Why Should Australians move to Spain?
There are many reasons why Australians might want to immigrate to Europe. Spain, however, is especially alluring to those seeking to immigrate there.
In addition to its delectable cuisine, awe-inspiring scenery, and diverse culture, Spain’s excellent global reputation is attributable to its pleasant weather and Mediterranean lifestyle. This democratic country is located in southern Europe.
Also, it’s close to other European countries such as France and Portugal, making international travel simple.
What Australians living in Spain can enjoy is listed here.
- High quality of life
- Many ways to get a Spanish Passport
- Several investment opportunities
- Exciting and active Country
- Rich and diverse culture
- Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen area
¨We will be with you each step of the journey.¨
Peaceful, welcoming, and safe are three qualities that define Spain.
Spain is one of the world’s most progressive nations. The European Social Survey found that 80% of the population can be “liberal.”
Individuals are often at ease living in Spain, where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds coexist peacefully. This makes Spain a top-rated destination for ex-pats.
Because of the many different groups, Spain has a diverse culture.
Living in such a nation is relatively simple to get used to. People across Spain are accepting and familiar with minor differences that come with ex-pats.
Having ex-pats as friends can help you avoid cultural discomfort. In addition, those who befriend Spaniards are typically rewarded with a more enriching experience.
Expanding your circle of friends to include locals is a good idea, as they can help you integrate and even learn Spanish.
There are ex-pat communities all over Spain, as it is a popular destination for European and non-European residents.
You will discover individuals with the same thoughts and experiences as you, who also left their home country to begin a new life in Spain.
Having been through the same process, you can profit from their assistance. Furthermore, because of the large number of people moving to Spain, making new friends is typically simple.
You can split your time between the beaches of northern Spain, the Costa Brava and Andalucia and enjoy a chilled vibe. Alternatively, Spain has incredible terrain with mountains perfect for hiking or skiing.
Great food is everywhere in Spain. Each region has its delicacy and unique gastronomic experience.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre in Spain costs $600, around 50% less than in Australia. Likewise, you can get an apartment outside the city centre for about $600, a fraction of that Down Under.
You can receive a Golden Visa if you invest more than €500,000 ($702,000) on a property in Spain, whether you are a foreign resident. There is no restriction on how much you can spend.
You may live in Spain for two years with a Golden Visa or for five years to gain permanent residency, just as you would with a regular visa. Then, after living in the country for ten years, you may also become a Spanish citizen.
It is cheaper to buy fruit and vegetables in Spain than in Australia, and they can be even more affordable if you buy local produce.
Spain’s meat, wine, and cheese are renowned for their excellence, and all three are less expensive there than in Australia.
Spain indeed has a rich culinary history. Dining out in Spain is significantly cheaper than in the United States and Europe.
How Australian citizens can move to Spain
This step-by-step guide explains how you start enjoying life in Spain.
1.
Choose the visa or residence that suits you best.
2.
Working with a lawyer is crucial to understand visa requirements and whether your situation qualifies.
3.
You can either apply for a visa in Spain or file your application from your home country if you are visiting.
4.
Collect all the required documents and send them to the correct Spanish embassy or consulate.
5.
Then, travel to Spain once you have your visa.
You must obtain an employment visa before working in Spain if you are not an EU citizen. Working in Spain differs from working in Australia, so remember to get a work visa before you begin working.
Those seeking to live permanently in Spain may want to consider the Entrepreneur and Investor Visa. This is a more expensive but potentially more rewarding approach.
You may apply for a non-lucrative visa to move to Spain, but you may not work here as an Australian citizen with this visa.
Australian citizens can study in Spain with a student visa and become de facto temporary residents. After their studies, they may remain in the country and seek employment.
Step 1 – Understand Your Situation.
In Spain, there are different residence permits, each with its procedure. A work permit, for example, requires a different process than obtaining a non-lucrative visa.
You must first choose the visa that best meets your needs and situation.
It is more complicated for Australians to apply for EU citizenship because they are not citizens. However, we can assist you and make the process simpler. Despite all the requirements and conditions, you may find satisfying them challenging.
Our team can assist you in determining whether a Spain residency visa is the right solution for you, as well as help Immigration officials because we speak Spanish.
Step 2 – the immigration procedure
The process typically begins in your home country unless you are applying for an entrepreneur visa or a highly skilled professional visa. The process typically starts in your home country.
Before travelling to Spain, you must first apply to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the location where you are legally resident to obtain a Spanish visa.
Once your application has been approved, the Embassy or Consulate will issue you a visa so you may enter Spain and remain there.
Ensure that you travel within 90 days after the visa has been issued.
Next, you must apply for a residence permit after receiving your NIE number. This is essentially a residency card
You may live in the country for a year with this residence permit. Afterwards, you can renew it for two more years if you still meet the exact requirements.
After living in Spain for ten years, you may apply for Spanish nationality.
Step 3 – Working in Spain
Working in Spain as an ex-pat requires a work visa.
Those hoping to live in Spain who cannot meet the demanding standards for other types of visas may find the work visa an appropriate alternative.
- Most applications must be made from outside of Spain.
- All work permit applications require a Spanish job offer.
- You can only work in roles where the government has identified a shortage.
Step 4 – Moving to Spain but not working.
You can live in Spain as an Australian citizen without working on a non-lucrative visa. However, this visa would be ideal if you have enough money to sustain yourself there.
With this visa, you can use your private or state pensions to support your lifestyle while living in Spain.
Step 5 – Getting an NIE
Once you have obtained a visa at the Spanish Embassy in your home country and arrived in Spain, you should first get your NIE number.
Everything requires an NIE number in Spain. For example, an NIE number is required to open a bank account, purchase a property, and more. In addition, it is used to identify foreigners.
You must complete this process at your local police station to apply for an NIE. However, the process is relatively simple if you know the steps.
Step 6 – The paperwork
Each residence permit in Spain has its documents, but you will need the following.
- A clean criminal record in Spain and your home country
- Proof that you can financially support yourself if you are applying for a student visa or non-lucrative visa
- Full public healthcare coverage
- A passport and two photo IDs
More involved visa applications require more paperwork. For example, the Golden Visa in Spain demands proof that the applicant has purchased a Spanish asset. In addition, the entrepreneurship visa requires the applicant to develop a business plan.
Step 7 – Translate the documents.
Everything must be translated into Spanish, and the documents must be certified with a Hague Apostille. These documents are rejected if presented in the client’s native language. Therefore everything must be translated into Spanish.
Step 8 – Move with your family.
Family members may apply for a residence and work permit if the main applicant has lived in the country for more than one year.
The following counts as a family:
- Your parents
- Spouse or unmarried partner
- Your spouse’s parents
- Your children
To apply for the family reunification residence permit, the family member you wish to bring to Spain must not be in the country while you apply.
Permanent residence
Australians who live in Spain for a year or longer can seek permanent residency immediately. This is common for those who initially plan to move on a short-term basis as they become enticed by the country’s pleasant climate and opportunities. For many, it’s the natural path to choose Spain as their home.
You must live here for five years to get a permanent residency permit.
Golden Visa
Australians can become permanent residents of Spain through the Golden Visa Program. Investment in several fields and real estate is available. The programme is open to non-EU citizens, such as Australians.
Australians can start and operate businesses using this programme if they wish to immigrate to Spain. Our lawyers can help you with that.
Citizenship
The Wealth Visa programme offers entrepreneurs in Australia the most significant advantages when starting and operating businesses. Australians may also become Spanish citizens through this programme. However, it’s important that they understand their tax resident status
It takes at least five years for Australians to acquire Spanish citizenship, though periods may vary depending on how the foreign resident arrived in Spain.
Those with Spanish family roots or married to a Spanish citizen may have a significantly shorter wait time.
OUR WORK
We are a department formed by qualified legal experts who have been trained in the field of immigration law. We work on these residency permit requests every day. It’s our passion. Our work goes beyond having a general interest.
For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams, whether it’s residence in Spain or simply an investment.
Laura Fusté
Head of Immigration Europe
David Planes
Lawyer
Cristina Negro Vizoso
Lawyer
Mónica Isern López
Lawyer, Head of Immigration Spain
Maximiliano Agazzi Paulet
Lawyer
Gabriela Baly
Lawyer
Francesca Coluccio
Trainee
Luisa Rivera
Trainee
Paola Cavalleri
Paralegal
Sandra Faura
LawyerSee what our customers have to say about our services
Frequently Asked Questions
Many Aussies pick big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia when choosing to live in Spain. Some go for a slower pace of life on the Balearic Islands, the Costa del Sol. There are also charming smaller Spanish cities such as Malaga, Granada, and Bilbao.
Like anything, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of what you’re looking for from a location.
Australians who plan to retire in Spain may do so if they have the appropriate visa. The Spain retirement visa, also known as the Golden Visa, is the one they may apply for.
Compared to Australia, the cost of living in Spain is much lower for groceries, rent, the healthcare system, and eating out. In addition, public services provided by Spain’s well-established social security system are of higher quality and available to a more significant proportion of the population. The cost of living outside of major cities is also much lower, although there is less public transport.
