How to start a new life in Spain: a moving story and tips

Moving to Spain

Moving to Spain for permanent residence can be a significant step towards a new life under the gentle sun of this amazing country. Many seek inspiration in the stories of people who have already gone through similar changes and made such an important decision. In this article, we will share the story of Ansagan and her husband, who moved from Kazakhstan to Barcelona.

Experience of Ansagan

"The process of moving becomes significantly easier when you receive an offer from large companies in the field of information technology," shares Ansagan from her experience. She talks about how she and her husband went through the entire journey, starting from finding a place to live and ending with everyday expenses in the capital of Spain.

Brief biography

Ansagan, a self-taught programmer, previously worked as a flight attendant for the national airline of Kazakhstan. Over the past two and a half years, they have visited:

• Minsk
• Kyiv
• Almaty
• Avsallar in Turkey

In May of this year, her husband received a job offer at the Microsoft office in Barcelona, which became the main factor for their move. Although he had offers from other European companies, the decision in favor of Spain was made due to its pleasant climate, beautiful sea, and reasonable cost of living.

Preparation for moving

Preparation for the move from Kazakhstan to Spain started early. First of all, it was necessary to:

• Obtain a work permit
• Request a supportive letterfrom the employer

With the received documents, they obtained a work visa, which required gathering a multitude of documents, including a notarized translation of the marriage certificate and passport-sized photos of a specific format.

Moving to Spain

After obtaining the visa, my husband's company took care of organizing their flight to Spain. More than six months passed from the time they received the first offer to the actual move, with most of the time spent on renewing passports.

Advantages of relocation

It is important to note that relocation organized by large IT companies is noticeably faster and easier. In the case of Microsoft, in addition to airfare, the company covers all moving expenses and also provided Ansagan with temporary housing for over two months while they are waiting to obtain permanent residency and find long-term accommodation. Furthermore, the company assisted with the processing of all necessary documents and the search for an apartment in Barcelona.

Residence permit

It is important to remember that in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency after five years of holding a temporary residence permit, but under one condition: you must stay in the country for more than 183 days a year. This rule allows many immigrants to plan their future and build a career in a new country, based on legal grounds and a deep understanding of local conditions.

Conclusion

Thus, the story of Ansagan can serve as an excellent source of inspiration for those considering moving abroad. Spain eagerly awaits new residents, offering a unique opportunity to combine work and leisure against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes, diverse culture, and a pleasant climate.

Introduction

In Spain, there is a wide range of options for obtaining a residence permit if you have the appropriate grounds. These grounds include student visas and work visas, which can be issued for both self-employment and employment contracts with an employer.

Opportunities for obtaining residency

Another option is investing in real estate with a minimum amount starting from500,000 eurosor starting your own business in the country. Remember that:

• There is a possibility to obtain residency for financially independent individuals, although this visa cannot be used for work.
• There are special visas for startups aimed at entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
• The status of a refugee or marriage to a Spanish citizen can also be grounds for obtaining a residence permit.
• There is a right to obtain residency based on settlement.
• The launch of the visa for digital nomads is expected soon, scheduled for the beginning.2023.

Searching for accommodation in Spain

It should be noted that finding housing in Spain can be a real challenge. For example, if the rent for an apartment is1000 eurosper month, the additional agency fee can be up to1500 eurosThis significantly increases the financial burden. In some cases, the number of rental listings is severely limited, which leads to quality options disappearing within hours.

We searched for suitable housing for over two months, and this process turned out to be quite complicated. At first, we tried to find apartments online, but this method proved to be rather ineffective. Later, we decided to call directly, but we faced a language barrier since most Spaniards do not speak English, and our level of Spanish was extremely low.

Later, we mastered a few key phrases and started establishing communication through WhatsApp. As a result, we spent a significant amount of time making calls about ads that appeared almost instantly.

Documents and requirements

When we managed to find suitable housing, we sent all the necessary documents to the agent. Each agency had its unique requirements, but generally, they requested:

• A labor contract (it should be indefinite and without a probation period, specifying a specific salary).
• NIE (foreigner's number) or TIE (identification card), the process of obtaining which takes at least 30 working days.

Tenant evaluation

Next, the homeowners reviewed the applications of all the candidates, assessing their salary levels and work experience relevant to the Spanish market. Unfortunately, we encountered rejections from about seven landlords, which was due to insufficient work experience in Spain.

Ultimately, we managed to find quite suitable housing, although it was unfurnished and without appliances, but just a short distance from...15 minutes on foot to the sea.

Prices for agency services

It is also worth noting an important point regarding the prices of agency services, which often request significant amounts. Usually, they demand no less than10%from the total rental cost for the year, plus additional21%tax.

Renting housing in Spain

In Spain, there are many options for renting housing, and this is especially noticeable in Barcelona. However, it is worth noting that the prices for apartments here are quite high. On average, the cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment ranges from €1000 to €1500 per month.

Real estate purchasing system

It's interesting that foreign citizens can easily buy and invest in real estate in Spain due to the relatively favorable system; here, they can become homeowners without much hassle.

The cost per square meter

When considering the cost per square meter, in large cities it is approximately €3,260. If you choose apartments located outside the center, this figure drops to €1,970.

In Barcelona, the real estate prices are somewhat different:

• In the city center, prices start at €4,855 per square meter.
• In the surrounding areas, the price drops to €2,950.

In addition, foreigners can also obtain mortgage loans to purchase housing.

Monthly expenses

Let's also consider everyday expenses. A couple can spend around €700 a month on food, and the quality of products in Spain will please even the most discerning gourmets. We also occasionally have lunch at restaurants.

Transportation costs

As for transportation, a liter of gasoline costs about €2, and a monthly public transport pass is approximately €40. It's important to note that currently, in order to encourage the use of public transport, the government has reduced fares for trips by 30-50% until the end of the year.

Minimum comfortable budget

It's hard to disagree that a minimally comfortable budget for two people is at least €3,500 per month. For reference, the average salary in the country is €1,680 net.

Comparison of life in Spain and Kazakhstan

If you compare life in Spain and Kazakhstan, you can notice that many processes in Kazakhstan happen faster: processing documents, opening bank accounts and cards, as well as resolving migration issues take less time.

In Spain, on the contrary, the wait can be prolonged, as the residents of the country usually do not rush. After our move to Spain, we began to realize the many advantages of living in Kazakhstan. In my opinion, the average citizen of Kazakhstan lives more decently compared to the average Spaniard.

Cultural differences

We strive to adopt the locals' ability to enjoy life and maintain a carefree attitude. The cultural differences have truly surprised us, especially regarding the presence of nude individuals on the beaches and the unusual playgrounds that stand out for their modesty. The Spanish way of life attracts us with its unique atmosphere and vibe.

The Spaniards amazed us with their kindness and openness, often helping strangers, even sacrificing their own time. Overall, we are trying to learn from them the art of staying calm and maintaining a positive attitude without any particular reason.

Barcelona is a city of entertainment.

Barcelona is a true hub of entertainment and joy. This is especially noticeable on weekends and during holidays when numerous festivals take place. Life in this city is filled with vibrant events and happy moments that give each day a special meaning.

Conclusion

This story summarizes the entire journey that my husband and I went through as we decided to start a new life under the sunny Spanish sky. The process of moving was far from easy, but with the support of a large company, it became noticeably easier. I deeply appreciated the care from our employer, which allowed us to focus on adapting and learning the language without unnecessary fuss.

From the very first days in Barcelona, we encountered the challenges of adapting to a new environment. While exploring the city, we not only enjoyed its atmosphere but also realized the difficulties associated with finding housing and settling everyday matters. Going through all these trials, I understood that a new life is not just about the climate, the seas, and low prices, but, above all, about courage and readiness for change.

Benefits of living in Spain

Life in Spain is an amazing adventure, full of challenges and opportunities. Ahead of us are many new discoveries, and I hope that our experience will inspire others who are at a crossroads and contemplating spending their lives in another country. Starting over is always a risk, but it is worth it when a new, vibrant life under the Spanish sun, full of joy and inspiration, awaits on the horizon.

Highlights:

• Employer support:makes the moving process easier.
• Adaptation:important for a comfortable start to a new life.
• Courage:the necessity of being ready for change.
• Spanish culture:provides unique opportunities for learning and growth.