In 1985, the first Immigration Law was approved in Spain. Throughout the years, thousands of foreigners moved there, becoming the new reality of the sunny country. Now, Spain is no longer a homogenous country – it boasts dozens of religions, languages, and cultures.
If you are coming to Spain as an immigrant through services like https://www.migrun.tech/spain/services-in-spain/virtual-assistance-for-spain, you should know that there are some challenges you might face. Read on to know what to expect and how to overcome these issues effectively.
Language Barrier
In case you are planning to join the 13% of the immigrant and expat population in Spain, you should know that the language barrier is prominent across the country. Communicating without fluency is challenging, as English is not commonly spoken.
Calmer rural areas are even more difficult to navigate – basic things like going grocery shopping or attending a medical check-up become a problem. Even the documents and forms you need to fill out to receive your visa and NIE are in Spanish.
In some situations, you might feel like you don’t belong because you are an immigrant. Being fluent in Spanish can help you feel closer to others and find friends. This is not a huge roadblock, though, as you can always rely on services like Migrun and translators to fill out documents and communicate with official institutions. Staying in a bigger city will allow you to find more English-speaking communities.
Since Spain has many immigrant communities, you can also find a sense of belonging there. Then, join Spanish courses and learn the language at your own pace. Ask the locals to talk in Spanish when possible to know how daily interactions flow. By being among the locals, you will know all the basics in no time.
Bureaucracy
Complicated Spanish bureaucracy has become a huge barrier between immigrants and settling in a new country of residence. It takes a long time to apply for anything, be it a NIE, health insurance, business, mortgage, etc. Then, it is discouraging to endure the long waiting times and unresponsive authorities. Sometimes, it is impossible to navigate the system and understand what you need to do to acquire certain documentation.
The best advice for immigrants would be to prepare, translate, and apostille all essential documents beforehand in your country of residence – it will take a lot less time to do it in the US or EU. Always research which papers you need to apply for a certain procedure and have them ready in advance.
Labor Inclusion
A lot of foreign expats and immigrants have to work low-paying jobs despite having a suitable degree and/or qualifications. This, in turn, can lead to exhaustion and frustration, pushing them to return to their previous country of residence. The unemployment rate is also high among the youth, putting younger immigrants at a disadvantage.
Do your research before moving to Spain for work. Make sure you know which qualifications are needed for the job you’re aiming for and the documentation required to apply. Additionally, gather the documentation needed to prove your qualifications, such as a work certificate, diploma, and similar papers. The more you prepare, the more chances you will have to get a good employment history in Spain.
Active Nightlife
Spain is globally recognized for its fiery nightlife, attracting party people from around the globe. This might be a huge pro for immigrants who enjoy dancing, but a terrible con for individuals who love peace. Many cities keep their bars and nightclubs open all night, especially during the summer, which can greatly disturb the quiet nights for working foreigners.
When moving to Spain, learn which cities are the most prominent in nightlife, and try to rent an apartment in a quiet suburb to avoid loud noises.
Crowded Cities
Similarly, Spanish cities are some of the most crowded because of tourists. This doesn’t happen just during the hottest months – Spain is visited 365 days a year. As someone living there full-time, you can experience crowded streets, long queues, higher prices on food and amenities at tourist locations, and so on. The most popular cities among travelers are:
- Barcelona;
- Madrid;
- Granada;
- Seville;
- Valencia.
It is advised to pick smaller cities if you prefer to stay away from crowds and want to enjoy peace after you immigrate. Northern regions with cooler temperatures are not as popular among travelers, and they still have mild, comfortable winters.
Cultural Differences
Anyone coming from outside of Spain will be shocked to find out about the siesta culture and the cierre de Agosto, or the August exodus. During the siesta, many businesses work short hours. They close early in the evening, and you won’t be able to complete certain errands. From grocery stores to banks, all institutions will be celebrating, creating inconveniences for foreigners.
During the August exodus, which is commonly called the August closure, many businesses completely closed for a few weeks. That is because August is the hottest month in Spain, and many locals use this time as an opportunity to rest and travel. As an immigrant, you also have a chance to explore the country, as most stores, offices, restaurants, and government institutions won’t be accepting clients. Only emergencies and hospitals will be open.
Be cautious about driving across the country during August, as many cities experience traffic jams spanning kilometers. Also, do not plan any documentation and official arrangements during this time. If needed, book hotels and flights long in advance – otherwise, locals and tourists will take up all the available places.
Ready For Immigration
There are many challenges you will face as an immigrant in Spain. From cultural differences and language barriers to crowded streets due to tourism and active nightlife in big cities, you will have to endure it all as a foreigner.
Thankfully, all these issues are possible to overcome. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can be prepared for any problems and solve them effectively.
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Daniel is a Cinnamon Hollow author passionate about house and home, renovations, homesteading and DIY.
