Am I Ready to Move to Spain? 5 Questions to Consider
- Elizabeth Pinkerton
- Oct 31, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Moving to Spain can be an incredible, life-changing experience. But if you are not prepared, you may encounter obstacles and challenges that can make the experience less than ideal. That’s why it’s important to do your homework and assess whether a move to Spain is right for you.
In this article, I’ll walk you through five key questions to ask yourself to see if you’re ready to make the move and create your new life in España.
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1. Do I Qualify for a Spanish Visa?
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Finding the right visa is an essential first step in your journey to Spain. There are many visa types, each with its own requirements such as financial resources or working status.
Knowing which visa fits your situation is critical. For example, you might consider the Non-Lucrative Visa if you are retired or don’t plan to work while in Spain, or the Digital Nomad Visa if you can work remotely for a non-Spanish client or employer.
For a detailed breakdown of visa types and eligibility requirements, check out my blog post, “How to Get a Spanish Residence Visa: Your 3-Step Guide”.
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2. Do I Understand the Tax Consequences of Moving to Spain from the U.S.?
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If you live in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you are considered a Spanish tax resident which will impact your taxes. And while a U.S.-Spain tax treaty prevents double taxation, the specifics can get complicated.
I suggest connecting with both a Spanish tax advisor who’s experienced with American clients and a U.S. tax advisor who knows the unique requirements of American expats. Researching tax advisors and setting up introductory calls before you move to Spain can save a lot of headaches and unpleasant surprises further down the line.
Trust me, I speak from experience. After moving to Spain, I learned how expert tax advisors can save you money, time, and stress.
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3. Do I Have a Support Network for Emergencies Back Home?
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Not long ago, I received an unexpected call in the middle of the night that a loved one in California had passed away. Scrambling to get back, I relied heavily on trusted friends and advisors back in the U.S. to handle some immediate details. I was so grateful that I had this group of people to lean on.
This experience highlighted for me how important it is to have a support network that you can tap into for unexpected situations back home. Having a contact list of people you can reach out to and a trusted advisor, such as an attorney, that you know well and feel comfortable with, can give you peace of mind.
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4. Am I Ready to Embrace a New Language and Culture?
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Many people move to Spain without speaking Spanish. However, learning the language—even at a basic level—makes everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Not only that, it’s a respectful thing to do as you integrate into your new community.
Depending on where you choose to live, you may find that English is not widely spoken. People will appreciate your effort to speak Spanish, however basic and clumsy you may feel speaking it. I arrived speaking Spanish at a very basic level but it was enough to make my way through a number of situations. And now that I’m at the intermediate level, life is just easier.
Also, bear in mind, that Spanish (or Castellano as it is referred to) is not the only language spoken in Spain. For example, in Barcelona and the entire Catalonian region, Catalan is widely spoken and many signs are displayed in Catalan only. I only know a little Catalan at this point, but I’ve studied it enough to be able to figure out what certain signs mean and that’s a huge help.
Beyond language, you will encounter cultural differences. Expect that ways of doing things and communication styles will differ. For example, Spain is considered a ‘high-context’ society. This means that people tend to assume a shared base of knowledge and experience.
A Spanish person might expect you to infer ways of doing things without spelling them out directly. This often makes communication feel more indirect and nuanced. For Americans moving to Spain, this difference means that some interactions may seem confusing or ambiguous.
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5. Am I Comfortable Being Uncomfortable?
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Navigating everyday life in a new country means embracing discomfort. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to sometimes look foolish as you learn new ways of doing things.
For some, this is an exciting challenge. But for others, it can be a constant source of frustration. Think about how you have navigated new experiences in the past. Did you get upset when things didn’t go as expected? Or, did you laugh and chalk it up to a learning experience? Be really honest with yourself as you consider if moving to a new country is right for you.
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Moving abroad is a huge step. By asking yourself these questions, you can clarify whether you are ready for the adventure and, if needed, make adjustments.
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, VidaNova Barcelona is here to support you every step of the way, from planning your move to finding local resources once you’ve arrived. Reach out to schedule your free intro call today and explore how VidaNova Barcelona can guide you in making your Spanish dream a reality.
Elizabeth Pinkerton resides in Barcelona, Spain. She is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and called the San Francisco Bay Area home for many years. She is CEO of VidaNova Barcelona which provides expat advice and guidance for Americans moving to Spain.
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