A guide to Spain

Spain offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options, from city apartments and coastal homes to village houses and detached villas. Both renting and buying are popular with expats.

Rental contracts usually run for 6 months or 1 year. You should expect to pay an agent’s fee and a deposit of up to 2 months’ rent. Furnishing standards vary so it's important to check what's included, as properties advertised as furnished may still have limited appliances or white goods.

Buying property in Spain is relatively straightforward, although it is essential to use an independent lawyer and building surveyor. Once searches are complete, the purchase process is typically quick.

Popular cities include Madrid for jobs, culture and nightlife, Barcelona for architecture and beaches, Valencia for affordability and family life and Seville for traditional Andalusian culture. Coastal favourites include Malaga and Marbella on the Costa del Sol, Alicante on the Costa Blanca and San Sebastian in the Basque Country. Bilbao offers a more industrial yet culturally rich lifestyle, while smaller inland towns appeal to those seeking a slower pace of life. 

Spain is culturally diverse, with autonomous regions that have their own traditions, languages and identities. Daily life is generally relaxed and social, with an emphasis on enjoying time with family and friends.

In many areas, particularly in the south, the pace of life slows during the hottest part of the day. While the traditional siesta is less common in major cities, later evenings and longer lunches remain part of Spanish life. 

Spain has an excellent healthcare system. The public Spanish National Health System provides access to doctors and hospitals for residents registered with social security, with some costs for treatment and prescriptions.

You can easily find private healthcare which offers shorter waiting times. Many expats take out private medical insurance, which is relatively affordable by European standards. Medical staff are well trained and English is commonly spoken in areas with large expat communities.

Pharmacies are easy to spot by their green cross signs and some medicines that require prescriptions elsewhere can be purchased over the counter. 

Pets entering Spain from other EU countries can travel under the European Pet Travel Scheme with a valid EU pet passport. Animals must be microchipped and meet rabies vaccination requirements.

Pets arriving from outside the EU need extra documentation, including a health certificate and proof of vaccination. Entry rules vary, so it's important to check requirements before travelling. 

Moving personal belongings to Spain is relatively straightforward. From within Europe, removal vans are a popular and cost-effective option. From further afield, sea freight is cheaper than air freight but takes longer.

Duty free allowances apply to alcohol and tobacco, while restrictions exist for firearms, certain antiques and works of art, which need permits. 

Spain has a reliable and affordable transport network. Public transport is widely used, particularly in cities where parking can be limited.

The rail system includes regional services and high-speed trains linking major cities, often making trains quicker than domestic flights. Large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia also have efficient metro systems. Buses offer extensive coverage, although services may be limited on Sundays.

Taxis and ride‑hailing apps are easy to access. EU driving licences are valid in Spain, while non-EU licence holders may need an international driving permit.