Living In Spain – I’m an expert in the field of emigration: In my life, I’ve moved to two different countries. As a young girl, I emigrated to Germany for the first time in 2002.
I lived there for 13 years, studying, working, making friends, and learning the language and culture. I was a great example of how to integrate successfully.
And when I finally stopped missing my native Ukraine and began to refer to Germany as my home, life had a surprise in store for me.
I was given the opportunity to relocate to Spain. And I accepted this gift of life gratefully.
I’ve been living in Spain for 5 years, specifically in Barcelona, and I’m trying to do the same things I did when I was a young girl in Germany: work, learn the language and culture of the country, meet new people, make friends, and integrate.
I also frequent the restaurants in this area, so if you’re looking for restaurant recommendations or sightseeing tips in Barcelona, you can look them up here or send me an email.
Living In Spain: Pros And Cons
Do I enjoy living in Spain? Yes! Is it simple to start a new life in a different country? No way! There are advantages and disadvantages to everything, and I’ll try to cover the majority of them in this blog post.
Above all, it’s important to remember that I’m writing about my experience emigrating to Barcelona. Barcelona is a large, touristy, well-developed city on the Mediterranean coast with a lifestyle that is distinct from that of most Spanish cities.
As a result, the title of my post should be “Emigrate to Barcelona: Benefits and Drawbacks.”
But I’ve also traveled extensively in Spain and know people from Galicia, Andalusia, Madrid, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands, so I’m well-versed in the emigrant experience in Spain.
The Weather – One of the Most Important Advantages
One of the clear advantages of living in Spain is the weather. What I like best about the Spanish weather is that you don’t have to worry about summer ending at the end of August. He is, in fact, far from it.
Summer doesn’t officially begin until the end of June and lasts until at least mid-October.
Although the weather is not as hot as it was in August, you can still relax and enjoy the sun on the beach and walk through the streets in only a t-shirt at night. You can learn why September is the best month to visit Barcelona by clicking here.
Another benefit for me is the Spanish sun, which is rarely obscured by clouds. I lived in Bochum for 13 years and remember the grey, constantly cloudy sky vividly.
That is often enough to put you in a bad mood. I see the sun almost every day here. I wake up to a sunny day, and I leave the office in the afternoon to a sunny day. Even in the evening, you can enjoy the last rays of the sun on the balcony.
The fact that the weather is so pleasant all of the time can be a disadvantage. You inquire as to how this is accomplished.
If the weather is always pleasant but you are not on vacation and must work, you may feel disadvantaged at times.
Working all day in such pleasant weather and only seeing the sun out the office window makes you feel as if you’re missing out on something, and that something is the pleasant weather.
Seek and Find Work in Spain
Many people who want to emigrate have made their decision after spending 1-2 weeks in Spain. It usually goes like this: “The weather was so nice, there was no stress, everyone here was so relaxed, I had to change my life and emigrate to Spain.”
That’s right, everything is usually relaxed and easygoing when you’re on vacation. Naturally, this does not reflect the reality of Spain. Everyday life returns at some point, no matter where you are.
The recent economic crisis in Spain has subsided, and there are now more job opportunities than ever before. However, it is important to remember that the offer is not nearly as extensive as in Germany.
In most jobs in Spain, the average wage is significantly lower than in Germany. Spain is not a country where a regular job can earn you a lot of money, especially not in the major cities.
Many startups in Barcelona are now looking for German-speaking employees as well. You can work as an account manager, in a call center, or as a project manager, and there are even some online marketing positions available.
There are also numerous internship opportunities available. Many students and graduates in Barcelona are used as cheap labor by many businesses.
Hairdressers, doctors, restaurant owners, bakers, butchers, masseurs, osteopaths, and architects who speak German are all successful in Spain.
However, if you want to emigrate to Spain and succeed in your career, you must be very good at your job and have excellent self-promotion skills.
Waiters and promoters who speak multiple languages are always in demand, but this is a seasonal job.
The good thing about Spain is that you can continue to enjoy life after work by going out with friends or coworkers, or spending time outdoors with family.
When hiring, keep in mind that many companies still have the so-called “siesta,” which is a lunch break between 2 and 4 p.m. Employees, on the other hand, must make up this time in the evening and are not expected to leave the office until around 8 p.m.
The Spanish tradition of siesta dates back to the days when people worked in the fields and were forced to take a break at midday due to the oppressive heat.
With air-conditioned offices, there’s no need for a nap these days, but not every employer sees it that way.
Since March 2020, a lot has changed in the world of work in Spain. Many hotels, restaurants, bars, beauty and massage salons, yoga studios, and other businesses have closed, and many people have lost their jobs.
Many people in Spain have been on so-called ERTE (short-term employment) since March 2020 and are unsure how to proceed.
No, emigrating to Spain without a permanent job or a German employment contract is not a good idea right now.
And if you’re self-employed or work online, you can work from anywhere, so I wouldn’t move to Barcelona but rather somewhere along the coast that’s less expensive.
Eating in Spain Is a Matter of Personal Preference
When I was still living in Germany, I used to fantasize about Spanish food: seafood, fresh fish, delectable vegetables, unusual tapas, paella, olives, sangria, it was all a dream.
Every year for Christmas, I fly to Germany and return with an extra 3–4 kilograms on my hips: roast beef with dumplings, sauerkraut, sausages, bee stings, herring, butter pretzels, obazda, and mulled wine. German cuisine has a lot more to offer than you might think!
You’re always looking for something you don’t have.
If you enjoy fresh fish and seafood, Spain and Spanish cuisine are for you. Every supermarket sells fish and seafood, and it is much cheaper than in Germany (2 kg, for example).
Mussels are €1.5 per kilo during the season, a kilo of fresh salmon is €8, a kilo of sea bream is €6, and the cheapest prawns are €9. This blog post will tell you which fish restaurants in Barcelona are good and where you can eat delicious seafood.
Every corner in Spain has a vegetable and fruit shop where you can get fresh fruit and vegetables at very low prices. Because of the good weather, most of it is grown in Spain, where it is cheap and tasty.
Now for the drawbacks: Spanish supermarkets have a much smaller selection than German supermarkets.
Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s yoghurts, cheese, sausages, semi-finished products, bread and rolls, or detergents, you’ll find it in Germany.
That’s not all: prices are lower in Germany, and the quality is often far superior (even if Lidl and Aldi have helped to change this in recent years, I often miss the ranges from Rewe and Co.).
Also, tap water is not permitted in Spain. Anyone who is accustomed to this in Germany will be sorely disappointed in Spain. I calculated that our family of three spends about €800 per year on water.
In Spain, fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables are all better and less expensive. Germany has better and cheaper semi-finished products, dairy products, ready meals, and bread.
The Specifics of Crime in Spain
I believe that the differences in crime are due more to differences between small and large cities than between Germany and Spain. I live in Barcelona, and crime is obviously higher here than, say, in Bochum.
At this point, I’d like to bring up two distinct aspects of Spanish criminality.
In Spain, if you steal something worth less than €500, you are usually not held responsible. That means if your wallet is stolen on the street in Barcelona and you overpower the criminal and call the cops, the asshole will be released.
That is why pickpockets in Barcelona have such a good time and feel so liberated. Take good care of your valuables at all times!
The so-called “okupas” (squatters) are Spain’s second major issue. The law tolerated many people who became homeless and occupied empty houses during the economic crisis.
The laws that were enacted at the time to deal with the situation have hardly changed since then.
With this example, I’m attempting to demonstrate the absurdity of the situation. You buy a house in Mallorca and only visit once a year during the summer.
You return to Mallorca one day to find yourself standing in front of your locked house: the locks have been replaced, and someone else now lives there.
Of course, you call the cops right away. The cops arrive but are powerless to intervene because the squatters have been in the house for more than 48 hours and are now allowed to stay.
What you can do if Okupas have taken up residence in your home:
- Pursuing legal action (the process can take up to 2 years).
- When the squatters aren’t leaving, you’ll keep an eye on the house, move in, change locksmiths, and try to stay in the house for 48 hours (you’re now the squatters).
- In order for the intruders to leave, you must pay them.
- Enlist the help of strong friends who can speak to the squatters in a friendly and persuasive manner (you can also hire them).
What not to do if Okupas have taken up residence in your apartment:
- Retaliate violently against squatters (the police will have to be on the side of the squatters).
- Turn off the squatters’ water and electricity. You are not permitted to do so, especially if there are children present. In general, when children and pets are involved, evicting the intruders will be difficult.
So, if you’re planning to buy a home in Spain before emigrating, make sure it’s safe and inaccessible. If someone breaks into your apartment, a simple camera can sometimes be enough to send you a message.
The police will classify the squatters as burglars if they have been in the apartment for less than 48 hours.
Emigrate to Spain With Your Family
It is unquestionably easier to immigrate to Spain as a retiree or a student than it is to do so as a professional with children.
If you decide to relocate to Spain, you must not only prepare for yourself but also for your children. So, where should you focus your attention?
Immigrating to Spain While Expecting a Child
To be eligible for maternity leave in Spain, as in Germany, you must have worked for at least a year. However, you (the woman) only have it for 16 weeks.
Following that, you must either go to work or stop working and forfeit your wages. Until recently, the father could only spend two weeks with his child; since last year, he has been able to spend four weeks with him.
During this time, each parent receives 100% of their salary from the government. In Spain, children can be entrusted to daycare centers at the age of four months, allowing mothers to continue working.
You Might Be Interested In:
- The Best Resorts in Hawaii for Relaxing
- Packing List for Beach Vacation
- Planning a Trip to Alaska
- Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii?
What Kinds of Kindergartens Are There in Spain?
There are state, private, and semi-private kindergartens in Spain. Places in state kindergartens are assigned near the registration desk, and there are frequently long lines.
The monthly costs are usually between €100 and €200. However, in private kindergartens, you will almost always be able to find a spot.
You should budget between 400 and 600 euros for the entire day (09:00-17:00). In Spain, children can be handed over to kindergartens at the age of four months.
Annotation:
I’ve never heard of anyone who didn’t get a kindergarten spot or had to wait a long time for one. That is unquestionably a benefit.
Look for a school for your child in Spain.
Socialization, depending on the child’s age, is a natural part of his or her development. The speed with which a child can socialize is determined by how quickly he or she learns the Spanish language.
This, however, does not apply to Catalonia. Because the child will be required to learn Catalan as well (most subjects in state schools are not in Spanish but in Catalan).
This means that if your child is of school age and visits Barcelona or another Catalan city, he or she will be required to learn two foreign languages as quickly as possible. This, of course, applies only to public schools.
Barcelona has a number of German-language schools.
The DSB—German School in Barcelona, the Swiss School, and the Zurich School are three private schools in Barcelona that teach German.
All three are state-approved and make a good impression (I’ve personally visited all three), but they cost between €500 and €800 per month.
Oh, and in Spain, there are no child benefits. Every working woman can apply for a €100 “assistance” for the first three years after her child’s birth. It’s over after that.
However, there are significant differences between the income tax rates in Spain and Germany (about 25 percent ).
What should I think about if I want to emigrate to Spain during the Coronation?
Apart from the usual challenges that such emigration entails, such as learning the language, finding a place to stay, finding a job, moving, dissolving the existing household, finding a place for the child at school, and so on, during the Corona era, you may encounter a variety of additional issues.
In the midst of a pandemic, I spoke with a few families who dared to migrate to Spain.
What challenges will you face if you decide to emigrate during the pandemic?
- There are far fewer events organized during the Corona period than usual, so there are fewer opportunities to meet people and integrate. For example, there are numerous weekly events in Barcelona and the surrounding area where you can meet German and English-speaking people through various Meetup events, Nedena events, or joint sports meetings. To our detriment, the number of events was understandably reduced during the pandemic years. Most discos remained closed, and it was sometimes made more difficult to visit cafés and restaurants.
- You can expect friends from Germany to visit you every other weekend if you move to a big city like Barcelona or Madrid. For example, that was how it used to be for me. There was no time for boredom; action was required at all times. People fly less around the world and visit you less since COVID-19, so you feel more alone.
- It becomes more difficult to approach the authorities. Because of Corona, registering in a new city, starting a business, or NEVER applying takes twice as long as before. And believe me, there was a time when you had to deal with interminable wait times.
I’m aware that many people are considering emigrating right now, either because they can now work from anywhere or because they refuse to accept Germany’s pandemic regulations.
I’m a member of about 100 expat Facebook groups, and I’m constantly reading about how rash people underestimate the challenges of expatriation.
Of course, if you set a goal for yourself and work hard to achieve it, you can achieve anything. It never hurts to be informed and take precautions.
If you want to emigrate to Spain during the pandemic, keep the following points in mind:
- Master at least a rudimentary understanding of the language of the country to which you are emigrating. And once you’re there, make sure you study them thoroughly. There are numerous online courses available today, as well as private Skype teachers who can teach you the fundamentals for a reasonable price. There are no more excuses!
- Take care of your work. If at all possible, look for a job that you can do from anywhere and that you can do online. As a result, you’re always safe and can change your address at any time if something doesn’t work out.
- Landing in a suburb with no like-minded people and no way of communicating with them is not a good idea. Unless you don’t require the company of others, in which case it’s fine.
- If at all possible, try to live in two countries for a while rather than giving up everything in Germany right away. To make things even better for you, you can go back without losing a lot of money, or you can meet up with old friends in Germany for the weekend if you want to.
Did you ever consider that socialization might be a barrier to emigration?
- In old age, getting to know friends (let alone new people) is always difficult, especially if you work (from home), i.e. you don’t have any work colleagues (for non-families, first live in a flat share in order to have an integration option/contact point, especially in Corona times).
- Contacts made through meetups, for example, are severely restricted during Corona times, but there are other options, such as emigrant groups on Facebook, etc. You can also meet outside, at a restaurant, on the beach, and so on.
- Make a plan for the next two to three years, set goals, and don’t give up when things get tough.
Emigrating Is a Wonderful Thing to Do!
According to a survey conducted on behalf of TransferWise by the market research firm Innofact, one in every eight Germans (13%) wishes to emigrate permanently.
More than one-third (36.5%) of Germans say they would like to emigrate for a few months but not permanently.If the circumstances were right, more than three-quarters of Germans would consider living outside of Germany.
Young Germans are especially interested: more than half of those under 30 (50.3%) want to live abroad for a period of time.
I’ve emigrated twice in my life, and both times it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made! I’d do it all over again in exactly the same way.
So don’t let anyone dissuade you from pursuing your dreams and goals; if you approach emigration correctly, it will definitely work out.