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Moving to Spain is often ridiculed as „emigration light“. However, if you want to settle on the Costa Blanca long-term or gain a professional foothold, you need to familiarise yourself with the necessary formal and official steps. Good preparation saves bureaucratic hurdles and makes it easier to get started.
Freedom of movement in the EU - Rights and obligations
Living and working in Spain: What rights do EU citizens have - and what applies to Brits and Norwegians?
The „right to freedom of movement“ promises a lot, but has clear limits. It allows EU citizens to enter, live, work and study in any member state. This freedom is one of the EU's greatest achievements and makes moving to another European country comparatively straightforward.
The situation has changed for Britons after Brexit. Anyone wishing to stay or work in Spain for longer than 90 days needs a residence permit. Norwegians continue to benefit from the regulations of the European Economic Area (EEA) and enjoy similar rights to EU citizens.
Legal requirements and language skills - What you should look out for
Bureaucracy and everyday life: how important are language skills and what regulations apply?
If you want to build a new life in Spain, you should not only familiarise yourself with the laws, but also with the language. Knowledge of Spanish is essential in everyday life and when dealing with the authorities, especially for the self-employed or employees. Without language skills, a new start can be difficult.
Legal regulations are also important. While EU citizens can take up employment without any problems, non-EU citizens, including Britons, must obtain a work permit or visa. If you want to set up a company, you should find out about tax and legal conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Spain remains a popular destination for emigrants
Costa Blanca: Why are so many northern Europeans drawn here?
Spain continues to be one of the most popular countries for emigration.
According to Eurostat, around 1.1 million Germans were living abroad in Europe at the start of 2020, including many in Spain. But it's not just Germans who are drawn to the south - the British expat community in Spain numbers over 300,000 people. Norwegians have also settled in the region for decades, often with a second home on the Costa Blanca.
Nevertheless, the number of officially registered German residents is falling slightly. In 2010 there were 157,000, in 2020 only 139,000. This is partly due to stricter registration regulations and the rising cost of living in some regions.
Important sources of information and contact points
Which authorities and platforms help with the restart?
If you want to find out more about working and living conditions in Spain, there are various official sources:
Federal Office of Administration Cologne: Information centre for expatriates and emigrants (Tel.: 022899 / 358-4999).
Employment services in Spain: The European Employment Services (EURES) at https://eures.europa.eu/index_en and the International Placement Services (ZAV) at www.zav.de.
Spanish labour administration: The Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal offers local advice and support.
British and Norwegian contact pointsBritish expats can get help from the British Embassy in Spain, Norwegians from the Norwegian Embassy in Madrid.
Job Information Service (SIS)Jobs in Spain and other countries at www.europaserviceba.de
German-Spanish Chamber of Commerce: Supports companies and skilled workers in www.ahk.es.
Preparation is the key to success
If you inform yourself in good time, you can make a new start on the Costa Blanca easier.
Moving abroad is a big step that needs to be well planned. If you find out about the legal framework, cost of living and career opportunities in good time, you have the best chance of a successful new start. This applies equally to Germans, Britons and Norwegians who want to start a new chapter in their lives on the Costa Blanca.
