary visa for Spain

Sammie

Workers’ Rights in Spain

Information about workers’ rights in Spain: contracts, hours, paid time off, paid vacations, unions, dealing with problems, and other topics.

Dreamer

How to Write a Great Spanish-Style CV or Resume

The nuts and bolts of writing a great CV for use in Spain. In this time of economic hardship, you need every competitive edge. Get your CV/resume right for job hunting in Spain.

Dreamer

Resources for the English Teacher in Spain

A comprehensive list of REAL resources for English teachers plying their trade in Spain covering everything from acronyms and lesson planning to grammar reference and peer support.

Dreamer

Film Jobs Working in Spain

This article is about how Spain is very quickly becoming the new center for the film industry outside Hollywood, particularly Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and around the Marbella area. It is about how to enter the world of being a film extra, and how to work in Spain on the permanent list of extras with the companies who specialize in this field. Also, what it is like to work in films, what you can expect, and what would be expected of you.

algrif

Freelance Journalist Visa for Spain

This article has information about alternative ways to get a working visa for Spain in particular for journalists. It will give you detailed instructions on how to get the visa, what documents you need, who to contact and if you are eligible to get a freelancer's working visa for Spain. It can help set up your visa before you have an actual job in Spain which is often hard to do.

Sammie

Jobs in Spain

Jobs in Spain and job sites for those seeking jobs under the Spanish sun. This list is possibly the most exhaustive list of job sites in Spain on the entire Internet, I shit you not.

Expatriator

Teach English in Spain: Teaching at Summer Camps

Part 5 of 5 articles about teaching English in Spain. Summer camps provide some of the best opportunities for English teachers during the summer months. Here we provide information on the whats, hows and whys of English summer camps for teachers in Spain.

Casi Cielo

Work Visa for Spain

Information and guide to getting a work visa in Spain.

Expatriator

Teaching English in Spain: Teaching In the Black

Part 3 of our 5 article series on teaching English in Spain. Information on teaching "in the black", meaning illegally, with or without papers, but under the radar of the Spanish tax and immigration system.

Casi Cielo

Teach English in Spain: Teach Private Classes

Part 4 of 5 articles covering specific information on teaching private English classes in Spain. See our sample English teaching poster.

Casi Cielo

Teaching English in Spain

If you're thinking of teaching English in Spain, read these articles first, adventure later.

Casi Cielo

Teach English in Spain: The To Do List For Becoming a Teacher

Our second part of five articles providing information on teaching English in Spain. Discussion of the items you'll need to do before you leave and in the first few months you're here.

Casi Cielo

Teach English in Spain: Teaching TEFL/TESOL, TEFL Courses

Our first part of five articles providing information about teaching English in Spain. Discussion of TEFL, TESOL, certificates, TEFL school accreditation, and what to expect from your TEFL course.

Casi Cielo

Working in Spain, Being Autonomo

Information about jobs, the employment situation, and working in Spain.

Expatriator

Digital Nomad Visa In Spain

The Digital Nomad Visa for Spain has finally arrived as part of a package of laws to promote Spain's digital transformation for the 21st century.

Expatriator

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) Spain: American Edition

The nearly infamous, and relatively easy-to-get nonlucrative visa for Spain is now the primary route to Spanish residency for Americans, Canadians, Russians, and (thanks to Brexit) even for Brits. Here's a guide to doing the American NLV application process (assisted by an immigration attorney) with detailed consulate requirements variations and exclusive consulate ratings!

Caliente Travels

Counting Your Days in (and Outside of) Spain

One of the unexpectedly important yet seemingly trivial tasks for expats is tracking your presence both in Spain and elsewhere as a means to determine tax obligations and meet residency requirements. Learn how to count your days, confirm the requirements for your residency situation, and review the technologies available to help you.

The Expat Librarian

Cita Previas and Getting Your TIE

If it feels like you've spent all your extra time and Friday mornings clicking through to make a cita previa for your TIE or fingerprints appointment, you're not alone. Instead, try emaling your local office to share your grief and ask for an appointment!

Expatriator

Registering as a Non EU Spouse in Spain

Information about how to get a residence and work visa in Spain as a non EU Spouse.

Sammie

Spanish Citizenship and Dual Nationality

Information about the different paths to becoming a Spanish citizen, how to apply for Spanish nationality, and issues regarding dual nationality.

Dreamer

Arraigo Social: Staying Legal in Spain When All Else Fails

Information about obtaining permission to stay in Spain through arraigo social (social ties) or arraigo laboral (economic ties), including what this means, eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Dreamer

The EU Blue Card in Spain

Information about the special European Union work and residence visa scheme for highly-skilled non-EU citizens called the EU Blue Card, including the requirements for, the benefits of, and how to apply for the EU Blue Card.

Dreamer

Student Visas for Spain

Information about student visas in Spain: the different types, the requirements, and how to obtain one. Also, the rules about working on a student visa.

Dreamer

EU Residency in Spain for EU Citizens

How to obtain Spanish residency for EU citizens, their spouses and their non-EU family members: the registration certificate (certificado de registro) and the EU-family member residence card (tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión) revealed

Dreamer

Schengen Visa for Spain: The Tourist Visa

The most up-to-date guide on the Schengen tourist visa, category C on the web, and for those traveling to Spain in particular.

Dreamer

Freelance Journalist Visa for Spain

Sammie

Work Visa for Spain

Information and guide to getting a work visa in Spain.

Expatriator