Hi, I’m new here. I ‘ve read some of the topics, and there seems to be a lot of red tape involving residency, car imports to Spain etc. I just wanted to ask English expats living in Spain. is it all worth it in the end?

I’m getting worried about this, 27 views and nobody has yet said, ‘Yeah, it’s worth it!’

27 views by people that aren’t necessarily members or able to respond. 😉

I’m not sure if I understand the pretext of the question though. Are you asking if whether or not the bureaucracy of the Spanish governmnet and its services is too arduous to be able to justify the lifestyle?

If it were easy, anyone and everyone would do it, and then it wouldn’t be so great anymore now would it?

There is no universal answer to that question - if your personal answer is ‘yes its worth every bit of hassle’ then you’ll be fine, as we were.  I know of few people genuinely deterred by the red tape etc, but have other reasons for changing their mind/leaving Spain.  Huge decision and totally personal one… good luck with it!

BDP X

In my personnal experience the answer is NO.

For me it was worth it. I arrived over 9 years ago with no spanish, no where to live, no skills or vocation and knowing no-one. Im now in Madrid working as a freelance graphic designer w?th my partner and our baby girl 2 cats and noisy neighbours. I wouldn’t ever go back to blighty, Spain has been way too good to me. Yes the paper work can be pretty horrendous but theres always someone who can help you. You’ll get probably get sent from pilar to post by several different government workers but you’ll get there in the end. Its all about your attitude. Good luck and let us know!

Another thing, try and get as much spanish under your belt as you can before you arrive. Im intrigued to know what this summer business idea is…

Thanks for your replies. I worked in America for two years and loved every misnute of it. I would go through any amount of red tape to get back there and know it would be worth it. (I know going back there to live is an impossibility). I just hoped that people would say the same about Spain, and of coure I know it’s a personal experience. I just wanted to hear some positivies!

In my experience is was definitely worth it. The first three months weren’t very easy, but after that miracles started to happen. I guess it’s because I perservered and didnt give up and go home to England. Now I wouldnt even consider moving back to the UK. I have a great magazine business here, I have met a lovely Spanish man and I even have a nice group of friends - although I could always do with more!!
I know everyone’s experience is different but I think there are a tonne of opportunities here for expats living abroad. And as for red tape, don’t let it get in the way and it won’t. I didnt even think about it and it hasnt bothered me at all…

Keidi x