Pros and cons of living in Spain
The benefits of living in Spain attract citizens from all over the world. Most come to the country for permanent residence. The desire of families to leave for Spain is explained by its rich culture, mild climate and the ability to quickly find a job.
Pros of living in Spain
Among them are the climate, as well as the beauty of nature. The country has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Spain boasts attractive beaches on the Mediterranean coast, picturesque mountains such as the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada, as well as national parks where locals and numerous tourists can appreciate the beauty of nature.
Culture and traditions
For lovers of culture, history, architecture, the advantages of living in Spain lie in an interesting history. Recognized artists lived in the country, whose paintings are known all over the world. These are Dali, Picasso, Velázquez, Goya. Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance architecture have left their mark on the country's heritage.
The Spaniards are cheerful people, who celebrate holidays with pleasure. For example, San Fermín (running with the bulls in Pamplona) and La Tomatina (tomato festival in Buñola). The celebrations provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the local culture.
Culinary features
The advantages of living in Spain for foreigners who appreciate delicious and healthy food are the variety of Spanish cuisine. Local chefs will prepare paella, tapas and jamón. This is a real gastronomic Mecca for true connoisseurs of quality food.
It is impossible not to mention the wines of Spain! Lovers of this drink will be offered wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. In Spain, it is believed that the drink will complement any dish and make the meal special.
Education and health care
Spain offers quality education, including universities, as well as public and private schools for children. The Spanish healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, providing a high level of medical services at a reasonable cost.
Access to leisure and entertainment
In Spain, preference is given to team sports, for example, football, basketball.
Nightlife is in full swing in Madrid and Barcelona. Exhibitions, concerts, performances are held in these cities. Smaller towns are much quieter.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Spain is relatively low compared to European countries when compared to food, buying and renting housing. Spain offers a wide range of affordable real estate, developed road and transport infrastructure.
Cons of living in Spain
Spain faces economic challenges related to high unemployment. This is also observed among young people, which creates certain difficulties for finding a job. This factor should be taken into account, as this is a significant disadvantage of living in Spain for Russians. In addition, Spain periodically experiences economic crises that negatively affect the local population.
People who do not speak Spanish may face difficulties in their daily lives and when interacting with locals. Citizens arriving in Spain mostly know English. It would seem that this should neutralize the inconvenience of the language barrier. But the interesting thing is that there is a limited number of English speakers in Spain.
Bureaucracy
Russians living in Spain complain that the registration of any documents takes a long time. Emigrants say that obtaining a residence permit takes a long time. For this reason, you have to contact special agencies that can speed up the process of issuing documents at average prices.
Historically, in Catalonia and Basquiat, Valencia, issues of national identity often lead to social and political tensions. This is one of the disadvantages of living in Spain, since no one wants to be in the center of a rally, a strike, as well as any mass discontent of citizens. Also, quite different cultural and linguistic traditions create difficulties for the integration of foreigners into everyday life.
Climatic features
Hot and dry summers are the pros and cons of living in Spain. Someone can't stand heat, and another person can't stand cold. Therefore, it should be understood where a citizen is going for permanent residence for immigration. Spain is a warm country, but it is prone to the risk of flooding in the summer, as well as forest fires.
Social problems
It should be noted that compared to other European countries, the crime rate is low, except for the number of robberies. And the fact that a tourist can be robbed on the street raises certain concerns about their own safety. This factor is worth paying attention to. Migrants, as in Russia, create social tension among local residents. They come to Spain, which becomes a place of attraction for them.
Spain has its own characteristics, ranging from a wonderful climate and culture to quality education and healthcare at affordable prices. But there are also disadvantages, such as economic problems and bureaucratic difficulties. All this must be taken into account when deciding to move to the country. It is better to talk to those Russians who have experience of living in Spain, have purchased real estate and received a residence permit.
