Spain is truly an ideal travel destination if you wish to immigrate to Spain in 2025.
However there are a few mistakes many immigrants make that tend to ruin the amazing travel experience; from assuming everyone in Spain speaks English to missing important documentation in your paperwork – this article will help you prepare adequately ahead of your upcoming move to Spain.
Why repeat these common mistakes or learn from an awful experience when you should be having a great time in one of Spain’s cozy apartments?
In this article, we’ll walk you through some common mistakes people make when moving to Spain, and more importantly, how to avoid them.
Your future self will thank you for doing your homework if you make sure to apply the tips compiled here.
1. Inadequate Research On Spanish Immigration Rules
Attempting to move into Spain without consulting a Spanish immigration lawyer or doing a proper research on the Immigration laws will get you into trouble real quick because you will soon realize that without a Spanish residency, you can only stay in Spain for up to a 3 months duration. A professional such as a Spanish immigration lawyer will be able to offer legal advice suited to your purpose of travel and he may also be able to share insights into the immigration process you probably won’t find anywhere else.
We recommend using an immigration firm that is very familiar with the region you are moving to in Spain so they can adequately prepare you and share valuable tips that will make your life easier as you interact with the city and build good relations with its people. You are going to need an official residency permit if you are aiming for a long-term stay and that can be quite overwhelming to navigate on your own hence the need for a legal counsel.
2. Not Maintaining A Solid Relationship With Your Friends & Family Back Home
Let’s be honest, the first few weeks of moving can be quite difficult and isolating. You are learning to adapt to a new environment, process the culture shock you may begin to discover and try to connect with people again. It could feel really lonely, and this is why it’s best to still have a few friends and family back home you can always call or rely on for emotional support.
Remember the point of this article is to help you pay attention to the easily ignored part? This right here is a common mistake many people make when immigrating to Spain! They cut ties with everyone and everything back home, so they often find it harder in the first few weeks of settling in. It’s true that life will go on without you and they may not be able to visit for many years but a simple virtual call with friends can lighten up your day really quick in challenging times. Before you shut the door completely ahead of your next move, be sure you are mentally prepared for the loneliness that may creep in.
3. Zero Preparation For HealthCare Insurance or Cover
Just because you are moving into Spain newly and legally doesn’t mean you should assume you’ll get full access to healthcare. Ask questions. Consult with your Spanish immigration lawyer if you are hiring one and be sure your current health insurance will cover your major healthcare needs.
Also ensure that you are well informed on the Spanish health laws and practices to make sure there’s nothing that may contradict your current healthcare plan or management if you are being treated for a rare medical condition. For example, there are certain medicines that have been totally banned or simply do not exist in Spain, it’s best to be well informed on that so you know what to expect.
4. Not Taking Time To Consider Your Housing/Accommodation Plans
Depending on your duration of stay or travel purpose, you may need to either rent or buy. Spain has varying weather conditions and summer especially can be quite hot. You can always move out of a rental property if you ever feel inconvenienced by the weather or city lifestyle. Now imagine, you have already bought a house. Changing your location when you feel the need to is going to be pretty difficult!
This is not to discourage you from investing into the Spanish real estate or buying yourself a cozy apartment if you can afford it, we only recommend trying out a 3–6-month rental on your first move so you have a proper knowledge of the environment. Rentals too could be quite expensive, especially when you have to switch locations a couple of times, but it does not come with irreversible results of buying a house.
5. Not Preparing For The Language Barrier
Just because you are a national of an English-speaking country doesn’t mean you should assume everyone else in Spain understands or speaks English. There may be people who converse fluently in English but how do you determine the ratio of non-English speakers to English speakers you will have to interact with daily. It helps to be adequately prepared for the obvious language barrier ahead of your trip.
Language apps like Duolingo can teach you basic everyday phrases and sentences that can give you a great start when you move to Spain. There are also tons of translation apps that can serve as a guide when you are interacting with indigenes. Make sure to also make efforts to build relationships and learn the language as you continue your stay.
6. Not Mentally Preparing For The Culture Shock
It doesn’t matter where you are moving to, whether Spain or anywhere else – cultural shocks are an expected part of any immigration journey. It however helps to be mentally prepared for what to expect by researching Spain and the cultural preferences of the city or area you intend to live in.
The first few months might feel great but as the realization of the language, food, cultural nuances or lifestyle preferences set in, you may begin to miss home and find it harder to adapt to your new environment. Make sure to research every possible thing that may come off as an unpleasant surprise before you travel.
You Can Have A Seamless Travel With The Right Guide
Moving to Spain might feel overwhelming within the first few weeks of your travel but these important travel checklists will make sure you have a great start!
Whether it’s consulting with an immigration lawyer to help navigate the endless immigration laws or a travel agency to help ensure you have a smooth trip to Spain; you are certain to make better choices and learn from other people’s mistakes when you prepare adequately for your move.
Spanish residents are generally understanding and patient with immigrants who make an effort to learn and interact with their culture, so you are certain to have a beautiful experience living in Spain.
Take your time to do your due diligence in preparation, research, and most importantly, be optimistic. Yes, there may be unpleasant moments or challenges but consider it as just part of the adventure. It helps you approach your move with realistic expectations, and you are better equipped to handle whatever happens.
Go ahead and live your Spanish dream, enjoy the food, people and culture. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
