Moving to SPAIN

Have you decided to Move to France?
Whether you’re planning a tourist trip or a business relocation, here’s what you should know before you go.

General Overview

• Official country name: Kingdom of Spain
• Location: Europe, Iberian Peninsula
• Capital city: Madrid
• Official language: Spanish
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time zone: UTC+1 (Central European Time), UTC+2 in summer

Culture & Traditions

• Key customs to be aware of:

  • Late meal times (lunch around 2-3 PM, dinner around 9-10 PM)
  • Siesta culture still exists in some regions, with shops closing in the afternoon
  • Greeting with two kisses on the cheek is common
  • Strong regional identities (Catalonia, Basque Country, etc.)

• Number of official public holidays: 14 days (including national and regional holidays)

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Epiphany (January 6)
  • Good Friday (varies)
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Assumption of Mary (August 15)
  • National Day (October 12)
  • All Saints’ Day (November 1)
  • Constitution Day (December 6)
  • Immaculate Conception (December 8)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Plus 4 additional regional holidays depending on the area

• Main traditional dishes and local drinks:

  • Dishes: Paella, tortilla española (Spanish omelet), gazpacho, jamón ibérico, churros
  • Drinks: Sangria, Rioja wine, cava, horchata

• Languages spoken daily:

  • Spanish is the official language, but Catalan, Galician, and Basque are spoken in their respective regions
  • English is spoken in tourist areas but less so in smaller towns

• Clothing and behavioral norms:

  • Fashion-conscious society, casual but stylish dressing is common
  • Public displays of affection are widely accepted
  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated

Demographics & Society

• Total population: Approximately 48 million
• Major ethnic groups: Predominantly Spanish, with communities of Moroccan, Romanian, Latin American, and other European origins
• Main religion(s): Predominantly Roman Catholic, though Spain is largely secular
• General safety level: High, but pickpocketing is common in major cities
• Attitude towards foreigners and diversity: Generally welcoming, especially in larger cities and tourist areas

Key Cities & Regions

• Capital city: Madrid (3.3 million people) – Cultural and economic hub, home to the Prado Museum and Royal Palace

• Other major cities:

  • Barcelona (1.6 million) – Famous for Gaudí’s architecture and vibrant nightlife
  • Valencia (800,000) – Known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and paella
  • Seville (700,000) – Birthplace of flamenco, famous for its historic old town
  • Zaragoza (675,000) – Rich in Moorish architecture and home to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
  • Málaga (580,000) – Coastal city known for its beaches and being Picasso’s birthplace
  • Bilbao (350,000) – Industrial city with the iconic Guggenheim Museum

• Must-visit regions and landmarks:

  • Andalusia – Alhambra in Granada, Mezquita in Córdoba, beaches of Costa del Sol
  • Basque Country – San Sebastián’s beaches, pintxos culture
  • Catalonia – Sagrada Familia, Costa Brava coastline
  • Canary Islands & Balearic Islands – Beautiful beaches and natural landscapes

Weather & Climate

• Type of climate: Mediterranean (hot summers, mild winters), with variations (oceanic in the north, arid in the southeast)
• Average seasonal temperatures:
  • Winter: 5-15°C (41-59°F)
  • Spring: 10-22°C (50-72°F)
  • Summer: 25-40°C (77-104°F)
  • Autumn: 12-25°C (54-77°F)
• Best times to visit: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October)

Practical Information

• Entry requirements:
  • EU citizens: No visa required
  • Non-EU citizens: Schengen visa may be required depending on nationality
• Local transportation options:
  • Metro and bus networks in major cities
  • High-speed trains (AVE) between major destinations
  • Taxis and ride-sharing apps widely available
• Cost of living:
  • Rent: €600–€1,500/month depending on the city
  • Meal at a restaurant: €10–€20
  • Public transport pass: €40–€60/month
• Electrical outlets and voltage: Type F, 230V
• Emergency numbers:
  • 112 (general emergency)
  • 091 (police)
  • 061 (medical emergency)

Visitor Tips

• Gestures to avoid or cultural taboos:

  • Avoid discussing Catalan or Basque independence unless you know the person well
  • Spaniards are loud but not rude—don’t mistake passion for aggression
  • Don’t expect fast service in restaurants; meals are meant to be enjoyed leisurely

• Specific regulations:

  • Drinking in public is generally prohibited
  • Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces
  • Dress codes may apply in religious sites

• Tips for integrating locally:

  • Learning basic Spanish will help significantly
  • Social life revolves around bars, cafés, and family gatherings
  • Being punctual is not a strong cultural trait, so expect some flexibility in schedules

• Potential risks or important considerations:

  • Pickpocketing in busy tourist areas
  • Summer heat waves, especially in the south
  • Occasional transportation strikes