Many people who go to Spain on holiday like the country so much that they want to live there. Before you pack up your life in the UK and move, there are a few pros and cons to consider.
The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than the UK, but not everything is cheap. Property prices also tend to be lower. Fresh fruit, vegetables and alcohol are cheaper. Electricity bills can be higher if you run air conditioning to feel comfortable in the hot summer weather.
The Spanish climate is milder than the UK, but some Brits living in the south of Spain complain that it gets too hot. In 2024, for example, parts of the country suffered devastating floods.
Many retire in Spain knowing that the healthcare system is good, but not everything is free. If you work in Spain, be prepared for high taxes. It can be difficult to find a well-paid job. Freelance workers have to file tax returns quarterly, not annually as in the UK.
If you have no friends in Spain, you may be able to find them amongst the lively ex-pat community. Learning Spanish will, of course, enable you to communicate with and make local friends. You need a visa to live in Spain for a year and this can be renewed annually for up to five years. For long-term stay, UK citizens require a permanent residency visa.
If you are moving to Spain, you’ll probably need a removal company with long-distance removal experience. A reliable Liverpool removal company, you can choose Merseyside Movers & Storers as your moving partner.
