Practical guides for housing, health, work and the authorities, and the local culture, with the key vocabulary in the language you are learning.
Practical guidance for settling in: housing, health, work, the authorities, everyday life and education.
The rental market is tight in the big cities. Prepare documents, compare portals and beware of scams.
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Arrive prepared for the visit, check damp, heating and noise, take photos and do not decide in a hurry.
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The LAU protects the tenant: minimum duration, limited deposit and regulated annual update. Read the contract before signing.
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Arrange the supplies yourself, compare electricity tariffs and know the community fees and local taxes.
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Registration at the town hall is the basis for healthcare, school and procedures. The NIE identifies foreigners.
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Public healthcare is universal for residents. Apply for the health card at your health centre with your padrón and NIE.
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The family doctor is the entry gate to the system. Book by app, phone or at the health centre.
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The pharmacy dispenses prescriptions and advises on over-the-counter medicines. Look for the green cross and the on-duty pharmacy.
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Your family doctor grants the sick leave. Tell the company the same day and hand in the leave and confirmation reports.
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Call 112 for danger to life. For less serious emergencies go to the on-call health centre or call 061.
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A clear CV, a short letter and a good network of contacts: this is how you look for work in Spain.
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Be punctual, approachable and sincere. In Spain attitude, trust and real experience count.
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The permanent contract is the norm after the labour reform. Read type, salary, convenio and probation period before signing.
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Personal relationships, a warm tone, long meetings and a balance between formality and warmth mark work in Spain.
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Metro, bus, Cercanías and long-distance trains: buy your pass, always validate the ticket and plan with apps.
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Supermarkets, markets and sales: know the opening hours, how to pay and your rights on returns and warranty.
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People eat late, share and linger after the meal. Ask for the bill, leave a symbolic tip and ask about ingredients.
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With an NIE or passport you open an account. Compare fees, use Bizum and beware of phone and message fraud.
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Compulsory education from 6 to 16; public, state-subsidised and private schools; each autonomous community manages admission.
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From 0 to 3 there are public and private nursery schools; from 3 to 6 early education is free in public centres.
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Municipal courses, EOI, Instituto Cervantes and volunteering: find the right option, aid and the recognised diploma.
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How people communicate, work and celebrate, and what is polite.