Is Moving to Spain in 2025 Still a Good Idea?
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Thinking of moving to Spain in 2025? You're not alone! Many people dream of living in Spain, but is it still a good idea? In this video, we'll dive into the pros and cons of moving to Spain in 2025, including the best places to live, the cost of living, and Spain's recent flood disaster. Whether you're a digital nomad, retiree, or just looking for a new adventure, this video will give you the inside scoop on what it's really like to live in Spain. From the beautiful beaches to the vibrant cities, we'll explore the realities of expat living in Spain and help you decide if it's the right move for you. So, is moving to Spain in 2025 still a good idea? Watch to find out!
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Stu, Great video. As you know, my wife and I moved from Florida to Madrid in 2021. As you said, Spain is a great country, and we're enjoying every minute of discovering all that it has to offer. The fantastic food, the wine, the weather, the diversity, the culture, the history, and especially the wonderful people. What I see as the biggest challenges facing a retired couple from North America upon moving to Spain will be immigration, housing, and paying taxes. They will probably need to hire an immigration specialist to deal with that complex process. Finding an VRBO or AirBnB will be easy, but securing a long term rental contract can be very challenging here, especially without a Spanish source of income. And if you become a resident, paying Spanish taxes might be a dealbreaker for most. Do your Homework! Salud.
I completely agree, when I moved within Madrid and even with having a savings in an US account, I still found it difficult to secure housing without a Spanish nomina (at the time I didn't). Hiring a specialist is sound advice when it comes to taxes and bureaucracy, even if you speak the language.
You pay taxes just when you have income. No incomoda, no tax. That simple. If you receive a pensión you will have to pay taxes as any spaniard does. No double taxation.
@@YakMadrid1not true, there are various circumstances which is why it is important to have a professional who is knowledgeable about taxes both US ( if that's your country) and Spain.
@@YakMadrid1 depending on the type of pension you do not pay tax on it here. There are many nuances which is why getting a professional is so important.
absolutey agree and that's why after 2 months I'm leaving Spain.Although I have an EU passport, I'm a freelancer and I'm not even trying to find a long term housing, I know it will be a mission pretty much impossible and I cannot be bothered with this stress. On top that the Spanish tax office wants to tax my property in Europe...
We have just come back from Christmas in Valencia and i can honestly say it was wonderful. The place is very clean, we felt very safe at all times and the weather was between 17 and 22 degrees. We can't wait to go back again. A totally different lifestyle to the rush and tear of the uk.
100% I went last Nov to visit a friend and was amazed how great a city it is.
Been to a lot of Spain , but still so much more to see.
Valencia is great from October to April but the hot months are WAY TOO hot!
My wife, daughter and I were so excited to move from the US to Spain in just a few weeks. We sold our house, vehicles, most of our belongings, had our Non Lucrative Visa approved and were about to make an offer on a property we liked in Marbella, but my dad who lives in TX just developed health complications so we're now going to move there instead to take care of him. I'm so bummed and I feel guilty about it. I hope he's around for many years, but I am not giving up on my dream of raising my now 6 year old daughter in Spain someday 😢
Hope you can help your father and still do what you want for your daughter. Life is so hard sometimes.
@@therealkakitron Guau, what a move that would be from USA to España. Good luck with your plans and the very best to your father
You COULD suggest to the old gentleman to spend a few months in Marbella and see if he would like to live there, although that's a long shot. I'm a Texan and ol' Mother Texas is hard to give up, although I wouldn't mind spending half the year in Spain
@@Helen14R it can be, for sure. We went through all the research, multiple trips over to Spain to look at different areas, did all the paperwork, etc only to not move, but I hope we can still do it sometime. For now, my father needs us around ❤️
@@peteymax thank you so much for the good wishes 🙏
We retired from California to Sitges 5 years ago bought a house sold a house and paid taxes…. It’s a small price to pay for great health care, good roads, a much cheaper cost of living and of course less anger, drama and guns! I can’t imagine living back in the USA ever 😊
¡Nos encanta Sitges tambien!
@@SteveBurns-x8v Sitges,Near my city Vilafranca
But see, you came once retired, very few people come to work, only from countries in a worse situation than Spain. You've probably seen lots of South Americans working in Spain. I'm myself from Alicante, and it's full of Argentinians, I have a few very good friends from there.
I had once a work colleague from the States, because he married a woman from Valencia. He was very unhappy, working a lot for a job that in the states you would earn 6 times more at least, he was struggling to make a living. And I'm talking about an engineer. He went back to the states with his family, and they will retire in Spain in the future.
Californians ruined America and now the rest of world.
@@ManuelGrau Si pero, acuerdate que la sanidad y educación en EST. UNI no es gratis. Hay que poner en la balanza y hacer cálculos.
I'm a 25 year-old Puerto Rican with plans to seek long-term employment via an internship in Spain after completing my bachelor degree in the states. I know the employment situation isn't the best, but I'm determined to make it happen so I can obtain nationality in the country that stole my heart ❤
Well dude I'm a 62-year-old Puerto Rican. I will think that your best bet in Spain is to teach English to the Spaniards. There's a market over there for that. Actually, is in demand. I'm thinking about retiring over there since I can become a Spaniard Citizen through my mother's heritage since my great grandfather was a Spaniard in Cuba. So good luck to you. And if you see an old guy like me shooting hoops in Barcelona or Catalonia like I'm doing now in Miami Florida with a San Antonio Spurs Jersey pass by and say hello.
Born and rasied in Spain, lived last 15 years in Germany and I move back to Spain next year. Nowhere as at home when coming from Barcelona
Interesting Stu, many thanks. The language... I've been here for about 9 months now busy doing constant renovations, my wife a couple of months less. I have some really basic Spanish language to do what I need... buying building materials, shopping, home services etc as that is all I have been doing. Unlike my wife I haven't made time to take formal classes yet with the renovation workload.
I went to the pharmacy with her today and this was the first time I had heard her speak and understand Spanish. She has made amazing progress but she has put a lot of effort in through formal 1 tutor to 4 student classes, extra gatherings with her group of students to practice and further online work.
I really want to catch her up. She is going to have a word with her tutor and hopefully my classes start in January. It is more important than the renovations now most of the big stuff is done. 👍
Thank you Stu. 2025 is the year I make the move. Been working in getting all my ducks in order as it were for the past 2 years. The nightmare beurocracy has been a challenge for sure. Hope I can buy you a beer some day.
Outstanding Health service. My wife who is asían, had to be admitted in the hospital publico for a heart problem: she stayed for 5 days .The staff, the care, the food, the room. Everything irreprochable.
Agree with just about everything you say, I first encountered Spain in 1990, Galicia when sailing ,fell in love with it , tried many other parts of the country , but always returned here , to A Mariña ,the weather is not fantastic, for sure , warm and wet, there are no expats here of any nationality ,which I love , It's pure , rural, natural and friendly Spain . been here for 18 years now .
Me 24yrs. Never regretted it x
The coast of Lugo is way closer to other Atlantic places than to the South of Spain. Not many foregeins are aware of that
An expat who does not
want expats, keep it pure......sure !!!!!
@@pedroalvarez2119 Born in the province of Lugo, do not know if I could stand that climate when retired. Otherwise a beautiful place I will always treasure.
He's a special Expat
@@ClaudeHeroux-li3we
We're finally making our move to Oliva in 2025. We bought a home in 2019, but things were delayed for a permanent move. Everything is finally lined up and the one way flight booked.
I live near Oliva in Ador, note that they do speak Valencianao here.
Stu not sure how many times you hit the "nail on the head " with this video but it does help if you don't have to work and have a bit money ...that way when the guards are not looking you can escape off the Expat Community into the campo and have an explore😁 and when it comes to bureaucracy the Spanish will always win the Gold medal
If you think Spanish bureaucracy is bad then you've not experienced France. We're the world champions!
Aloha and Hola I'm Dennis Gonzalez and I'm definitely looking to move to Spain as soon as I can work out my NLV. I'm 69 a retired electrician although I don't usually comment this video interest me, coming from you. Being from Hawaii the past 20 years, I'm very much used to a slower pace of life especially since I retired October 1, 2023. I'm not fluent as I should be but totally understand most everything in Spanish. I thank you for your UA-cam videos they are very informative and honest...
Fun fact. Documents kept in the National Historical Archives conclude that the Spanish were the first Europeans in Hawaii in 1555. (Source: National Historical Archives, ULTRAMAR, 5200, Exp. 16)
“Regarding the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands, I have the honor of transmitting the results of the investigations that (…) from all the documents that have been seen, it is clear that such discovery dates back to the year 1555, that is, 223 years before Captain Cook recognized them and that the discoverer was Juan Gaetano or Gaytan.”
"La Mesa, Los Monjes y Desgraciada."
Excellent video! It´s true after many years, I still have to wrap my head around how things work here sometimes. LOL! Even with the challenges, I do not regret my decision to move here. Happy Puente Stu!
Thank you. This is helpful because I want to retire in Spain. Today was the first day of snow in Toronto. As I wheeled my “wheely” work bag through the snow, my thoughts were: “Nada mass”!
@ gracias!
Thank you for a very informative video. I was planning on retiring in France in 2026 (from Australia), but the amount of Taxes were starting to frighten me. I'm beginning to think Spain looks more attractive. I know another Australian who has retired/moved to Spain and they are loving it. Kind regards, Stuart
We had slow pressure water problem last week. Checked our side, no problems. Called the local council who provide our water. 2 hours later they turn up and replace the water meter, all okay and our water is 30 euros a quarter. Brilliant service
Portugal did something interesting to help with housing. Rustic land is being turned into “buildable” but 70% must be built with affordable housing or moderate priced homes. I guess they’ll need to improve transportation systems to move people to their jobs.
You made a great analysis of Spain. My major concern is my wife, who seems unable to learn any foreign language. I am Italian and I moved to the US about 20 years ago and completely embraced the cultural differences between the two nations; for this reason, I believe I can move to Spain relatively easily, now that I am retired (she is not yet). The cons you mentioned are not really a deal breaker to me. Thank you for this great video; btw you did not waste time on useless information etc., which I appreciate, to the point that I am going to subscribe to your channel
Spain Speaks UA-cam channel also includes many "tours" of numerous cities, the pros and cons and have been invaluable for me and the process of choosing a city to live in. (I change my mind every day!). Learning a new language is challenging but also makes one feel proud and accomplished. Castilian Spanish for me is a beautiful language. The Spanish people also feel respected and are truly warm people.
To make these moves and in particular to a different culture and so completely not USA or UK , one has to be so openminded to adapting and accepting,not comparing nor wanting what is comfortable (ie your norms). Returung for many is about a seemingly effortless life. This move takes effort in many forms.
You have a good and clear prononciation people can learn from you .
Stu makes sense. Make sense?
Thank you for this video! I have been learning Spanish since June in the evening and preparing for my A1 exams and have qualified with a business international diploma. I love this country and feel connected to it. My only worry is I have a child and how he would settle in but I know the quality of life and being a safer place to live outweighs this. Employment of course is also a primary concern. Any tips to get started is much appreciated ❤
My cell phone AI language translator is absolutely brilliant. I have used mine in China and have enjoyed deep conversations with my Chinese friends. Additionally, I am trying to learn Mandarin, but for in depth and complicated conversations AI is awesome. Lean on this technology, it comes in any language, and can become your best friend, and remove much of the anxiety of moving into a foreign country. Good luck!
What program do you use?
Very informative and well explained video Stuart. You've sumed it up very well. Beaurocrcy aside, I still think the pros far out weigh the cons. I wish I still lived there. Lo echo muchísimo de menos. Saludos desde Londres SE. 😀👍
Hi Stuart. Brilliant video tonight. Spot on in every aspect.
We've been residents in Menorca as you know for seven years now and as residents, we enjoy Imserso discounted holidays, and 75% travel discount to the mainland and other islands.
Best move we made!
Keep up the brilliant vlogs .
Angela y Jon. 👍
Would you please say more about the "Imserso" discounted holidays and 75% travel discounts? I've not heard about these perks before. Thank you!
I moved to Mallorca 1999, never looked back...
Hi there Stu. I really enjoy your videos. We are moving to Spain in 2025. We have watched many a video talking about the pros and cons of moving to Spain. No one mentions the people as a reason to move there (although it’s implied in your videos). I can’t fathom moving to another country just because of the weather and finances only to hang out in an expat community. The people are what make our move a priority (along with the other pros.). Thanks for your hard work - news, travel and food.
Si usted cree que por venir a España, va a hacer amistades fácilmente con los españoles no es lo que suele suceder. Generalmente tendremos un trato amable, pero no nos relacionaremos con usted más allá de lo básico, y usted tendrá amistades y relaciones con residentes de su misma nacionalidad (salvo algunas excepciones).
@ Creo que depende del esfuerzo que alguien ponga en asimilar. Me mudé a España, principalmente por la gente. Muchas personas se mudan a España debido a situaciones financieras o al clima sin intención de asimilarse. No cambiamos completamente nuestras vidas para movernos miles de millas para que las únicas personas que conocemos sean otros expatriados. En cuanto a relacionarse con nosotros solo a nivel básico, esa no es mi experiencia en absoluto.
thank you for the advice, I can clearly see you gained loads of experience over the years living in Spain. Really helped me to make a decision
What I am seeing is there is not trash all over the streets. It's clean!!!
I just got back from Bilbao/Madrid and it's no contest. The cons are insignificant when measured against the massive cons here in the bigger cities. The only thing that would be a surprise to many Americans and possibly a barrier to entry would be the astonishingly low salaries in Spain. They are somewhat balanced by a lower cost of living, but I understand the frustration of locals when it comes to ever being able to own a home. Unless they want to live in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere.
I live in the USA in a southern state and we are facign the same issue. People from California, New York etc come move here and raise the prices on homes.
As ,uch as we wish they would stay in their state its a free world and people can move where they please.
The problem with foreigners moving to Spain is that a lot of them are still working for their native country companies, and therefore earning much more than the locals, therefore outpricing the property market. There is more and more hostility as a result, and it is understandable.
I dont have the answers to this problem, but it is something that needs to be addressed.....and soon!
@@moxiej4090 we're all dealing with the same issue all over the world.
In the USA like it goes like this people who own a home in California for example sell and then move to cheaper states and overbid on homes causing locals to be priced out.
We have to deal with people from higher cost of living states moving in driving prices up as well as foreigners overbidding paying cash for homes again driving prices up and the government does nothing.
Exactly. I'm from Alicante and I had to move to Ireland 14 years ago. It's very expensive, but I earn a lot more, cost of Living / Income, is a lot lower than in Spain. My only regret is that I didn't leave before. Foreign people seem to think Spain is an amazing place to live, and it is very cheap. Well, surprise, it is not if you move there and get a Spanish salary. Most of the foreign people I see in Alicante come from poorer countries, mostly South America, and most of the ones coming from rich countries, are retired.
@ That's on par with what I'm hearing. We are looking to move to the Malaga area but our income would be from the USA.
From what I hear if you have a salary outside of Spain then you should be ok.
Well done, Stuart. This is such a useful and easy to follow the true picture of the different parts of Spain.
That video had some great points. Thank you. We want to travel there in a few months.
Agree totally , we always feel safe in Spain .
We seriously considered Spain, but ultimately decided on Italy. Spain is GORGEOUS, though.
What area do you live in italy
Can you expand on your decision? It could offer some insight for those of us that are contemplating/ initiating an NLV in Spain. Taxes and reception of Spain have been discussed frequently. Just being open about the true consequences.
@ Italy just has our hearts. There’s no other way to describe it. It’s just a feeling. Spain is beautiful though!
Hi Stuart. Your comments are very well balanced, well done. 👏
Thank you for your video. It is encouraging. I worry that there may be growing resentment towards foreigners I spent 6 months in Sevilla in 1980 and experienced the unemployment and government bureaucracy you describe. I have returned to visit with my adult children several times in the last 10 years. My Spanish was fluent and I am working to revive it. I appreciate you honesty and balanced approach
If you speak Spanish I don't think you will have any problems. I think the resentment lies with clueless people who won't integrate or learn any of the lingo . Good luck 😊
Great video Stuart 👍. Thought provoking & well balanced.
Excellent and very well measured Stu.
I’d like a little info on tax. A tad at least.
I’m going to disagree with a few points here that are very applicable if you’re coming here to retire: 1) healthcare quality is very location dependent. Where I am, there’s a shortage of doctors due to the popularity of the location. The government keeps merrily handing out visas, but doesn’t seem to understand the concurrent need to expand services. The public transport is crammed 8 months out of the year, the bureaucracy is worse and worse, and wait times both in private and public are very long due to the doctor shortage. 2) there is almost no feasible way for a retiring non-Spanish speaker to ever get enough facility with the language to integrate in any way. Retirees from the USA in particular have almost no idea how very difficult it is to learn another language, and the vast majority of those that I meet gave up trying years ago.
Our local town hall provide two translators free of charge for visits to health, the police etc. The council wants you on the Padron as they get more money. The best language learning app, is actually a American professor from Georgia U, he has a UA-cam channel called The Language Tutor, free of charge and over 140 videos
@googleuser9880 In Catalonia many people speak English, more than in other region of Spain.
@@mickybcn7453 well, yes, I’m sure that’s true. Barcelona is pretty much the English speaking immigrant capitol of Spain. Doesn’t mean you can meaningfully integrate with Spaniards, which was the point with which I was disagreeing
@@Simon-jj2pu Ok thanks for pointing to that UA-cam channel. Have you used it for learning Spanish?
@@SycAamore yes, it is by far the best channel for doing it. I have no connection with the channel and found it by accident
Spain's health system is absolutely excellent! Im irish our system is an absolute disaster, cant get an appointment, cant get a phone call even, so Spain it is for me .
Trust me after the pandemics this has worsen 10x.
Irish health system is bad. Real bad. Spain way better and cheaper.
@patti4785 Before the pandèmia was better but now you need to wait a lot for the visit to doctor if your problem is not urgent
@
Spanish health system is dying. In Spain, to get the residence one must prepare the exam after the university el MIR. The exam is covered all themes in medicine and it is tricky and it lasts 5 hours (250 questions something like this) then after the residence, one don’t know if will stay it depends, so actually Spain is waisting money for the specialists that would move out to get the safer job and better salary (bcs Spanish hospitals used to use these people to work in the ER). I know as an insider that after the pandemics is just became so much worse. The lists are getting longer and longer. A lot of nurses and GP went to early retirement. There is huge gap and the Ministry is trying to fill the void with more GP places but first most of the doctors don’t want to be GP and the population changed so many need specialists. It is inherently bad for this demographics bcs it is as yours Beevridge system. Not Bismarck. So it is made to be cheap, and now Spain is going Portugal direction.
@@mickybcn7453 even with an urgent problem my friend cant get an appointment. Shes a bad kidney infection and has to wait 10 days for an appointment. I mean, wtf im trying to look up natural stuff she can take god love her shes in her 70s
España es un país maravilloso. Me encanta. No quiero vivir allí por el clima, pero me gusta visitarlo. Me gusta el sol pero no me gusta el calor. Creo que es muy importante aprender el castellano. El español no era muy popular en Irlanda cuando yo era un joven, aprendí el irlandés y el francés. Pero ahora asisto una clase muy divertida. Me gustaría pasar más tiempo allí después de jubilarme. Pros: los ingredientes para cocinar, la gente, el sol, el vino, la cultura, los precios, la variedad de las Comunidades Autónomas. Cons: la comida (demasiado carne), a veces la gente cerradas, el calor durante el verano. Un saludo amigo. Sláinte
Ve a vivir al Pirineo catalan o aragones o Girona, y no tendras calor en verano, pero recuerda que con el cambio climático este pasado verano incluso en Alemania y hasta en Rusia se han alcanzado temperaturas infernales incluso superiores a las de muchas regiones de España.
Has aprendido Español que para un Angloparlante nativo aprender otro idioma es mucho felicidades.
@@Benito-lr8mz Gracias. Felicidades a ti, y feliz navidad 🎄
Hablas muy bien español! Estoy de acuerdo con tus ventajas y desventejas, excepto que no sólo se come carne en España, también se come mucho pescado, verduras, legumbres y arroz.
@@shanon72327 De verdad tienes razón, especialmente en la comunidad valenciana la comida es variada. Pero cuando pido por una ensalada hay atún, cuando quiero un estofado de judías hay chorizo. Gracias
I moved whit my family from the Dominican Republic to spain . As a belgain it was easy for me . Because my wife and daughter are Spanish speaking we came so the daughter could study here and my wife work and help the family back on Hispaniola! We love it . Luckily i got my pension because i wouldn't like to work here ! And becoming part of the community is important ! So Spanish is important.
Don't the Spanish feel a little....unfriendly.....when they hear a Dom Rep accent ? My wife won't visit Spain ,( She's from Vega ,DR) , for that reason .
@normanpearson8753 off course there are racist here just like allot of Dominicans are racist towards gringos and Haitians! But my Wive works in a restaurant and the local customers really like her just like my daughter in the rugby team ! It's also how you handle it ! I live here in Spain and in the Dominican Republic and got in my village Sabaneta de yasica no problems at all .
My family and I are planning to move to Spain; probably in 3 years time. We’re pretty happy with all the pros and cons, though the drought situation in the south will effect where we move to. My main concern is that I’m a foody and a vegetarian. It seems like although the Spanish food is great, it’s incredibly meat-centric. When we visited in January anywhere we ate just gave us fries and pre-sliced cheese. Maybe we were going to the wrong places, but I need more than that to consider the food I’m eating to be good.
Happy Cow lists over 10,000 restaurants around Spain that offer vegan and vegetarian food and almost 600 that are fully vegan or vegetarian. Look up "Vegan Spain" or 'vegan' and any significant city in Spain and you'll find all kinds of travelers and expats recommending restaurants. In Spain you may have to be strategic about what restaurants you patronize, but there are a lot out there.
Here you have all type of vegetables mostly from Spanish agriculture and very affordable, and many vegans restaurants aswell. I dont think that would be a con whatsoever
It is a con. I live in a suburb of Malaga and I hardly eat out. Sure, you can go into the city and find a few vegan restaurants but where I live we have two options - one a Thai food franchise and the other a Chinese restaurant. In a regular restaurant I usually end up eating fried eggs on chips or a salad. You can only have so much of either. 😂
@@annic2527 I think it's important to situated yourself in an area that has multiple restaurants and a health food store in walking distance. You are more likely to find social camaraderie in that environment as well.
The food is not good here
I am Italian and trust me. Maybe for the American standards it is good they put pineapple on the pizza 😢😢
This government is the worst Spain ever had😢
People from Valencia don’t think those communities would be fixed in the years 😢
Good luck.
I am moving out in January. And I hope at the beginning of the month somehow I will manage that. Have my life here last couple of months. And I do speak Spanish and have friends here. But it became impossible for me.
The income taxes are equal to what you would experience in New York or California but every else is a fraction of what those items cost in the USA - health care, property tax, groceries etc
What Stevo says rings fairly true/close given what i'm hearing round the traps on Spanish taxes. ty
You definitely forgot to mention over tourism in buzzing larger cities, especially southern Spain like Malaga, but also Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba. Having lived in Malaga for past 10+ years, can notice huge amount of people. The need of reservations to good restaurants -> pretty much mandatory. Not to mention other social events people like -> working out, wine tasting, shows, theater etc.
That was a nice overview. Were you walking around your neighborhood in the suburbs of Madrid? Crisp weather but nice and sunny! I would say many of the pros and cons you discussed about Spain would be also true in Portugal where I live in Lisbon. I think Portugal has an edge on the weather because it entirely borders the Atlantic ocean and with that gets the moderating effects of the current and winds whereas parts of Spain can get very very hot and very very cold. You don’t see that quite as much in Portugal, at least in the major cities and other areas along the coast. It is a much smaller country, but it is loaded with surprises and historical finds, architectural jewels, and good food. I could just as well live in Spain. I go there a lot and really like it.
Very good especially about speaking spanishn you have to decide if you are coming here to live in spain or a colony of British ect. In the sun. Havinh lived in spain 48 years you will find if speaking spanish your life will be enhanced living here. Plus dealing with the beauocracy is noot that difficult
Can you recommend any Spanish language immersion programs?
I found a 2 euro wine that is very good, I'm debating myself if cheap good wine is a good thing or a bad thing... 😅
Es el que consumimos la mayoría de los españoles a diario , no en celebración osea que es bueno 🙄
One con item that you didn't mention is paying Spanish taxes. If you are a resident of Spain you have to pay taxes to the Spanish government, regardless of what country the income is derived from. This is over and above what ever taxes that you pay in the origin country. By the standard of many countries, Spanish taxes are quite high and retirement income like pensions is not exempt.
I was about to say the same. The taxes are very high here.
In France, Germany, Denmark and another northern countries, taxes are even higher.
When i was living in DEU i was paying 46% for all the benefits.
In 2022, according to the latest data available from the European statistical office (Eurostat), Spain's tax burden stood at 38.3%, below the EU average (41.1%) and 11 other countries, including France (48%), Belgium (45.6%), Germany (42.3%) and the Netherlands (39.7%).
I had a german friend, selfemployed owning a small company, and he saved up to 60% of his yearly income just in case the german goverment claims for that amount from the tax return declaration (it was usually lower, over 50%).
And don´t even think they will spare one cent, because if they detect that you evaded some tax, forget about your life in the country.
We had a child in Germany, and didn't want to take any goverment help (kindergeld), but in the tax declaration we had to pay as if we had those benefits anyway. Its very unfair.
And wait for France, because there its even worse.
You are free to choose. If you want lower taxes you can go to Chile, or the USA, or to Argentina as now they are more economically liberal, but in exchange you will not have public healthcare or the same safety in the streets, not even the same public transportation quality.
As i said it´s up to you depending on your preferences. I have lived in Chile 2 years and the medical bills and problems with the insurance companies were a hell of a mess. You can easily go to bankrupt and die if you get seriously sick.
In Europe, in general, taxes are higher than another parts of the world... That's it. If you can´t live with it, just choose another place.
You want to live in Spain, benefit from healthcare, infrastructure and climate, but you don't want to contribute to the host country. Typical of many Anglo-Saxons.
@@antoniolopezlopez4236 France has a dual tax treaty with the U.S. Which from what I have read and heard is good for retirees. So, most retirees from the U.S are probably better served in France than spain at least from a tax perspective. Also the healthcare in France seems to be better than Spain.
@@sunmand6136
It is better. Things have worsen here after the pandemics big time.
Yeah! It happens a lot... In fact, I'm a 57 year-old Spaniard and I'm not used to some Spanish customs yet...
😂😂😂
Brilliant lol
Yes, my wife and I are thinking of retiring to Spain. I have an EU passport to make the move easier! Thinking of a villa in the hills outside Valencia. Started learning Spanish!
Thank you, Stuart, for a most informative video.
Definitely more pros than cons although bureacracy is challenging to say the least!
Try Portugal. Way way way worse for red tape. Hellish.
Very good video. Thank you mate.
Excellent video and on point summary - thank you
Im an emergency manager USA, also a nurse, im already getting social security, im wating on consulate for Spanish citizenship, LMD, my granfather was Gallego. I really want to help with emergency plans, after what I saw in Valencia, its really needed. Community response to disasters should be planned during blue skies. I hope to help, even at a volunteer basis.
Good information.
P.S. Im bilungual, so thats not a problem
Good luck.
It is a process
You need to get validation of your title form Ministerio de Sanidad it depends where are you from, and then you have this exam, EIR.
If you want to work in the public job. The doctors have to most of the times do this, MIR. And since the pandemics, the robot choses for you you need to make a list of some hospitals / centers you would like to work. So un transparent and shady.
Spain is perfect for me 😎
It is refreshing as a spanish to hear a well balanced criticism of this country. I agree 100 per cent
Also, you choose to do your videos in the real Spain not inthe touristic centers of the big cities. You show the beautiful countryside and also the dull of the not so well conserved pueblos and barriadas.
EXCELENT
You should ONLY move to Spain if you are retired and don't need to work, have a contract (digital nomad) from abroad and / or are independently wealthy. Spanish salaries are abysmal and are not keeping up with the cost of living. Hence, the protests from thousands of young Spaniards who can't afford to buy much less rent a flat. According to Real Institute El Cano, youth unemployment is the highest in Europe at 28.%. The average age at which young people leave the nest is 32.3 years old and creeping up. Spain's birthrate is the lowest in Europe and one of the lowest in the world thus the country is facing the consequences of a demographic winter. This should matter to anyone who pays taxes as they're only going to go up. Finally, the only bone I have to pick with this video is the issue of mental health. It's been well publicized that Spain has the highest use of "ansiolticos" (behavioral meds for anxiety, depression etc ...) in the world, suggesting that things aren't so rosy after all.
Highest use in the world? Really?
It is so bad. I am half Italian and I am moving from Spain. It is so unsustainable and discomforting. I feel so bad for the Spaniards their governments and employers prefer cheap immigrants and lower quality service.
I lived here before the pandemics and I can see the difference.
I was in Greece this summer and Croatian coast and the quality of life is better there for me right now. I used to love Spain so much and it is heartbreaking for me.
@@pinagrrrr2280Hi, could you please elaborate on Croatia and give some examples? I was thinking about Spain recently
@
Well I was only to Istria and some places in Dalmatia. I live in Spain now. It has become terrible, in Madrid you have zones that are so dirty and it is better not to go, the problematic ones are immigrants form Center America, especially Carribbeans and North Africa ofc, so basically the zones of Tetuán, Bellas Vistas, Puente de Vallecas. But the center is also become pretty dirty, people on the streets aren’t smiling anymore, whole vibe and pulse is gone (I was here before the pandemics and this government, and finding the job in particular for their people has been difficult - there is no stability here). But now you literally have trash on the streets even in good zones and basically people going through this trash and leaving it.
You don’t have that there, and their lifestyle is quite comfortable similar to Northern Italy- you don’t have this big towns (only Milano and kinda Torino in Italy, but a lot of smaller places like Verona, Vicenza etc). They are progressing and Spain is going backwards. Greece is recovering and growing as well. That was my point. I think for sure Portugal is better option.
Either way it is hard for someone to find many friends in Spain - people used to be friendly in quite superficial way, nobody will really help you when you need it, they are ok, but people form Portugal are also ok less open, but don’t think it is easy to find friends or circle of friends in Spain that is all superficial. Also, finding a place to live it it extremely expensive and hard right now. It is just not worth bcs a lot of places have 0 quality. Too small, too expensive, bad infrastructure, too noisy. Even the weather whole fall has been bad, cloudy. The food here for me was never good, I mean it is not really Mediterranean you get most of the fish from the Atlantic and they fry a lot. Italian and French cuisine is way better. I only liked the fruit and vegetables in particular and some cheeses. But it used to be good lifestyle now after the pandemics and especially this year, everything is is so more expensive that it is just not worth the price. IMO.
@@pinagrrrr2280 thank you for your insights
The thing is, what jobs are in demand in Spain?
And how easy is it to get into them?
Thanks, great video. One question though. If there is so little crime why do so many ground level house windows in Spain require security bars? Another problem for older Brits is their state pension is not index -linked. That's one reason many Brits are returning to the UK. Another is it's much more difficult to stay below the tax radar than it used to be for both IRPF and IBI.
My state pension goes much much further in Spain than it ever would in UK!
@@MaryCollinI retired in April after 25 years working here,Mallorca, luckily have UK and Spanish state pensions.
Thanks for your information. would you please make a video comparing living in UK vs living in Spain?
Sinceramente no te recomiendo españa
Im an EU citizen, I speak Spanish, and I've always liked Gijon and Santander in the north. But, I worry about the high unemployment in Spain.
El desempleo en España siempre ha estado por encima del 8%.
Actualmente es del 11%, que es uno de los mas bajos de los últimos 40.años.
Debe comprender que en España un 8% de paro equivale al pleno empleo en otro paises de su entorno.
Great video Stu!! Thanks so much.
an excellent summary Stu!
no es desafortunado que en españa sea todo clima mediterráneo. si no todo lo contrario. gracias a que hay tan diversos climas que tenemos tanta diversidad de gastronomía de arquitectura de historia y de encanto particular en cada región.
One huge con for me personally, after having spent a few years in Andalucía, provincia Granada, is that when it comes to caring for the environment, it's like going back in time at least 50 years. Spaniards throw their gabage, building materials, plastic bottles and cans, etc. wherever they feel like, except in a garbage disposal.
Further more, the farmers who cultivate fruits on their orchards are constantly burning trimmings from the trees (and while at it, some plastic waste as well), resulting in a horrible smell and air quality in the whole village. This goes on for months, and more or less every day, except in summer, when they are not allowed to burn.
Your car is often covered in ashes, the same happens to laundry if you dare to dry it outside. A few farmers have stopped burning their waste, realizing that it's far better for soil quality to cut and grind the plant residues in the soil, but about 95% of farmers haven't realized this yet and ruin the air quality for the rest of the village. Even the school is often covered in smoke.
In terms of burocracy, Spain has its challenges. Old processes that have had too many rules and resources thrown at them, and old computer systems that are malfunctioning. You always have to be prepared because something can always go wrong.
Thanks Stuart for a good balanced review
Coming from Australia to live in Spain in 2024 it’s absolutely shocking the health care the roads and the housing
Bogan. Shocking in Australia you mean? Safe travels
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Absolutely! Profits are possible, especially now, but complex transactions should be handled by experienced market professionals.
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I would like to spend 3 month out of the year in Spain once I retire next year
Ningun español venderia mejor España que este señor . Le felicito
Fernando VII
I suppose another Con can be the squatters “Okupas” that can take over your home if you leave it unattended for a couple of days. They have legal rights, and you can’t threaten them to vacate your home. They have rights. You have to go to court to have them removed.
Usted está mal informado.
Para hablar de esta cuestión tiene que saber qué es para la legislación española una "ocupación" y aprender a diferenciala de una "usurpación", que es de lo que usted habla en su comentario.
Stu, I absolutely agree with you. Have lived in Spain for over 60 years on and off, and the situation is still related to what you say without going back in history. The only problem I had before I retired were the work-related timetables... at least in my last years. Now, I can enjoy life with a good pension - earning more than whike working!!! I would add another Con: life can be very noisy. That's the one thing I still.find hard, mainly when you go for dinner with a big bunch of people and everybody talks at the same time which makes become silent and wanting to get out.
I bet most of them talk 5hite too!! 😆
Yes, I would agree about the noise. Why talk when you can shout? Children screaming in restaurants is tolerated by nonchalant parents and waiters manage to make a huge racket when drying plates and saucers
For an English person, what is the difference between a restaurant and a funeral? In one the dead are buried and in the other the dead are cooked?
What is the difference between a Spanish restaurant and a Korean karaoke? The Koreans?
As always, Thank you Stewart for your advise. We are planing to retire in the Valencia Area. Spending too much time trying to decide where!
I think learning the language is key to staying long term, calling the handyman to explain a problem or personal discussions at doctor visits. Best advice I got, is learn the local language and dialect of that region, then stay there and don't move again, just the differences between northern and southern Spanish to a new learner will be difficult to understand.
If you live in Spain learn Spanish. Hardly a con. Red tape is crazy. Economy decentish but costs/prices have risen. Climate not an issue really. Culture is a learning curve. Here 20 years now and still learning!!
Just a couple of years ago I had an intent to come to Spain on a one year visa and possibly extend beyond for another couple of years, but due to the summer heat waves (and over tourism) I eventually ruled out summers As I'd like to avoid cold as well, ruling out winters too means I can just as easily arrive on tourist visas in Spring and/or Fall and avoid the quite significant hassle of applying for the one year visa Also, for some, the Spanish tax system could be prohibitive. I currently will have to avoid tax citizenship in Spain due to some of the rules, though eventually I would be amenable to it if I decided that I would like to live in Spain longer term.
We’ve found Spanish tax to be better for us than in England.
@@MaryCollin interesting
Thanks so much for this informative video. I'm thinking of moving to spain.
Great recap 👏👏 stuart 🤠.
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍻🍻🍻
Portugal has
(i) cooler Summers
(ii) warmer Winters
(iii) a land registry with better integrity
(iv) more friendly locals
(v) a prettier coastline
(vi) slightly lower crime levels
In Spain’s respect;
it has better drivers, (safer roads) warmer seas, more sophisticated eating, dining and entertainment options and it’s easier to learn the language!
En el año 2022 la tasa de homicidios por cada 100.000 habitantes fue del 0,7 en España y del 0,9 en Portugal. Lo niveles de criminalidad son ligeramente mayores en Portugal.
Spain is from a financial perspective a disaster. The government doesn’t trust its people, and the people doesn’t trust the government. Lot’s of taxes, salary, property etc and an aggressive tax office to make sure to collect it. No good controls on illegal immigration, and increasing crime rates due to that, especially in the bigger cities. Law’s that protect criminal behavior, such as occupants, if someone breaks into your house, suddenly it becomes their right to stay, and a long process to kick them out. If they have kids, almost impossible. If you are there for low prices, good weather and food. It’s other countries offering the same.
Not the public mental health system. I heard to claim benefits system is not so good. The alcohol is cheap so con some get to be a alcoholic.
.the rest i agree with your pros steve
Very professional Stuart 👏
Very fair assessment of the pros and cons, including the swing from vacas gordas to vacas flacas economy. Have to say I've never known a time when it was good for youth employment. I think it's as you say still a good option for Brits with a good enough pension to qualify for a visa.
Really helpful video. I traveled to Valencia in early October 2024, stayed two weeks and left about a week before the DANA storm. Re: the climate issues you mentioned, can you make some suggestions as to place in Spain where those would not be so prevalent? Thank you.
That's like asking where hurricanes are less frequent in Florida.
The entire Mediterranean coast is the most prone to flooding, but all of Spain can suffer flooding.
Live wherever you want on a sloping site with a little elevation and nothing more. Spain is the country in Europe with the most different mountains.
Interesting you talk about Spain being more secure. But if you look at the house behind you at around 08:45, you can see it seems to have recently had security grills put over its door and windows. The walls of the house are yellow, but around the doors and windows you can see fresh cement render.
Spain has a problem dealing with squatters “okupas.” Squatters can take over your home and they have rights. It’s hard to have them removed from your own home.
@JV-pd8wg Isn't that a security issue then? Must be terrible to have that problem. I suppose it mostly affects second homes.
Most houses and apartments have ‘rejas’ the metal grilles outside. It’s pretty standard - even where there are really low crime rates. Think it’s something that dates back to Franco times? Stuart may know more
Well sold !! If I didn't live here I would be really gutted 🎉😂
Hi Stuart. I’m wondering if it’s the same in Spain as it is in Italy. For as long as I remember young Italians let’s say have been leaving for better work opportunities claiming there is no work whatsoever however after spending 8 years in Italy I’ve found this to be misleading since work opportunities do exist, depending on location and skill ofcourse like anywhere.. So, the complete there’s no work claim I’ve found to be a bit false since even a factory job position exists in just about every corner of the country. Sure, it may not be the college career you wanted but it’s still a job at the end of the day. I’m wondering if it is the same in Spain? Thanks for your video.
Moving in may!
Hola Stuart, Que tal? I am visiting Madrid this weekend from the UK. My stepson and I are staying in the east side of the city. Any recommendations for good food?
@ muy bien Muchas gracias 🙏 I will write that one down. I am staying in ‘Pueblo Nuevo / San Blas’ area of the city.
Why are so many young people unemployed? Is third level education very inaccessible? Or is there a lack of jobs in rural areas?
Interested to hear thoughts and opinions
I think there is two main reasons in my opinion. It has to do with the transition from the educational system to the labour market;most of the young people who join do not usually have previous work experience and because that (and this is the second one ) young people who finished University careers are much more focused on obtaining a qualification for civil or public service (funcionarios) wich usually takes a long time to secure a permanent and well-paid position and obviously they return to the labour market much later and live with their parents until they are 30 years old. To make matters worse, private companies do not offer advantages to inexperienced young people either, on the contrary, since they have no experience in the first years they are paid little. Those young people who have less patience go directly abroad. I believe that this problem will gradually improve due to the improvements in vocational training (Formación profesional )that are easier for students and that today are spreading a lot in the country. Now employers look for more professionals with professional studies than people with a degree.
Bcs their government and employers prefer cheap immigrants and worse service I can assure you.
If you don't need to work Spain is a wonderful country to live in.
Gud Vid.. you tell it lke it is,,, I've been living in Spain since 1972... So, I think I know a little about what you are saying....😜😍
Thanks for great information. I am researching on where to move to when I retire in a couple of years time🍺
Pues te recomiendo galicia
Pues te recomiendo galicia
Very well written.
Well said !
Excellent video.
Well said Stuart, an excellent video with precise comments 👏🏾🍷
Lovely country but I'd miss the culture in the UK. The theatre scene is amazing, music, ,Ballet, Opera, and easy to fly anywhere in the world directly. Work option s are very limited in Spain even for the Spanish. Its Anti business which is my passion. Great to retire or holiday but challenge for those of working age to live there these days if from a non EU country. Also noticed most Spanish we have met keep to their large families or very established friends and the average Spaniad although usually friendly, don't seem to make good friends with non Spanish, buy that's just our experience over the last 5 years
It is an unbaised, objective points of views about Spain. Thank you all.