Tips on Moving To Spain ( Do’s and Don’ts )
Spending your holiday in another country is one thing, but packing all of your belongings and moving there for good is another. If you are considering a move to Spain, there are things you must consider before the big day. Here is a list of dos and don’ts that will help simplify the process for you.
DO your research on the Franco Era and the Civil War. Unfortunately, all of the country’s history is not rosy and there are some subjects that make people feel a wee bit sensitive. Being inconsiderate is not a trait you want to carry with you to your new home, so do yourself a favour and do research on the events that were just mentioned. Showing compassion to those who may still have emotional scars will make your transition a little easier.
DON’T behave like someone who is only visiting. There is a word in Spain that is used to describe those who are on holiday from Northern European countries, and it is certainly not a term that one should find to be positive in any way. Being loud, brash and ill-mannered is enough to make those around you use the word ‘guiri’ when referencing you. In order to show that you plan to make this home and it is not just a place for entertainment, you should behave like a native, which means acting relaxed and respectful of those around you.
DO get used to eating late. While many people believe that eating at 6-7pm is typical, this is not the case for those who live in Spain. In fact, eating 2-3 hours later than that is customary. If you move to the area and insist on eating at an earlier hour, it will show the natives that you have no respect for their local customs. Before you head there, try your best to make some adjustments to your schedule. It may take some time, but you will get used to it eventually.
DON’T forget to apply for a Residence permit and an NIE. Both of these will be needed if your goal is to make Spain your permanent home. If you are a member of the EU, it will not be necessary to acquire a work permit, but you will need these documents in order to open a bank account, file taxes and make property transactions.
DO keep in mind that the cost of living is much cheaper in Spain than it is in the UK. This may sound excellent in theory, but it also means that any job you are hired for will pay less than you are used to. If you walk into interviews requesting the kind of wages you do in the UK, you will be scoffed at and left without employment, so be mindful.
Before you make the decision to leave your homeland and move to another area, you should learn all you can about your destination country. With that said, all this information is invaluable to those moving to Spain from the UK.
