Living in Spain Guide

Thinking about moving to Spain? Our Living in Spain Guide covers everything you need to know—from residency and healthcare to banking and lifestyle tips. Explore detailed articles about life in popular regions and cities across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Andalusia, and more. Whether you're relocating for work, retirement, or a new adventure, find expert advice tailored to your destination.

What is a notary in Spain? A complete guide for buyers

When buying property in Spain, especially if you’re an international buyer, you may come across the term “notary”. But what exactly does a notary do, and why are they so important in Spanish real estate transactions?

A NIE identification number is a necessary document when living in Spain

How to get a NIE number in Spain in 2026: Step-by-step guide for expats

When moving to Spain, obtaining your NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is one of the first and most important steps.

How to make the most of a Spanish property viewing trip

A property viewing trip is one of the most valuable steps in buying a home in Spain.

Living in Formentera: pros, cons, jobs and everyday life on the island

This small Balearic island is all turquoise coves, dusty tracks and lazy sunsets, but living in Formentera full-time is a very different story from a week’s holiday.

Living in Lanzarote: pros, cons, costs and best areas to live

This volcanic Canary Island is all black lava, whitewashed villages and Atlantic light, with a climate that stays pleasantly mild most of the year.

How to obtain your Spanish NIE fully online

If you’ve found a property on idealista or you’re preparing to buy, reserve, or rent in Spain, the very first document you should secure is your Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).

Smart ways to save money when you move to Spain

Relocating to Spain can be an exciting adventure, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture. However, moving abroad can also be expensive if you’re not careful. From transportation costs to housing and everyday living expenses, spending can quickly add up.

8 reasons to buy property in Spain

Spain is a young democracy located at the heart of Western Europe.

Living in Melilla: daily life, neighbourhoods and what to expect

Melilla is a compact Spanish city on the Moroccan coast with sandy urban beaches and handsome modernist façades. With Melilla's population around 87,000, the city boasts a layered mix of Spanish, Amazigh and Moroccan culture.

Living in Ceuta: safety, cost of living and what it's like

Living in Ceuta: everyday life, neighbourhoods and what to expect

Living in Ceuta means settling in a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast at the mouth of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Living in Murcia: everyday life, neighbourhoods and costs

Murcia is a sunny university city in south‑east Spain, ringed by fertile market gardens and within easy reach of the Costa Cálida. Tapas bars spill out around Plaza de las Flores, and serious produce flows through Mercado de Verónicas.

Living in Santiago de Compostela: cost of living, top areas, and weather

Santiago de Compostela is a compact university city in Galicia, famous as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago and anchored by its UNESCO‑listed Old Town.

Buying in Spain? Key facts about the property market

If you're thinking about buying a home, it’s essential to understand the current state of the property market. Should you wait, or is now the time to buy? To help you decide, we analyse the key indicators: price trends per square metre, interest rates, the Euribor, transaction volume, mortgages, and available financial aid.

Living in Los Cristianos: real life, costs and top areas in Tenerife South

Living in Los Cristianos means a sunny, walkable base in Tenerife South, with a working harbour, year‑round buzz and long promenades linking the island's best beaches.

Why apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

8 reasons to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

If you are planning to move to Spain, you should seriously consider becoming a digital nomad.There is no question that the Digital Nomad Visa has become the most sought-after visa in Spain after the demise of the Golden Visa in early 2025.The Digital Nomad Visa (or tax-free visa, as it is

Living in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: a tropical nomad lifestyle

Living in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria means a proper Atlantic city wrapped around the golden curve of Las Canteras Beach, the historic lanes of Vegueta–Triana, and the working port at Puerto de la Luz. Island winds keep summers breezy and winters mild, and there’s surf at La Cícer.

Living in Mojácar: daily life on Spain’s southeast coast

Mojácar really gets under the skin in the best way. Think sugar-cube houses tumbling down a hillside into a long strip of sand, proper tapas culture and a pace that lets you breathe.

Living in Ojén: everyday life in one of world's top 50 villages

Ojén is a whitewashed village tucked into the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves, a short drive from Marbella. Life runs a little cooler and quieter than the coast, but beaches, big supermarkets and the shopping centre are minutes away.

Living on Gran Canaria: costs, top areas and expat community

Living on Gran Canaria blends proper city life with an easy island rhythm. The microclimates are real: cooler and more local up north, warmer and drier around Maspalomas, and greener villages tucked into the interior.

Living in the Canary Islands: pros, costs, housing and everyday life

The Canary Islands are Spain’s warm, Atlantic backyard. Seven main islands with distinct moods, black- and golden-sand beaches, and a slower daily rhythm than the mainland.

Moving to Spain in 2026? Spanish visa overview

Spooky October is upon us, and many people are now making plans on where to move next year. Political turmoil is on the rise worldwide, with irresponsible politicians – from both sides of the aisle – fanning the flames of social polarisation in established democracies, with some now on the brin

Living in Rincón de la Victoria: sun, space and seaside life near Málaga

Living in Rincón de la Victoria means a year‑round coastal routine just east of Málaga, in a municipality of roughly 50,000 spread across various areas. It runs on a year‑round rhythm with calm winters, a long paseo for evening strolls, and simple food pleasures like espetos and pescaíto frito.

Living in Palma: Mallorca's buzzy capital for locals and expats

Palma’s the sort of place that sneaks up on you—in the best way. One minute you’re weaving through stone alleyways past postcard-perfect patios, the next you’re having a coffee in a sunny square, eavesdropping on half a dozen languages.

Living in Benitachell: a quieter slice of the Costa Blanca

Located on the northern Costa Blanca, between the popular towns of Jávea and Moraira, lies Benitachell, or El Poble Nou de Benitatxell as it’s known in Valencian.