In this latest blog Sarah Waddington shares what you need to know about moving to Spain.
Many people dream about moving to Spain because it has such beautiful scenery, a rich past, and a lively culture. Spain has a great quality of life, whether you’re interested in the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol, the busy streets of Malaga, or the artistic beauty of something more inland. Moving to a new country, on the other hand, needs a lot of planning and preparation. Here are some important tips that will help you make the move to Spain go easily, along with information on how Sarah Waddington Property can be very helpful.

Sarah Waddington
Sarah is the owner and founder of Sarah Waddington Property and is an enthusiastic and approachable property professional who leads from the front.
Sarah established Sarah Waddington Property in 2019. Always putting the client’s needs first Sarah prides herself in providing an honest and trustworthy service ensuring that client’s needs are always met and exceeded. The client’s best interests are always of paramount importance. It is great to see clients returning and recommending us to others.
Know what you need to do to get a visa/ residency and live in the country.
Moving to Spain may require documentation. You will need to get the right visa / permission / residency if you are moving from outside the European Union. Spain gives a few visa choices, such as the Spanish retirement visa/ non lucrative visa this is for retirees or people who want to live in Spain without working. Work Visa: For people who work for a Spanish company. Golden Visa: For people who buy real estate in Spain and spend more than €500,000 on it.
If you want to get a visa like the Golden Visa, Sarah Waddington Property can help advise you about the complicated application process and make sure that your real estate investments meet the standards. Talking to an expert is a good idea to avoid problems.
Pick out the right place
Spain is very different, and each area has its own way of life. One of the most important choices you will have to make before moving to Spain is where to put your business. Here are some famous spots: The Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches and has a lot of expats living there. Malaga is a great place for city life with lots of cultural sites and lively neighbourhoods and is a mix of art, design, and a cosmopolitan way of life.
Sarah Waddington Property is an expert at giving you personalised information about different areas. We will help you find the right home for your tastes, way of life, and budget.
Get to know basic Spanish
There may be English speakers in tourist places, but knowing basic Spanish will make your experience much better. It will help you to integrate much quicker and do everyday things like food shopping and talking to your neighbours if you learn key phrases and cultural norms. To get started, you might want to take language classes or use apps.
Think about your health care options
Even though Spain has a public health care system, a lot of people choose private health insurance to escape long wait times and language barriers. People who are working or self-employed may be able to get state health care, but retirees and people who don’t work usually need to get private insurance. Sarah Waddington Property can put you in touch with local experts who can give you personalised help on insurance plans and health care options.
Learn about the Spanish real estate market
It can be hard to buy a home in Spain if you are not from the country. It is important to: Find out about the laws and costs of homes in the area you want to live in. Know about extra costs like insurance, property taxes, and agent fees. Make sure the property doesn’t come with any bills or legal problems.
Sarah Waddington Property have experience with the real estate market in Spain. We understand the rules and laws in Spain and can help you with every step of buying your dream home or a business property here. Our knowledge makes the whole process of buying a home easy, from choosing properties to setting up viewings, negotiating prices, and signing all the papers. Let us take carry of the things that you don’t have to worry about.
Open a bank account in Spain
In Spain, you need to open a bank account to keep track of your bills, taxes, and other money responsibilities. There are many banks that offer accounts that are specifically made for non-Spanish residents. To make the process easier, Sarah Waddington Property can suggest reliable local banks that offer services in English.
Plan for taxes and the cost of living
The cost of living in Spain is different in each area. Most of the time, living in cities like Madrid and Barcelona costs more than living in smaller towns or rural places. You should also know about Spain’s tax obligations: Income tax: If you live in the country for more than 183 days a year, you’ll be taxed on all your income from anywhere in the world. Wealth tax: This is for people with investments around the world that are worth more than a certain amount. There is a city tax called a property tax that homeowners have to pay.
Working with a financial advisor, preferably one who knows about taxes for non-Spanish, can help you make sure you follow all the rules. Sarah Waddington Property can put you in touch with reliable financial experts.
Learn about the way of life and culture
Spain has a unique society that values family, friends, and free time. It may take some time to get used to this way of life, but it’s worth it. Important cultural tips: Siesta: Stores and restaurants will likely be closed in the afternoon for siesta, especially in smaller places. People all over the world know Spain for its events. Taking part in customs will make you feel like you belong in the community. Tapas culture: Going out to eat is an important part of life. You will have a better time if you try new foods and join the social dining scene.
Join groups for expats
Throughout Spain, there are many active expat groups that can help and give advice. These groups can teach you a lot about life in Spain, help you with paperwork, and make you feel like you belong. Sarah Waddington Property often puts clients in touch with groups in the area, which can help your move go even more smoothly.
Hire a moving company to help you
Moving to a different country always comes with difficulties. That’s why working with experts like Sarah Waddington Property can make the process a lot easier. As a personalised service, we can help you find the right home, deal with the legalities, and even plan the logistics of your move. Our team makes sure that moving to Spain is a fun and stress-free experience by helping people look at homes online and with paperwork after the move.
Finally, coming to Spain is a great way to experience a new culture, enjoy a warm climate, and live in a country with a lot of history and lively communities. If you use these tips and get help from people like Sarah Waddington Property, your move will go as smoothly and as much fun as possible. If you are looking for a new home, a business property, or just a fresh start, Spain has a lot to offer.
Contact us here for more information on the latest and best value new builds and off-plan properties.
You Tube
For more property vidoes head over to out You Tube channel