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...
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 😢
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 ❤️
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!
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 .
@@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.
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.
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. 😀👍
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 😊
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.
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
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. 👍
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 TH-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.”
Hello from Puerto Rico. Housing is indeed a worldwide issue, even on this small island. I'm considering moving to Spain and I just came across your channel. I enjoyed the fact that your video was clear, precise, and concise. I still have many questions , so I will review your playlist as a complement to my further research. Muchas gracias. Feliz Año Nuevo.
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
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
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.
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.
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”!
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
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.
When you live in Spain or any Latina countries, you need to live that Elvis life style sleep during the day and stay awake all night eating and dancing to good musica LOL.
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.
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!
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.
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 ❤
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
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!
@@moxiejohnson4090 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.
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.
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 TH-cam channel called The Language Tutor, free of charge and over 140 videos
@@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
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.
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. 👍
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
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.
Don't bother, 25 large international companies have left, no infastructure, no jobs, no future, even the spainards are escaping by the millions, spain is full of pensioners, the yound escape as soon as they finish university, the problems are endless, corruption, ask me anything i will tell you the real truth
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 .
@ 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Fabulous country and we're lucky enough to spend around 5 months a year there. The most annoying issue for us is the lack of customer care. You can stand at the meat or fish counter (e.g Mercadona) and be totally ignored by the staff, who may stand chatting or arranging the the shelves until they are ready to serve you. Try taking a faulty item back to a store - it turns into a major issue. You can be halfway through being served at a counter and the assistent will answer the phone an then have a lengthy conversation with the caller. You just have to take this in your stride and these little things are well worth withstanding for all the pros of enjoying the lifestyle. Sorry Mercadonna - we do enjoy your super wide aisles and happy and plentiful checkout staff!
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.
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.
All about the cost of living is true, but from a foreigner perspective. I can now see it, as I'm from Alicante, in the Spanish Mediterranean coast, and I had to move to Ireland. I can see now why the British and the Irish go to Alicante a lot, for them is very cheap. But my cost of living in Alicante was very high because I had a Spanish salary. Now with my Irish salary, every time I visit my city, everything seems very cheap, but my family and friends struggle to live there. So, people should take that into account if moving there, it might look like very cheap, but no matter what your job is, your salary in Spain is going to be a lot lower unless you are coming from a very poor country. In Ireland the cost of living is crazy expensive, but I earn a lot more than in Spain. In relative terms, my cost of living is a lot lower in Ireland. If I use percentages, my expenses in housing and food are a lot lower than in Spain. I see lots of Spanish professionals in Ireland, we didn't leave Spain because we don't like it but because we didn't have a future. Lots of British, Germans, Irish and people from other countries move to Alicante, but most of them are retired. Most of the young people coming to Spain to work come from countries in a worse situation than Spain, there are lots of South Americans for example. Alicante is full of Argentinians, in fact, I have a few friends from there. Finding someone from the US is rare unless they are retiring. Also, I want to add, the work-life balance is terrible. Working in Spain is very close to slavery. People working more hours than what it is stipulated in their contract and for free, is the order of the day. People staying in the office for more than 8 hours, happens almost everyday. If you leave when you have to, they look at you as you were doing something wrong. That's the work culture in Spain. You realize how the salaries are in Spain when you go to El Corte Ingles and see a deal to purchase a 400 euros play station 5 in 12 months with no interest.
Imagino que usted en Irlanda trabaja de camareo, en la construccion o de reponedor en un supermercado. O limpiando casas y cuidando ancianos. No me creo que los españoles trabajen mas horas de las que les corresponde sin cobrarlas, porque los españoles son unos vagos.
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.
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.
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
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.
Thanks for the video! Actually, no one speaks my language not in small of big cities neither, because it isn’t English or Spanish 😊So anyway we have to learn something new to the rest of the life.
Thank you for your video. I have one question. My husband is an electrician. Wil he be able find a job and earn enough money for a family of 4. Rental coats excluded.
North (Europe) for work, South (Europe) for holidays or retirement. The bureaucracy in Spain is crippling and self-serving. It exists for the bureaucrats and not for serving the customers efficiently.
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.
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
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.
Thanks Stu, informative vid. I'm considering a move to the south east coast, probably Andalucia or further south around gibraltar. I retire on a Aussie pension in early 2026. Looking to live off that renting in Spain, which from all accounts is easily doable. I trade the markets online so have a little side income too. Looking forward to it. ty
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?
This was an excellent video! Can you talk about the wealth tax? Are there certain areas in Spain that don’t have it? What is it exactly and is it a concern?
In Mexico they don't drink wine mucho. They drink Cervezas Y Tequilas LOL + tacos wow in everyway the best and Tamales and that Posole soup etc etc and the beans wow LOL. And cheap. Uno lingua taco with a big lingua with all the salsa as you want cost 1 Euro LOL so here we go....................A lot cheaper and very good food so no wonder many Americans move to Mexico. Viva Mexico LOL.
Here is some facts. More Americans move to Mexico an Spain. Reason...................Cheaper, more amor, less stress since the Mexican people are more simple and life in Mexico is more relaxing. And the food a lot cheaper, the musica a lot more latina or should we say maricahi, romantica and cumbia and salsa etc etc so again, some Americans I heard did move to Spain but more so Portugal I don't know why. Maybe it is cheaper in Portugal. So anyway, I just wanted to share my greeting here since this European hombre is saying about a lot of Americans have moved to Spain. You all can google it that is it more Americans in Mexico or Spain ? Then, after you have checked it out...................let this hombre know.
please talk in more particulars, maybe say what town you are in , standing in while you do your video, this is so general, please give examples, like name a wonderful town, food, a number, etc..,
Great video. I would definitely do the 90 day thing.. I love Spain, but I also love the Uk and wales. You have to not let the weather affect you. You just have to get out and get on.. 😊👏👏
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.
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.
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.
@ 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.
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.
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
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
When we entered in spain we can't do work there first 3 years as Spanish rules what happens if we got wedding with Spanish girl between this 3 years time period
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.
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.
Hey Stu, you should be the face of the Spanish tourism advertising campaigns!! I can understand you being defensive about all things Spanish but i have to disagree on some points you raised. One of them is expats hanging around in their gated communities and nowhere else, you say is a con because they won't mix with Spanish locals. I disagree with that. The only con i see is if that expat has to go shopping or to the medical centres, not knowing the language is going to make that side of things very difficult. But as to meet new local friends, believe me, you're not missing out on anything. Most locals aren't interested in socialising with British expats unless there's something in it for them. It's even worse in places like Galicia where the towns talk Gallego and keep to themselves. The Spanish health system is good if you compare it to the USA but you'll need to book an appointment just to see your normal GP and that can range from one day to a week. As for specialists, i can't really tell you as i've never seen one in Spain. You see, Stu has a big reason to why he lives in Spain and that is because his partner is Spanish. In all seriousness, why would he be living in Spain if it weren't for his Spanish partner? We have to be honest about these things. My background is mostly Gallego but i'm Australian born and bred. I will never go live in Spain for the work let's just say. I could maybe retire there one day but it would be around the Mediterranean coast where it's more cosmopolitan, open and ethnically diverse. To sum up, one doesn't have to get out of their way to speak Spanish to the locals, remember, the Spanish immigrants did the exact thing in Australia. I barely knew any of the old folk that could mutter a word of coherent English and many just hung around their Spanish clubs when socialising after work hours. It works both ways.
I’m 100% with Stu on integrating with our host country. We didn’t want to live in predominantly British areas and that has made the world of difference. We came to Spain to enjoy Spain and all things Spanish. Yes we can find Brits or English speaking people but our lives are richer because of our Spanish friends and neighbours. Imagine if the boot was on the other foot . . . How would you feel about people moving to ‘your country’ and keeping to themselves. I like the old adage ‘When in Rome . . .’. Your comments about locals not being interested in British is definitely true for certain types of Brits. As soon as we started to speak some Spanish and say we wanted to be in Spain not with all the Brits - everything changed and a whole new world of opportunities opened up. They see us Brits as two very distinct groups. For good reason.
Marty. You are missing out on a richer life not integrating and cultivating local friendships. Yes, there are some expats i wouldn't hang with either! lol. Go well amigo
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.
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...
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 🙏
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
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!
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
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.
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. 😀👍
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.
We seriously considered Spain, but ultimately decided on Italy. Spain is GORGEOUS, though.
What area do you live in italy
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
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. 👍
Well done, Stuart. This is such a useful and easy to follow the true picture of the different parts of Spain.
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 TH-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.”
Hello from Puerto Rico. Housing is indeed a worldwide issue, even on this small island. I'm considering moving to Spain and I just came across your channel. I enjoyed the fact that your video was clear, precise, and concise. I still have many questions , so I will review your playlist as a complement to my further research. Muchas gracias. Feliz Año Nuevo.
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
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
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.
That video had some great points. Thank you. We want to travel there in a few months.
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.
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!
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
Excellent and very well measured Stu.
I’d like a little info on tax. A tad at least.
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.
When you live in Spain or any Latina countries, you need to live that Elvis life style sleep during the day and stay awake all night eating and dancing to good musica LOL.
You have a good and clear prononciation people can learn from you .
Stu makes sense. Make sense?
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.
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?
Hi Stuart. Your comments are very well balanced, well done. 👏
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.
Muy buena elección. Zona increíble. Olor a azahar.
Yo nací aquí y no lo cambio por nada en el mundo.
Bienvenidos.
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 ❤
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....😜😍
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
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!
@@moxiejohnson4090 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.
What I am seeing is there is not trash all over the streets. It's clean!!!
Very good video. Thank you mate.
Thank you, Stuart, for a most informative video.
Excellent video and on point summary - thank you
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.
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 TH-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 TH-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
Definitely more pros than cons although bureacracy is challenging to say the least!
Try Portugal. Way way way worse for red tape. Hellish.
an excellent summary Stu!
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.
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...
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?
Great video Stu!! Thanks so much.
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.
Very professional Stuart 👏
Thanks for great information. I am researching on where to move to when I retire in a couple of years time🍺
Thanks so much for this informative video. I'm thinking of moving to spain.
Don't bother, 25 large international companies have left, no infastructure, no jobs, no future, even the spainards are escaping by the millions, spain is full of pensioners, the yound escape as soon as they finish university, the problems are endless, corruption, ask me anything i will tell you the real truth
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
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.
Agree totally , we always feel safe in Spain .
Very well written.
Thanks Stuart for a good balanced review
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.
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 🙄
Excellent video.
Thanks for your information. would you please make a video comparing living in UK vs living in Spain?
Sinceramente no te recomiendo españa
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
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.
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
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
Great recap 👏👏 stuart 🤠.
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍻🍻🍻
Well sold !! If I didn't live here I would be really gutted 🎉😂
Fabulous country and we're lucky enough to spend around 5 months a year there. The most annoying issue for us is the lack of customer care. You can stand at the meat or fish counter (e.g Mercadona) and be totally ignored by the staff, who may stand chatting or arranging the the shelves until they are ready to serve you. Try taking a faulty item back to a store - it turns into a major issue. You can be halfway through being served at a counter and the assistent will answer the phone an then have a lengthy conversation with the caller. You just have to take this in your stride and these little things are well worth withstanding for all the pros of enjoying the lifestyle. Sorry Mercadonna - we do enjoy your super wide aisles and happy and plentiful checkout staff!
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
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.
Well said !
All about the cost of living is true, but from a foreigner perspective. I can now see it, as I'm from Alicante, in the Spanish Mediterranean coast, and I had to move to Ireland. I can see now why the British and the Irish go to Alicante a lot, for them is very cheap. But my cost of living in Alicante was very high because I had a Spanish salary. Now with my Irish salary, every time I visit my city, everything seems very cheap, but my family and friends struggle to live there. So, people should take that into account if moving there, it might look like very cheap, but no matter what your job is, your salary in Spain is going to be a lot lower unless you are coming from a very poor country.
In Ireland the cost of living is crazy expensive, but I earn a lot more than in Spain. In relative terms, my cost of living is a lot lower in Ireland. If I use percentages, my expenses in housing and food are a lot lower than in Spain. I see lots of Spanish professionals in Ireland, we didn't leave Spain because we don't like it but because we didn't have a future. Lots of British, Germans, Irish and people from other countries move to Alicante, but most of them are retired. Most of the young people coming to Spain to work come from countries in a worse situation than Spain, there are lots of South Americans for example. Alicante is full of Argentinians, in fact, I have a few friends from there. Finding someone from the US is rare unless they are retiring.
Also, I want to add, the work-life balance is terrible. Working in Spain is very close to slavery. People working more hours than what it is stipulated in their contract and for free, is the order of the day. People staying in the office for more than 8 hours, happens almost everyday. If you leave when you have to, they look at you as you were doing something wrong. That's the work culture in Spain.
You realize how the salaries are in Spain when you go to El Corte Ingles and see a deal to purchase a 400 euros play station 5 in 12 months with no interest.
Imagino que usted en Irlanda trabaja de camareo, en la construccion o de reponedor en un supermercado.
O limpiando casas y cuidando ancianos.
No me creo que los españoles trabajen mas horas de las que les corresponde sin cobrarlas, porque los españoles son unos vagos.
Thank you for this comment.
I guess life is the same no matter where you go, it’s just that the weather can be better in some places.
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.
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
Spain is perfect for me 😎
My mum was born in Lugo, Galicia
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.
Thanks for the video!
Actually, no one speaks my language not in small of big cities neither, because it isn’t English or Spanish 😊So anyway we have to learn something new to the rest of the life.
Thank you for your video. I have one question. My husband is an electrician. Wil he be able find a job and earn enough money for a family of 4. Rental coats excluded.
North (Europe) for work, South (Europe) for holidays or retirement. The bureaucracy in Spain is crippling and self-serving. It exists for the bureaucrats and not for serving the customers efficiently.
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
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.
Thanks Stu, informative vid. I'm considering a move to the south east coast, probably Andalucia or further south around gibraltar. I retire on a Aussie pension in early 2026. Looking to live off that renting in Spain, which from all accounts is easily doable. I trade the markets online so have a little side income too. Looking forward to it. ty
Feliz Navidad
Well said Stuart, an excellent video with precise comments 👏🏾🍷
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.
This was an excellent video! Can you talk about the wealth tax? Are there certain areas in Spain that don’t have it? What is it exactly and is it a concern?
Andalusia but there is a new wealth tax imposed by the central government
In Mexico they don't drink wine mucho. They drink Cervezas Y Tequilas LOL + tacos wow in everyway the best and Tamales and that Posole soup etc etc and the beans wow LOL. And cheap. Uno lingua taco with a big lingua with all the salsa as you want cost 1 Euro LOL so here we go....................A lot cheaper and very good food so no wonder many Americans move to Mexico. Viva Mexico LOL.
Ningun español venderia mejor España que este señor . Le felicito
Here is some facts. More Americans move to Mexico an Spain. Reason...................Cheaper, more amor, less stress since the Mexican people are more simple and life in Mexico is more relaxing. And the food a lot cheaper, the musica a lot more latina or should we say maricahi, romantica and cumbia and salsa etc etc so again, some Americans I heard did move to Spain but more so Portugal I don't know why. Maybe it is cheaper in Portugal. So anyway, I just wanted to share my greeting here since this European hombre is saying about a lot of Americans have moved to Spain. You all can google it that is it more Americans in Mexico or Spain ? Then, after you have checked it out...................let this hombre know.
please talk in more particulars, maybe say what town you are in , standing in while you do your video, this is so general, please give examples, like name a wonderful town, food, a number, etc..,
Great video. I would definitely do the 90 day thing.. I love Spain, but I also love the Uk and wales. You have to not let the weather affect you. You just have to get out and get on.. 😊👏👏
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.
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
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
Moving in may!
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
When we entered in spain we can't do work there first 3 years as Spanish rules what happens if we got wedding with Spanish girl between this 3 years time period
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.
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!
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.
If you don't need to work Spain is a wonderful country to live in.
Hey Stu, you should be the face of the Spanish tourism advertising campaigns!! I can understand you being defensive about all things Spanish but i have to disagree on some points you raised. One of them is expats hanging around in their gated communities and nowhere else, you say is a con because they won't mix with Spanish locals. I disagree with that. The only con i see is if that expat has to go shopping or to the medical centres, not knowing the language is going to make that side of things very difficult. But as to meet new local friends, believe me, you're not missing out on anything. Most locals aren't interested in socialising with British expats unless there's something in it for them. It's even worse in places like Galicia where the towns talk Gallego and keep to themselves.
The Spanish health system is good if you compare it to the USA but you'll need to book an appointment just to see your normal GP and that can range from one day to a week. As for specialists, i can't really tell you as i've never seen one in Spain.
You see, Stu has a big reason to why he lives in Spain and that is because his partner is Spanish. In all seriousness, why would he be living in Spain if it weren't for his Spanish partner? We have to be honest about these things. My background is mostly Gallego but i'm Australian born and bred. I will never go live in Spain for the work let's just say. I could maybe retire there one day but it would be around the Mediterranean coast where it's more cosmopolitan, open and ethnically diverse.
To sum up, one doesn't have to get out of their way to speak Spanish to the locals, remember, the Spanish immigrants did the exact thing in Australia. I barely knew any of the old folk that could mutter a word of coherent English and many just hung around their Spanish clubs when socialising after work hours. It works both ways.
Better Canary Islands than Marbella even about taxes
I’m 100% with Stu on integrating with our host country. We didn’t want to live in predominantly British areas and that has made the world of difference. We came to Spain to enjoy Spain and all things Spanish. Yes we can find Brits or English speaking people but our lives are richer because of our Spanish friends and neighbours. Imagine if the boot was on the other foot . . . How would you feel about people moving to ‘your country’ and keeping to themselves. I like the old adage ‘When in Rome . . .’. Your comments about locals not being interested in British is definitely true for certain types of Brits. As soon as we started to speak some Spanish and say we wanted to be in Spain not with all the Brits - everything changed and a whole new world of opportunities opened up. They see us Brits as two very distinct groups. For good reason.
Marty. You are missing out on a richer life not integrating and cultivating local friendships. Yes, there are some expats i wouldn't hang with either! lol. Go well amigo
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.