Expats living in Spain?

Question

Hi. I'm thinking about moving to spain, namely Sevilla.

I was wondering about your experience as an expat living in Spain. Have you had an easy time adjusting? Is the economy good enough to be able to find work?

Also, is it difficult for an American to get a work visa??

Thanks for your answers

Answer 1

I live in the mountains near Málaga. I've been here for three years. I am now a resident and call Spain my home. I live in an area where there are other Brits but have Spanish neighbours. I came here with the intention of totally integrating. I'm still learning the language and I pay my taxes in Spain now. Many people who come to Spain only do so for the climate, the cheap cost of living and the social life, but some of us have come here to be part of the community.

It is fairly easy to adjust but you have to be relaxed about life. The beaurocracy here will drive you mad. Few official departments are in touch with each other and getting such things as planning permission can be difficult. Many people get everything right, but another department will prove that wrong. It can be frustrating, but then this is not the UK, and once you realise the culture of the Spanish you gradually start to learn..

As for work. If you are from the EU you have a right to be here, but that doesn't mean you'll get the job you want. Many Brits work for themselves, others have to put up with bar work or such. Being an American will be difficult. There is unemployment here and I doubt you'll get a visa to work. The economy in Spain is strong and looks likely to continue.

One further point, if you are coming from the USA, if you bring any finance here to get started, you will find with the strong Euro that you will get less money for your dollar through the exchange rate.

Answer 2

I didn't live in Seville, but I did visit and it was one of my favorite towns in Spain. I love how you could just get on the bus and head to the beach. It is very laid back and enough people speak English to get you started but you will want to learn Spanish. I knew a couple who started a Mex-Tex eatery cause she was from Texas and married a Spainard.  You do have to get a work Visa and they only last so long before you have to renew it.  You would want to get the work visa before you leave.

Answer 3

If you are coming from the US then you may find that the levels of customer service are not what you expect!

Finding work is tough particularly in the larger cities unless you speak Spanish fluently and have some sought after skills.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

First, the work issue:  Americans are having an extremely difficult time acquiring work visas.  You will do better if you have some skill that is difficult to find, but teaching English is NOT one of them.  Waiting tables is availble for Spanish speakers, but there is an issue with that all being under the table, and not getting actual contracts, and all of that.

If you are EU, then that's a different story.

Americans can try getting into one of the work exchange programs.  CIEE is great for teaching English, though I don't think that's the only thing they work with, and EF works with Au Pairs.

Search Work Abroad Exchange Programs and check out the options.  Most of these companies help you with things like work visas, lodging, and placement.  (for a fee, of course).

Answer 5

All you need to know about working here:

http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/work-i...

Answer 6

Hey we've been in Spain 3 years now and absolutely love it, you wont find us moving back to the UK!! I live just outside of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca. The Spanish people are friendly and welcoming in our area. Theres more than enough English speaking people in the surrounding areas to give us all a good social life. Work isn't the easiest to find out here not being able to speak spanish, but I have a good steady job as a riding instructor, it gets me by.

Google up spanish web forums you'll find plenty of ex pats on them, or if you are a member of facebook, search the groups for ex-pats there plenty on there!

Good luck with the big move if you do it!

Answer 7

spain in heading to a recession, due to the burst in the local housing market.... think twice if you wanna to move there.

even the spanish people are asking if it's difficult to get a job in méxico.  

good Luck!.