Seven Common Mistakes People Make When Moving to Spain

Spain attracts thousands of newcomers every year with its sunshine, lifestyle, and cultural richness. For many, it represents a dream of slower living, Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant culture that embraces life. But as exciting as the move is, many expats make avoidable mistakes that cost them time, money, and peace of mind.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the 7 most common mistakes people make when relocating to Spain, and how you can avoid them.

1. Poor Financial Planning

Many people underestimate the true cost of starting a new life abroad. It’s not just about meeting the financial requirements for your visa. Once you land, you’ll face upfront costs such as deposits for housing, utility set-ups, private health insurance, and furnishing your new home. Parents with children will also need to consider school fees and extracurricular activities.

Real example: We’ve seen families who thought €30,000 was enough to cover everything, only to realize within three months that rent, school, and healthcare bills drained their savings.

How to avoid it: Prepare at least six months of living expenses in advance, and don’t forget to factor in one-time costs like notary fees for property purchases. Get familiar with Spain’s banking system and local tax obligations before making the move.

2. Applying for the Wrong Visa

It’s tempting to apply for the “easiest-looking” visa, but the wrong choice can limit your options. For example, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) allows you to live in Spain but prohibits working. If you later decide to start a business or accept a job offer, you’ll be stuck in the wrong category.

How to avoid it: Be crystal clear about your purpose—do you plan to work, invest, or retire? Make your decision first, then choose the visa that fits your future. An experienced advisor can save you months, even years, of frustration.

3. Skipping Due Diligence When Buying Property

Spain is full of beautiful homes and tempting prices, but not all that glitters is gold. Some properties have outstanding debts, hidden structural issues, or legal disputes. In one case, a buyer discovered too late that their “dream villa” had an illegal extension—and the local council ordered it to be demolished.

How to avoid it: Never sign a contract without a full legal and technical check. Hire a lawyer and surveyor to conduct proper due diligence. What looks like a “cheap deal” can cost you much more in the long run.

4. Underestimating NIE/TIE Procedures

The NIE (foreigner ID number) and TIE (residency card) are essential for almost everything in Spain—opening a bank account, signing a lease, or even getting Wi-Fi. Many assume these will be quick and easy to obtain, but delays are common. Missed appointments or incomplete paperwork can leave you waiting for months.

How to avoid it: Gather documents carefully, book appointments as early as possible, and double-check the requirements at your local immigration office. Professional support can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks and keep your timeline intact.

5. Ignoring the Language and Cultural Barrier

Life in Spain is wonderful, but it’s not always easy if you don’t speak Spanish. While English works in tourist hotspots, official procedures are almost exclusively in Spanish. Even day-to-day activities like visiting the doctor, dealing with utilities, or shopping at local markets can become frustrating.

Real experience: One client arrived in Madrid without speaking a word of Spanish. Ordering groceries became stressful, and they struggled to understand contracts. After a few months of lessons, their quality of life improved dramatically.

How to avoid it: Start learning Spanish before you move. Even basic expressions will reduce stress and help you integrate faster. Beyond language, embrace cultural differences—Spaniards value face-to-face interactions, long lunches, and building personal connections.

6. Neglecting Healthcare and Insurance Options

Health is non-negotiable. For visas like the NLV or Golden Visa, private health insurance is mandatory. Unfortunately, many newcomers buy the first policy they see, without comparing coverage. Later, they discover their plan doesn’t include certain hospitals, chronic conditions, or urgent treatments.

How to avoid it: Don’t just choose the cheapest option. Research carefully and ensure your plan covers emergencies, family needs, and doctors near your home. Spain’s healthcare is excellent—if you choose the right access point.

7. Moving Without Professional Guidance

Perhaps the biggest mistake of all is trying to manage the entire relocation process alone. Spanish bureaucracy can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with visas, property law, or tax requirements. Many people give up or spend months fixing errors that could have been avoided from the start.

How to avoid it: Work with experts who know the system. At EasyMoveToSpain, we guide you step by step, making sure your move is smooth, legal, and stress-free. What feels like a complicated maze becomes a clear, structured process.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Spain can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter, full of sunshine, culture, and opportunity. But it doesn’t have to come with unnecessary stress or costly mistakes. By planning ahead and avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll give yourself the best possible start.

👉 Contact us today and let us help you avoid the mistakes most expats make, so you can focus on enjoying your new life in Spain with confidence.