by Mary Callater
The challenges of moving to Spain from UK: A guide for Expats
Life is full of new beginnings, and they are often a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and challenges. For some, adapting to change may come naturally, while for others, the process can feel overwhelming. The unfamiliarity of new surroundings, customs, and expectations can be intimidating at first, but embracing these changes opens doors to growth and transformation. Starting anew offers the opportunity to reinvent yourself and experiment with a new culture. Though it may seem difficult at first, the rewards of learning and discovering new aspects of life can be the most fulfilling adventure. And the best part is that it’s never too late to pursue something new. The courage to step forward may just lead to the most enriching chapter of your story.
According to data provided by the ONS, just by 2023, approximately 532,000 people emigrated from the United Kingdom. This growing trend of British citizens relocating abroad is driven by plenty of factors; job opportunities, housing affordability, and dissatisfaction with the tax system are the most common reasons. Many of these individuals seek a better quality of life and career prospects in nearby European countries. The most popular destination amongst the British is Spain. This movement reflects the willingness of mainly young people to explore life beyond their homeland in search of financial stability, and personal fulfillment.
The challenges
Spain presents an enticing lifestyle, offering tax benefits, flexible residency options, a strong property market, and appealing high-quality healthcare. However, there are some changes that are more challenging than others when moving to Spain from the UK. While Spain’s attraction is undeniable, being well-prepared is the key to ensuring a smooth and successful new life.
The language
As the world increasingly embraces bilingualism, English has emerged as the lingua franca, often diminishing the urgency for individuals to learn a second language—let alone a third. Due to the proximity between the UK and Spain, Spanish is a popular language to offer in schools. But truth be told, even for those who have studied the language, mastering Spanish can be quite challenging. Idiomatic expressions, regional dialects, and local slang can vary significantly depending on the city, complicating the journey to fluency for non-native speakers.Â
Furthermore, Spain is home to six official languages and a variety of dialects that enrich its cultural landscape. A good example of this is the province of Catalonia where the government actively promotes the use of Catalan, emphasizing its importance alongside Spanish. In this case, the best to do is to learn through immersion and not be afraid of learning new words.
Physical contact
It is often said that the weather has some kind of impact on the way people talk and behave. This is a good metaphor for understanding the differences between the Spaniards and the British. In the UK for most of the year, the weather is cloudy or rainy, kind of cold, and there is not much sunlight during the day. On the other hand, Spain territory is bigger, and the seasons change noticeably having snowy winters in the northern side of the country and hot summers to enjoy the Mediterranean beaches.Â
This climatic contrast contributes to the stereotypes often associated with each culture. British people, perhaps unfairly labelled as serious and reserved, tend to have less physical contact in their interactions. In stark contrast, Spaniards are known for their warmth and expressiveness, often greeting one another with kisses on both cheeks. This lively greeting custom is one of the most noticeable cultural differences and can lead to a bit of culture shock for those new to Spain.
Taxes in Spain
Making the transition to a new taxation system in Spain potentially complex. Each country has its own deadlines for tax declarations, and missing these deadlines can lead to legal complications. For instance, Spain is one of the countries that has signed a Double Tax Treaty with the UK, which ensures that expatriates do not have to pay taxes on the same income twice although the Inheritance tax in Spain has different rules than in the UK. Additionally, while residents in the UK must pay a license fee to watch television, no such fee exists in Spain, providing an unexpected financial relief for many. These distinctions highlight the importance of understanding the new fiscal landscape when relocating —or even if the plan is to retire to Spain.
There are additional challenges to navigate, such as differences in food and eating habits, social norms like punctuality, the custom of taking a nap after meals, and the preference for coffee over tea. However, many of these challenges can be embraced and made easier through immersion and enjoyment of the local culture.