7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain
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Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it's also stressful. If you're moving to Spain (or anywhere else), there are many things that can make the process more complicated than you expect. In this post, I'll go over some of the biggest mistakes to avoid while moving here and how they could have been avoided.
Underestimating the Visa Application Process
If you are planning to stay in Spain long term, just like I did, one of the most critical steps in moving to Spain is obtaining the right visa. Many people underestimate the complexity of the visa application process. It’s essential to understand the type of visa you need, be it a work visa, student visa, non-lucrative visa, or the digital nomad visa. Each has its own set of requirements and application procedures that must be carefully followed.
For instance, For non-EU citizens, having private health insurance is often a compulsory requirement for obtaining a visa. The Spanish healthcare system requires that you have comprehensive coverage. Failing to secure the appropriate health insurance can lead to visa application rejection. Make sure to research and secure a health insurance plan that is accepted by the Spanish government.
Underestimating Bureaucracy
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving to Spain is underestimating the bureaucracy. The Spanish bureaucracy is known for being slow, and it’s not uncommon for documents to take months or even years to process. For example, it can take six months or more just to get an ID card as a non-EU citizen!
It’s also important to understand that the Spanish government doesn't make it easy for you to do anything in person or online—you need patience and perseverance if you want things done quickly. It's best not to let the bureaucracy prevent you from doing what you want (such as applying for a job) while awaiting approval on your application.
Not getting an NIE number on your first month
The number you need to get is called an NIE number. It's an identification number for foreigners and it's required if you want to open a bank account and/or sign a mobile phone contract in Spain. You can apply for this online, at any time of the day or night—but it takes about two weeks to be issued. So don't wait until the last minute!
In fact, if you do have somewhere else lined up as your new home base before getting one yourself, get it done now so that when it does come through you'll have more than enough time left over to get settled into your new place and make sure everything else is sorted out properly before moving day arrives (or even better still: leave some extra days between applying and receiving).
Not getting registered for empadronamiento
If you’re moving to Spain, it’s important to understand what empadronamiento is and how to go about getting it.
Empadronamiento translates as “registration” but it's not like the standard registration process in your home country. In Spain, empadronamiento means registering with the local town hall and getting a número de identificación fiscal (tax number). It's actually quite easy but many expats don't bother with this step because they think they're not required or are unsure whether or not their visa requires them to do so.
The good news is that if you have an EU nationality then there’s no need for empadronamiento unless you plan on working in Spain without having an employment contract legally registered at the local government office (which we recommend against).
For non-EU citizens however, there are two categories: those who need a visa (which includes residence permits) and those who don't need one (such as students). Those who fall under category 1 must go through the whole process of getting registered at least once every year; those who fall under category 2 must do so only once every five years.
Not choosing a bank carefully
While you don’t need a bank account to live in Spain, having one can make life easier. For example, if you need someone to help with your finances while you’re away or just want to manage your finances online, the right bank will help.
Choose a bank that offers good customer service and support. This may include speaking English or other foreign languages so they can assist you with any concerns over the phone if needed.
Choose a bank that offers good exchange rates for currency exchange services such as cambio (exchange). This way, when exchanging money into euros at an airport kiosk or local bank branch near where you live, it won’t cost more than necessary due to poor rates offered by these institutions rather than finding better deals elsewhere such as through companies like Travelex or Moneycorp instead.
Choose a bank that offers good interest rates on savings accounts – it doesn't matter how small the amount of savings might be because even €1 saved per month could provide enough interest over time so that when used wisely could result in big cumulative gains over time!
Sticking with the international community
It’s easy to get caught up in a new life, especially when you’re surrounded by people who are going through similar experiences. But it’s important not to get too comfortable with your friends, especially those that don't live in the same area as you. Not only will this prevent you from meeting new people and experiencing different parts of Spain, but it could also hinder your ability to learn Spanish (or another language).
So instead of staying at home every Saturday night with your expat friends for movie night and pizza delivery, consider joining an evening class or volunteering at a local charity. The more time and energy spent out of their comfort zones, the better chance there is for them to make meaningful connections with locals—which will ultimately be good for both parties involved!
Not learn from the other people who have already made these mistakes.
In your eagerness to make a good first impression, don't forget that you're in a foreign country where things are done differently. That's why it's important to take the time to learn about Spanish culture before moving and to learn from the mistakes of other expats who have come before you.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from people who have already made these mistakes; if they've lived through them, chances are they've learned some valuable lessons about what not do when moving abroad!
There are many more things to consider when you're moving to Spain, but these seven are some of the most common mistakes that expats make. By learning from other people's experiences and planning for them in advance, you can avoid making them yourself and get on with enjoying life in your new home!
