Emigrate to Spain
Emigrate to Spain: Find out the most important information for your stay here
Spain is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe and consists of 17 autonomous regions with great geographical and cultural diversity. This diversity is particularly attractive to many who wish to emigrate to Spain. The capital Madrid is home to the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, which houses works by European masters. In Segovia, there is a medieval castle (Alcázar) and a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. The landmarks of the Catalan capital Barcelona are the unique buildings by Antoni Gaudí, including the famous Sagrada Familia. Emigrating to Spain therefore offers the opportunity to live in a country with a rich history, impressive architecture and varied culture.
Facts about Spain
Capital City
Madrid
Population
47.78 million
Surface Area
314,432.46 mi² or 506,030 km²
Continent
Europe
Official Language
Spanish
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Emigrating to Spain: An overview of the political system
Spain is a parliamentary monarchy. The constitution of 1978 established the country as a democratic constitutional state. The king acts as head of state and appoints the prime minister after receiving the confidence of parliament. The parliament consists of the House of Representatives (Congreso) and the Senate (Senado), both of which are elected every four years. It has legislative power, approves the national budget and oversees the government. Spain has been a member of the United Nations since 1955 and a member of the European Union since 1986. It is part of the eurozone. Many Spaniards see the EU as an important factor in the democratization and modernization of their country.
Climate in Spain: Important information for emigrants
Due to its location on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, as well as its mountainous terrain, Spain has different climate zones. The mountains have a harsh mountain climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers. The climate along the Atlantic is oceanic, with the highest rainfall in the country, sometimes exceeding 1500 mm per square meter. The summers here tend to be cool and the winters mild.
Central Spain has a clearly continental climate, with large temperature differences between summer and winter. In the northern parts of central Spain, the cold winters can bring large amounts of snow, while the summers are usually very warm and dry. Further south, the Mediterranean climate increases, especially on the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. Here the winters are very mild and the average maximum temperatures in summer are around 30 degrees.
Healthcare system in Spain: Important facts for emigrants
Spain is a popular destination for working expats and retirees. As one of the largest countries in Western Europe, it offers expats a diverse natural environment and a variety of cultural experiences. Spain is characterized by a high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living. Permanent residents can take advantage of a range of government services, including subsidized education and healthcare. Spain's public healthcare system generally enjoys a high reputation. Spanish hospitals are modern and well-equipped, and staff are knowledgeable and well-trained. Most hospitals in Spain have accident and emergency departments. While medical staff are often not fluent in English, a voluntary translation service is sometimes available.
The Spanish National Health Service operates an extensive network of hospitals and health centers throughout the country. These centers provide primary health care services, including family and general practice, nursing, pediatrics, social work and physiotherapy. If necessary, medical professionals can also make home visits. Anyone who pays into the Spanish social security system can use the state-subsidized public healthcare system. Foreigners or visitors from other EU or EEA countries with a valid EHIC or equivalent document can access the Spanish public healthcare system at the same cost as nationals.
Emigrating to Spain: An overview of the economic situation and quality of life
Spain's gross domestic product per capita amounted to USD 33,071.35 in 2023. The Gini coefficient of wealth describes the distribution of wealth. The indicator is an established, internationally comparable measure of wealth inequality. It is measured on a scale from zero to one. The higher the value, the greater the inequality. The Gini coefficient in Spain was around 0.32 in 2022 (source: Statista).
Spain is characterized by a lifestyle that focuses on the simple pleasures of life. For many who wish to emigrate to Spain, the Mediterranean climate, world-renowned cuisine and more relaxed pace of life are particularly attractive and contribute to an outstanding quality of life. The Spanish "siesta" embodies not only a short nap, but also a philosophy of life that invites you to consciously take time for enjoyment and relaxation. Emigrating to Spain makes it possible to experience this relaxed and enjoyable way of life to the full.
National holiday
Día de la Hispanidad
On October 12, 1492, the brave explorer Christopher Columbus reached North America, ushering in a new era of exploration and discovery. His voyage is celebrated as a symbol of courage and adventure, both in Spain and throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Emigrate to Spain - Entry Requirements
Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents:
- Passport: Yes
- Temporary passport: Yes
- Identity card: Yes
- Provisional identity card: Yes, must be valid
- Children's passport: Yes
FAQs for emigrating to Spain
Where can I find relevant information about my country of entry and the entry regulations that apply there?
We have compiled destination country information as well as entry requirements and customs information for many countries in the Relocation Service section of our website and are constantly expanding this section.
Can I use my own container that I already own for the move with DACHSER & KOLB?
For every removal, which we at DACHSER & KOLB always offer as a door-to-door (full service) removal, a container is rented for the duration of the removal. We therefore do not offer the option of using your own container.
Who is responsible for my move abroad and the services I need there?
As a FIDI member, we work abroad with selected, long-standing partners who work in accordance with our service standards.
Are my removal goods insured in the event of damage?
For every overseas move, we naturally cover transportation insurance at current value for the used household goods and personal belongings
What types of transportation do you offer for overseas relocation?
It is generally possible to carry out overseas removals via air freight or sea freight. In the case of sea freight, it is possible to ship the removal goods as additional cargo (“LCL shipment” with Liftvan) or with a container (FCL shipment in 20 feet, 40 feet or 40 feet high cube). We will be happy to discuss which option is best for you in a personal consultation.
When and how must the move be paid for and what is the payment deadline?
You will receive an invoice a few weeks after placing the order and pay the full amount directly in advance.
Do I have to pay taxes and customs duties on my removal goods?
Removal goods can be imported tax and duty-free into most countries if you have a valid residence permit. We will be happy to check the options for importing the removal goods for your desired destination country in a personal consultation.
Are you interested in moving to Spain or another destination country?
Then do not hesitate and contact us today.
Alexander Brugger
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - AIR&SEA
