General

• Spain is a European Union (EU) country, in the Schengen area, meaning that residents can travel to surrounding EU countries without a visa.
• Its currency is the Euro.
• Language Needs. The majority of Spaniards speak only Spanish. Assignees will need to learn basic Spanish for daily needs such as shopping, directions, greetings, etc. In the north, the Basque and Catalan languages are spoken in addition to Spanish, but these are generally not needed by assignees.
• Climate.  While the north has a temperate climate, the south (including Madrid) has extremely hot summers, with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C (104°C).
• Lifestyle. Assignees should expect an outdoor lifestyle, with many plazas and streets offering outdoor seating. Much of the country has a seafood and fresh vegetable-based diet.

Housing

• Real estate rental agents are not allowed to charge tenants a fee for finding properties.
• Leases. These are generally offered for up to a year, but all Spanish tenants have a legal right to retain their tenancy for up to five years.
• Landlords normally want to see proof of employment and a valid visa for non-EU citizens.
• Renters may be expected to take out renter’s insurance, which is not mandatory, and covers personal property and liability for any accidental damage to the property.
• Deposit: The standard security deposit is one month’s rent for an unfurnished property and two months’ rent for a furnished one.
• Apartment buildings are normally run by a ‘comunidad’ or community of residents who own apartments in the building, responsible for maintaining common areas. Community charges are the landlord’s responsibility.

Legal Matters

• To live and work in Spain assignees need a long-term visa and a work permit if they are not EU citizens.
• All foreigners, including EU citizens, are required to get a personal Foreigner’s Identity Number (called an NIE). The NIE can be applied for at a Spanish Embassy before departure.
• For all contracts in Spain – including leases, phone and internet contracts, setting up utilities or opening a bank account, the assignee will need an NIE.
• Once in Spain, assignees need to register with their local municipal authorities; non-EU citizens will also need to obtain a Foreigners Identity Card (called a TIE).
• If not fluent in Spanish, it is helpful for assignees to have access to an English-speaking notary (abogado) or visa advisor (gestor) to assist in the local registration process.

Health Insurance

• Quality. Spain offers advanced and excellent health care facilities, particularly in urban areas.
• All legal residents who pay social security are entitled to access Spain’s free national healthcare system (SNS). This includes primary and specialist care, hospitalisation, emergency services and subsidised medications.
• Dental and Eye Care. These are not covered by the SNS, and patients typically need to pay out-of-pocket or have private insurance
• Many foreigners and Spaniards additionally take out private health insurance, which allows shorter waiting times, a wider choice of doctors and specialists, and access to dental care.
• The main private health insurers are Sanitas, Seguro Caisa Adelias, and Asisa.
• Not all doctors speak English, particularly outside of big cities.
• Emergencies. In emergencies, dial 112 for an ambulance.

Banking

• Local bank accounts can take time to open because of the residency processing period and it may be advisable first for assignees to open a non-resident account with an online bank, such as Bankinter, while applying later for a resident’s account.
• For a non-resident account, assignees will need a non-residence certificate. This is best obtained from their Spanish embassy or consulate before arrival, and requires proof of identity and overseas address. If in Spain, the certificate is obtained from the local Comisaría de Policía (National Police station).
• Once residency is established, the assignee can upgrade to a normal resident’s bank account.
• Assignees will need a residence card (if non-EU citizens), proof of identity and proof of address to open a resident’s account.
• ATMs. These are generally free to use throughout Spain, so the assignee can still draw money from home accounts with relatively low charges.

Driving Licences

• Holders of an EU licence can drive in Spain for up two years.
• Two-year rule. After two years, the assignee should register their license with the Spanish traffic authority (DGT) or exchange it directly for a Spanish licence.
• Holders of most non-EU licences will be required to do a Spanish driving test.
• It is best to register with a driving school, where you can take mock tests and get help on taking the Spanish theory and road test in English.
• To take the test, assignees will need their residence permit, and a medical certificate confirming their fitness to drive, for which the driving school can recommend the nearest centre.
• The Spanish driving theory test can be conducted in English, but the practical road test can only be undertaken in Spanish.