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Whether you’re planning on moving to Marbella, Sotogrande or the Costa del Sol, benefit from moving with the experts - Bishop's Move Spain!

Moving to Spain can be an exciting yet daunting venture, yet with thorough planning and the right removals company, you move can be smooth and rewarding. At Bishop’s Move Spain, situated in the heart of Algeciras, we understand the intricacies of relocating to the Costa del Sol. With our extensive experience in European moves and a dedicated Spanish removals team, we are well-equipped to guide you through the process and provide insights into life in Spain. From logistics to cultural nuances, we are committed to ensuring your move is seamless and stress-free.

Call us direct on 00350 20044500

Moving to or from Spain?

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Why move to Spain?

Spain boasts a beautiful climate, especially in the south, making it a tourist hotspot in the summer months. Not only is the country well known for its wonderful weather, but also its broad culinary scene, offering a wealth of traditional delicacies such as Spanish tapas and sangria. The relaxed pace of life and relatively cheap cost of living are also factors which draw expats into Spain and is the ideal destination for those that seek a lifestyle which is a little more laid back.

According to a study conducted by Currencies Direct, Spain is topping the list of retirement hotspots for Brits that are looking to enjoy some sun in their sunset years. Despite this, the country’s allure is far but limited to pensioners, and rather ranks as a popular destination for younger generations. With plenty of entrepreneurial and innovative work opportunities, it comes as no surprise that Britons favour this sun-soaked country.

Beach in Caple, Spain

Moving to Spain Checklist

Any international move can be a stressful period, for an individual or a family unit hoping to make the transfer as seamless as possible. There are a few things that must be considered before you embark on the journey that can make or break your relocation. Here is our checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing before moving to Spain.

  1. Research Spain and decide whether you could live there comfortably
  2. Decide where in Spain you will move to
  3. Search for local jobs
  4. Find appropriate Spanish accommodation
  5. Confirm you meet the requirements for the right Spanish visa for you


To help you with your initial research, let’s take a look at everything you must know before considering Spain as your new home.

Spanish Culture

Spanish culture is famous for having a strong social dimension, with lots of fiestas and annual celebrations. The culture is warm and welcoming, with Spaniards prioritising time with friends and family, often over food and drinks. Spanish food is well-known for its rich vibrant flavours, with the heart of Spanish cooking remaining in its rustic, homespun nature. Tapas is a widely enjoyed cuisine in Spain, consisting of small traditional dishes that are often enjoyed in the sun over a lazy afternoon. 

Ranking 5th in the Expat Insider Survey 2022, Spain welcomes expats with open arms and is a great place to live for those looking to enjoy a relaxing lifestyle. As with any country, it is important to make an effort to engage with your local community, whether that’s joining a local hobby group or befriending your close neighbours. Whilst the majority of Spaniards speak English, learning the language will be beneficial to you and will be widely appreciated by the locals. 

Healthcare in Spain

Spanish state healthcare is free of charge to those that live and work in Spain. However should you reside on one of the Spanish islands, you may have to travel to locate a state healthcare provider. There are some treatments that you may need to partly pay for, such as orthopaedic services. There is a co-payment system in place for prescriptions, whereby residents typically pay a percentage of the cost. 

Working in Spain

Typically the Spanish working day is split into two halves, 9 am-2 pm and 5 pm-8 pm, with the famous “siesta” period in between. Similar to the rest of Europe, the working week runs from Monday to Friday for most industries, bar retail and tourism which extend into the weekend. 

There are different requirements for EU and Non-EU nationals looking to work in Spain. We have outlined these differences below:

  •  EU Nationals - EU nationals are free to work and live in Spain without restrictions. 
  •  Non-EU Nationals - Non-EU nationals will need a work and residence visa to work in the country. There are several requirements to obtain this, including a job contract with a Spanish employer and accompanying documents of proof. 

 

Retiring in Spain

Many Britons move to Spain during their retirement years, due to the beautiful sunny climate and relaxed lifestyle. If you are planning to spend more than 90 days in Spain you will require a visa or Spanish residency. Whilst there aren't any specific retirement visas for moving to Spain, there are a number of options available, such as:

Living in Spain

Spain has an abundance of beautiful locations to live in. Whether you're looking for a location with excellent schools, a relaxed atmosphere or a city centre, there is a neighbourhood for everyone. Here are some of the top locations in Spain:

  •  Barcelona - Being the country’s capital, Barcelona boasts contemporary and traditional culture in various forms. Dotted with Antoni Gaudí's whimsical architecture and historical museums, the city has magnificent offerings for anyone. 
  •  Seville - The gorgeous Andalusian city of Seville exaggerates romance with its meandering cobblestone streets. Seville is the pinnacle of traditional Spanish culture and tradition.
  •  Madrid - Popular with tourists and expats alike, Madrid has a youthful ‘party-hard’ reputation. Complete with vibrant neighbourhoods and beautiful outdoor spaces, you will never find yourself bored here.

Small village square in Spain

Can I Move To Spain After Brexit?

You can still move to Spain after Brexit but you will now need to apply for a visa before doing so. This is similar to visiting non-EU countries such as the USA or Australia. You can still live, work and move in Spain as long as your visa has been approved. Make sure you know the terms and lengths of your visa before committing to a move abroad.

You can still move to Spain after Brexit but you will now need to apply for a visa before doing so. This is similar to visiting non-EU countries such as the USA or Australia. You can still live, work and move to Spain as long as your visa has been approved. Make sure you know the terms and lengths of your visa before committing and organising removals to Spain.

Moving to Spain with Bishop's Move

Once you have decided to move to Spain, it is important to select an experienced company such as Bishop’s Move. As proud members of the British Association of Removers, we have the expertise to provide you with a seamless moving experience from start to finish. Discover our removals to Spain or get an online quote today.