7 Biggest Mistakes When Moving to Spain (and How You Can Avoid Them)
Avoid the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain—visas, taxes & cost-of-living tips for a stress-free relocation.
Lifestyle
Featured Guides
How to Integrate into Spanish Culture: A Fun & Honest Guide for Newcomers
A guide to embracing Spanish customs, from greetings and meal times to festivals and siestas. Learn how to live like a local and enjoy the Spanish way of life!
Lifestyle
29 Mind-Blowing Facts About Spain You Probably Didn't Know!
Spain is full of surprises! From the world's oldest restaurant to a national anthem with no lyrics, here are 25 fascinating little know facts about Spain that I bet you did not know.
Lifestyle
New
My Story
After years of relying on lawyers and consultants, I discovered how to save thousands by learning to navigate Spanish bureaucracy myself and started LiveLoveSpain to help you and others do the same.
About
Interactive Tools
Healthcare in Spain: Public vs Private Insurance
| Option | Coverage | Access | Cost | Requirements | Medication | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Healthcare (SNS) | Comprehensive care through Spain’s national health system (SNS) | Residents contributing to Social Security, EU pensioners (S1 form), certain categories of residents | Funded by Social Security contributions where most services are free or have small co-payments | Have a social security number and a health card (tarjeta sanitaria) | Prescription drugs are subsidized 40–90% depending on income and pensioners often pay only 10% capped | |
| Private Health Insurance | Fast access to general practitioners and specialists, often with English-speaking staff | Must be purchased, mandatory for most visa types (non-lucrative, student, entrepreneur, etc.) until covered by Social Security | Premiums vary (€50–€200/month depending on age & coverage) | Valid passport/NIE and Spanish bank account. | Prescription drugs usually not included (some premium policies might offer discounts) | Expats applying for visas, those wanting faster appointments or broader network choice |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Cities
Compare Spain's top expat cities: cost of living, rent, climate, job opportunities and lifestyle. Find your perfect Spanish city with our tools.
Paperwork
Step-by-step guide to essential documents: NIE, TIE, empadronamiento, Cl@ve, and administrative tasks. Complete your Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.